Principal Product Designer, Platform Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Principal Product Designer, Platform Design

Company: Epicor Software Corporation

Location: Hyderabad, Telangana, India

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product Design / UX Design / Platform Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-24

Experience Level: 8+ years (Principal Level)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the strategic design direction for core platform surfaces, including navigation, data grids, forms, dashboards, configuration, and personalization experiences critical to manufacturing, warehousing, and supply chain operations.

• Define, evolve, and govern platform-level design patterns in close collaboration with the LUX design system team, making critical decisions on system patterns versus product-specific solutions.

• Lead ambiguous, cross-product initiatives from initial problem framing through to shipped outcomes and iterative improvements, ensuring cohesive user experiences across the platform.

• Collaborate closely with UX Platform engineers to ensure component behavior, states, APIs, and accessibility requirements are met, bridging the gap between design intent and technical implementation.

• Champion and drive adoption of the LUX design system across various product teams, serving as the essential connective tissue between the system and its dependent product areas.

• Elevate the team's overall design quality through constructive critique, establishing design standards, and providing mentorship to senior designers.

• Influence the platform roadmap and prioritization alongside Product Management and Engineering leadership, demonstrating sound judgment on critical trade-offs.

• Shape the integration of AI-native patterns at the platform level, focusing on agentic workflows, adaptive interfaces, and proactive user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Principal Product Designer, indicating a senior-level individual contributor with significant influence and responsibility for strategic design direction and system-level thinking. The focus on "Platform Design" and "Design Systems" suggests a role that architects foundational user experience components and patterns rather than designing individual features. The emphasis on AI-native patterns highlights a forward-looking approach to user interface and workflow design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Establish and communicate the overarching design vision for core platform components and user interfaces across Epicor's enterprise software suite.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive library of platform-level design patterns, ensuring consistency, scalability, and reusability across multiple product lines.

• Lead the end-to-end design process for complex, undefined problems that span multiple product teams, from user research and problem definition to detailed design and post-launch analysis.

• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure the accurate implementation of design specifications, focusing on component behavior, accessibility standards (WCAG), and the technical feasibility of proposed solutions.

• Drive the adoption and adherence to the LUX design system by providing support, training, and resources to product design teams, fostering a shared understanding of design principles and patterns.

• Conduct design critiques and provide constructive feedback to fellow designers, promoting best practices in interaction design, visual design, and user experience.

• Actively participate in strategic planning sessions with product and engineering leadership to inform the platform roadmap and identify opportunities for design innovation.

• Research, prototype, and advocate for the integration of emerging technologies, particularly AI-driven features, into the platform's core user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize strategic leadership, system-level thinking, and cross-functional collaboration, typical of a Principal Product Designer role. The specific mention of "manufacturing floors, warehouses, and supply chains" indicates a focus on complex enterprise workflows and data-intensive environments, requiring mastery of handling dense information and multi-step processes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 8+ years of progressive product design experience, with a significant portion focused on enterprise or B2B SaaS products and platform-level design.

Required Skills:

• Proven track record of platform-level thinking in product design, demonstrated through a portfolio showcasing system-wide pattern development and implementation.

• Deep expertise in design systems, including experience building, scaling, or governing systems used by multiple product teams, with a strong understanding of contribution models, governance frameworks, and adoption strategies.

• Mastery in interaction design for complex interfaces, including handling dense data, multi-role workflows, and configuration-heavy applications.

• Expert-level proficiency in Figma, including advanced features like variables, design tokens, library architecture, and branching workflows for collaborative design.

• Fluency in communicating technical concepts to engineers, understanding component states, semantic tokens, accessibility requirements, and framework constraints.

• Exceptional judgment in design decisions, knowing when to extend existing patterns, adapt them for new contexts, or propose entirely new solutions.

• Active AI fluency in daily practice, capable of synthesizing research, prototyping with AI assistance, and maintaining a higher quality bar than AI output alone.

• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively influence product and engineering leadership. Preferred Skills:

• Experience shipping or governing a multi-framework design system (e.g., Web Components, React, Angular, Blazor).

• Hands-on experience with design token pipelines, Storybook, or design-to-code automation tools.

• A well-articulated point of view on how AI agents impact platform and system design, ideally supported by shipped work.

• Experience utilizing agent-assisted development tools for prototyping and design-to-code workflows.

• Domain expertise in ERP, manufacturing, distribution, or supply chain operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "8+ years" experience level combined with "Principal" title suggests this role is for seasoned designers who can operate independently and influence strategy. The emphasis on "platform-level thinking" and "design systems" is critical and should be a primary focus for portfolio selection. AI fluency is explicitly called out as a requirement, not just a bonus.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least one comprehensive case study demonstrating platform-level design thinking, including the definition, evolution, and governance of design patterns or a design system.

• Highlight projects that involved complex, data-dense interfaces, configuration-heavy workflows, or multi-role enterprise applications.

• Include examples of collaboration with engineering teams, detailing how design specifications were translated into implemented features, with consideration for component behavior and accessibility.

• Present work that demonstrates a clear understanding of design system adoption challenges and strategies for driving usage across multiple product teams.

• Provide evidence of influencing product roadmaps or strategic decisions through design insights and proposals.

• Showcase experience with AI-native patterns or AI-assisted design processes, detailing the problem, solution, and impact. Process Documentation:

• Clearly articulate the design process followed for key projects, emphasizing how ambiguity was managed and how user needs were translated into scalable platform solutions.

• Detail the methodology used for design system contribution and governance, including how patterns were defined, documented, and disseminated to product teams.

• Illustrate the approach to collaborating with engineers, including specific methods for handoff, feedback loops, and ensuring design fidelity.

• Document the use of AI tools in the design process, from research and ideation to prototyping and final output.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Principal role, the portfolio must go beyond individual feature design to demonstrate strategic impact, system-level thinking, and the ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives. The emphasis on design systems, platform patterns, and AI integration is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for Principal Product Designers in Hyderabad, India, with 8+ years of experience in enterprise SaaS, a competitive salary range would typically fall between ₹25,00,000 to ₹40,00,000 per annum. This estimate accounts for the senior level of the role, the specialized skills required (design systems, platform design, AI fluency), and the cost of living in Hyderabad.

Benefits:

• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health and wellness benefits designed to support overall well-being.

• Internal Mobility: Opportunities for mentorship, continuing education, and focused career goal setting, with 25% of positions filled internally.

• Career Development: Free LinkedIn Learning licenses for all employees, along with a dedicated Mentoring Program to boost personal and professional development.

• Education Support: Geographically specific programs designed to balance the cost of education with the benefits of continuous learning and personal development.

• Inclusive Workplace: Collaboration with a diverse, global team in an inclusive environment that fosters innovation and celebrates partnership.

• Work-Life Balance: Policies built on mutual trust and support, encouraging adequate time off for rest, recharge, and personal connection.

• Global Mobility: Comprehensive support for international relocations and permanent residency processes.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered based on project needs and team collaboration requirements. Specific working hours are likely aligned with Indian Standard Time (IST) for regional team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on industry data for Principal Product Designers in India, considering the specified experience and domain. Benefits are directly pulled from the provided text, highlighting key areas like career development and global mobility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Enterprise Software (ERP, Manufacturing, Distribution, Supply Chain)

Company Size: 5,000+ employees globally. This size indicates a well-established organization with structured processes, potentially multiple product lines, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration. For operations professionals, this means exposure to scaled operations, established best practices, and defined career paths.

Founded: (Information not explicitly provided, but implied to be a long-standing enterprise software company).

Team Structure:

• The role is part of a "Platform Design" team, working closely with a "LUX design system" team, and collaborating with Product Management and Engineering leadership. This suggests a specialized design organization with dedicated resources for foundational UX elements and a strong focus on system-level consistency.

• The team structure likely involves senior designers who mentor and guide others, fostering a culture of craft and continuous improvement.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, with designers expected to work closely with engineers, product managers, and potentially other design system specialists. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: The company emphasizes "data, AI, and cognitive ERP," suggesting that design decisions are informed by data analysis and user insights.

• Process Optimization: The focus on "connecting people, processes, and technology" implies a commitment to improving business operations through software solutions.

• AI Integration: A significant emphasis is placed on integrating AI-native patterns, indicating a forward-thinking approach to user experience design that leverages intelligent automation and predictive capabilities.

Company Website: epicor.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on ERP, manufacturing, and supply chain operations, combined with its scale, suggests a B2B environment where efficiency, reliability, and deep domain knowledge are critical. The emphasis on AI and "cognitive ERP" points to a company investing in advanced technologies to modernize its offerings.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Principal Product Designer. This is a senior individual contributor role, typically seen as a penultimate step before a leadership track (e.g., Director of Design) or a highly specialized expert track. It signifies a high degree of autonomy, strategic influence, and responsibility for setting design direction and standards.

Reporting Structure: Likely reports to a Design Manager or Director of Design, with close collaboration with Product Management and Engineering Directors/VPs. The role involves leading initiatives and mentoring other designers, rather than direct people management.

Operations Impact: The impact is significant, as platform design decisions directly influence the user experience, efficiency, and adoption of core business software used by thousands of businesses daily. The role's success contributes to customer satisfaction, product competitiveness, and operational efficiency for Epicor's clients.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advanced Specialization: Deepen expertise in platform architecture, design systems, AI-driven UX, and specific industry domains (manufacturing, supply chain).

• Leadership Track: Transition into management roles (e.g., Design Manager, Director of Design) overseeing teams and strategic initiatives.

• Expert Contributor: Become a recognized authority within the company and industry on platform design and AI integration in enterprise software.

• Cross-functional Influence: Expand influence across product lines and contribute to broader company strategy through design leadership.

• Mentorship: Continue to mentor junior and senior designers, shaping the next generation of talent within Epicor.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Principal" title signifies a high level of expertise and influence, offering substantial growth potential either into management or deeper technical/strategic specialization within the UX field. The clear mention of "clear career pathways through Principal and beyond" reinforces this.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. This suggests a blend of remote work flexibility and in-office collaboration. The office environment is likely designed to support focused work, team meetings, design critiques, and cross-functional collaboration sessions.

Office Location(s): Hyderabad, Telangana, India. This location provides access to a vibrant tech talent pool and supports Epicor's global operations.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on cross-functional teamwork imply a workspace that facilitates interaction, brainstorming, and knowledge sharing. This could include meeting rooms, open collaboration spaces, and design studios.

• Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma is explicitly mentioned), collaboration platforms, and potentially internal systems for design asset management and version control.

• Operations Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with designers, product managers, engineers, and potentially operations specialists who use the platform, providing valuable context for design decisions.

Work Schedule: Standard professional work schedule, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and ensure effective collaboration across different time zones where necessary. The hybrid nature allows for a balance between personal work preferences and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role in Hyderabad suggests a modern work environment that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, crucial for complex design system work and strategic alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, focusing on platform design, design systems, complex B2B SaaS experiences, and AI integration. Expect detailed questions about their process, decision-making, and impact.

• Design Challenge/Workshop: A practical exercise or workshop may be conducted to evaluate problem-solving skills, interaction design capabilities, and Figma proficiency in a simulated scenario. This could involve iterating on a platform component or addressing an ambiguous problem.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Management, Engineering leadership, and potentially other senior designers to assess collaboration skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision, focusing on strategic vision, leadership potential, and overall alignment with Epicor's values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Platform & Systems: Dedicate significant space to showcasing your work on design systems, platform patterns, and scalable UX solutions. Clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process, and the measurable impact.

• Demonstrate AI Fluency: Include a case study or examples of how you've incorporated AI into your design process or designed AI-native features. Explain your approach and the outcomes.

• Highlight Collaboration: Showcase examples of how you've worked effectively with engineers, Product Managers, and other stakeholders. Detail communication strategies and how you navigated trade-offs.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. This could include adoption rates, efficiency improvements, reduction in support tickets, or user satisfaction scores.

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, with clear introductions, problem statements, your contributions, design process, and outcomes. Use visuals effectively to tell the story.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with Epicor's industry (manufacturing, distribution, supply chain) and common enterprise software challenges.

• Practice Figma Mastery: Be prepared for exercises that require advanced Figma skills, including component creation, auto-layout, variables, and prototyping.

• Think Systematically: Approach any challenge with a focus on scalability, consistency, and the long-term implications for the platform.

• Articulate Your Reasoning: Be ready to explain your design choices clearly, justifying them based on user needs, business goals, and design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for a Principal role will be rigorous, focusing heavily on strategic thinking, system-level impact, and the ability to lead complex design initiatives. The portfolio is the critical gateway.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly required for expert-level proficiency, including variables, tokens, library architecture, and branching workflows. This will be the primary tool for design creation, prototyping, and collaboration.

• Design System Tools: Experience with tools for managing design systems, such as Storybook (preferred), or similar component-based development and documentation platforms.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma's native capabilities, familiarity with other advanced prototyping tools may be beneficial for complex interactions or AI-driven simulations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed for the designer role, familiarity with how design decisions impact user analytics and reporting dashboards (e.g., for user engagement, feature adoption) would be advantageous. Tools like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or internal BI platforms might be relevant context. CRM & Automation:

• Understanding how design impacts the user experience within CRM and other operational software is key. While direct use of CRM/automation tools might not be required, awareness of their function within enterprise workflows is important.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the core tool. The mention of "design tokens," "component behavior," and "framework constraints" highlights the need for designers to understand the technical underpinnings of enterprise software development and the tools engineers use, bridging the gap between design and code.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craftsmanship & Quality: A high bar for design quality is expected, with AI output alone not meeting expectations, emphasizing the value of human-led design craft.

• Partnership: A strong emphasis on collaboration ("truly a team," "partners"), working closely with Product Management, Engineering, and other designers.

• Proactive Innovation: Encouragement to bring new ideas and shape the future, particularly in areas like AI integration and cognitive ERP.

• Data-Driven Decisions: A commitment to using data, AI, and insights to inform design strategies and business outcomes.

• Efficiency & Resilience: The company's mission to create a "more resilient global supply chain" implies a value placed on robust, efficient, and reliable solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Connective Tissue: Designers are expected to act as the "connective tissue" between the design system and product teams, fostering strong communication and alignment.

• Mentorship & Critique: A culture that supports learning and growth through mentorship and constructive design critiques.

• Influence & Persuasion: The ability to "hold a room" and influence decisions demonstrates a collaborative yet assertive communication style.

• Cross-functional Integration: Close working relationships with Product Management and Engineering are fundamental, requiring clear communication and shared understanding of goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value both high-quality design execution and strategic influence. The emphasis on "craft" alongside "AI fluency" indicates a balanced approach where technology enhances, but does not replace, thoughtful design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Driving Design System Adoption: Overcoming resistance and inertia across multiple product teams to adopt a new or evolving design system requires strong influence, communication, and support strategies.

• Balancing Platform Consistency with Product Needs: Navigating the inherent tension between maintaining a cohesive platform experience and allowing individual products the flexibility to meet unique user needs.

• Integrating AI Seamlessly: Designing intuitive and effective AI-native patterns for complex enterprise workflows that genuinely enhance user productivity and anticipate intent, rather than creating confusion or frustration.

• Influencing Technical Roadmaps: Effectively championing design priorities and user experience considerations within technical roadmaps that are often driven by engineering feasibility and business objectives.

• Navigating Ambiguity: Leading design for undefined problems and complex initiatives that require significant exploration and strategic framing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen AI Design Expertise: Gain hands-on experience designing and implementing cutting-edge AI-driven user experiences in a real-world enterprise context.

• Master Design System Governance: Develop advanced skills in managing and evolving large-scale design systems, including contribution models, tooling, and adoption strategies.

• Industry Domain Expertise: Acquire in-depth knowledge of manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operations, which can position you as a valuable specialist.

• Strategic Leadership Development: Hone skills in influencing product strategy, roadmap prioritization, and cross-functional leadership.

• Mentorship and Coaching: Contribute to the growth of other designers through mentorship, further solidifying your own leadership capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the complexities of enterprise design systems, AI integration, and strategic influence, directly aligning with the Principal Product Designer role. Growth opportunities focus on deepening specialized skills and advancing leadership capabilities within the design function.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you significantly influenced a platform's design direction or a design system's evolution. What was your approach, and what was the outcome?" (Prepare a case study focusing on strategic impact and system-level thinking).

• "How do you approach designing for complex, data-dense enterprise applications, particularly those involving multi-role workflows and configuration?" (Be ready to discuss your interaction design process and specific techniques for managing complexity).

• "Walk us through your process for integrating AI-native patterns into an existing platform. What are the key considerations for ensuring user adoption and effectiveness?" (Focus on user-centric AI design and anticipation of user intent).

• "How do you balance the need for platform consistency with the desire for product-specific innovation and flexibility?" (Discuss your approach to pattern extension, adaptation, and governance). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Epicor's focus on manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operations, and how might that influence your design approach?" (Research Epicor's industry and target customers).

• "How do you see your role as a Principal Product Designer contributing to Epicor's culture of partnership and innovation?" (Connect your skills and experience to the company's stated values).

• "Describe your experience working with engineering teams. How do you ensure design fidelity and advocate for user experience within technical constraints?" (Provide specific examples of collaboration and negotiation). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the 'Why': Begin each case study by clearly articulating the problem you were solving and the business/user context.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (mockups, prototypes, diagrams) to illustrate your design process and solutions. Explain your Figma workflow and any advanced techniques used.

• Highlight Your Contribution: Clearly define your role and specific contributions, especially in team-based projects.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify the results of your work whenever possible. Discuss how your designs improved efficiency, usability, or met business objectives.

• Address AI Integration: If applicable, dedicate a section to your AI-related work, explaining the problem, your approach, and user outcomes.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design rationale, decision-making process, and how you handled challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating strategic thinking, deep understanding of design systems and platform architecture, and practical experience with AI integration, all within the context of enterprise software.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Principal Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Epicor jobs portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your platform design, design system, and complex B2B SaaS experience. Ensure your best work demonstrating AI integration and strategic influence is easily accessible and clearly articulated.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to highlight keywords relevant to product design, design systems, platform architecture, Figma proficiency, AI fluency, and enterprise/B2B SaaS experience. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, decision-making rationale, and project outcomes. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions and be ready to present your portfolio with confidence, focusing on impact and strategic contribution.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Epicor Software Corporation, its industry focus (manufacturing, distribution, supply chain), its products, and its company culture. Understand their strategic direction, especially regarding AI and digital transformation.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.