Product Designer, AI Products
π Job Overview
Job Title: Product Designer, AI Products
Company: Glean
Location: Mountain View, California, United States
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Product Design / AI Product Development
Date Posted: 2026-05-15T17:21:04
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)
π Role Summary
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Design and deliver intuitive, human-centered AI experiences that redefine how knowledge workers interact with complex technology, setting a new standard for AI product design.
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Drive the end-to-end product design lifecycle for AI-powered features, from initial concept and user research to successful launch and iterative improvement.
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Innovate on AI interaction paradigms, exploring novel patterns for information discovery, content creation, and goal achievement with AI assistance.
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Develop a deep understanding of Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI capabilities to design experiences that leverage strengths and thoughtfully address limitations.
π Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within a rapidly evolving AI product landscape, requiring a designer who can not only execute on existing paradigms but also actively shape future interaction models for AI-driven productivity tools. The emphasis on AI fluency and a "consumer design mindset" suggests a focus on creating highly engaging, user-friendly interfaces for complex AI functionalities.
π Primary Responsibilities
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Craft beautiful, human-centered AI experiences, simplifying complex technology into trustworthy and delightful interactions for everyday users.
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Push the boundaries of AI interaction design by exploring and defining new patterns for AI assistance in knowledge work.
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Own the complete design process for major product features, including conducting user research, translating insights into elegant solutions, and overseeing implementation.
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Rapidly prototype and iterate on novel AI-native concepts, validating them through user feedback and rigorous design refinement.
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Develop a sophisticated intuition for AI behavior, understanding LLM capabilities to design effective and responsible AI interactions.
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Maintain an exceptionally high standard of craft and detail across all design outputs, ensuring every interaction is intelligent, responsive, and helpful.
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Contribute to product strategy by influencing roadmaps, championing user needs with data, and identifying opportunities for design-led innovation.
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Elevate the design team and culture through contributions to the design system, sharing design principles, and active participation in critiques.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic thinking, deep design craft, and a strong technical understanding of AI. The expectation to "own features end-to-end" and "shape product strategy" indicates a high level of autonomy and influence for the designer.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this level, or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: 5+ years of product design experience, with a significant portion dedicated to designing AI or LLM-based products for consumer or prosumer audiences.
Required Skills:
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Demonstrated expertise in Product Design with a strong focus on AI or LLM-based products.
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Proven ability to design for consumer or prosumer audiences, emphasizing intuitive flows and engaging experiences.
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Genuine AI fluency: understanding of LLM mechanics, excitement for AI UX challenges (trust, transparency, personalization), and ability to make AI feel intuitive.
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Technical confidence: ability to engage in meaningful discussions with engineers about AI model capabilities and constraints.
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Exceptional interaction design skills, with a portfolio showcasing sharp design thinking and user-centered solutions.
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Strong visual design craft and attention to detail, ensuring high-quality interfaces.
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Experience with user research methodologies to uncover user needs and validate design solutions.
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Proficiency in rapid prototyping and iteration techniques.
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Ability to contribute to and leverage design systems.
Preferred Skills:
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Experience designing AI tools, content creation tools, or personalization-driven applications.
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A portfolio demonstrating shipped products with measurable impact.
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Familiarity with enterprise search, knowledge management, or agentic AI concepts.
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Experience working in fast-moving, high-growth technology environments.
π Enhancement Note: The requirement for "genuine AI fluency" and "technical confidence" suggests that candidates are expected to have a foundational understanding of how AI models work, not just how to design interfaces for them. The portfolio emphasis on "AI tools, content creation, or personalization-driven work" points to specific areas of interest for Glean's product development.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
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A robust portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design process, from problem definition and user research to final UI/UX and shipped product.
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Case studies that clearly articulate design challenges, your approach, the solutions implemented, and the impact of your work, with a particular emphasis on AI-driven features.
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Demonstrations of sharp interaction design, visual craft, and an ability to create intuitive user flows.
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Examples of designing for real end-users, highlighting user-centered design principles and iterative refinement.
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Specific projects or case studies related to AI tools, LLM-based products, content creation applications, or personalization-driven experiences are highly valued.
Process Documentation:
- Candidates should be prepared to walk through their design process for specific projects, detailing:
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User research methodologies employed and key insights derived.
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Problem framing and how user needs were translated into design requirements.
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Iterative design and prototyping stages, including feedback loops.
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Collaboration with product managers and engineers throughout the lifecycle.
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How design decisions were made, particularly concerning AI capabilities and limitations.
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Metrics or qualitative feedback used to evaluate design success post-launch.
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π Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role, especially demonstrating experience with AI products. Candidates should be ready to articulate their design process in a way that highlights their understanding of AI's unique UX challenges and opportunities.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 annually.
- Methodology: This range is provided directly in the job description. The figures are typical for experienced Product Designers in the competitive San Francisco Bay Area tech market, especially for roles involving cutting-edge AI technology. Factors such as specific experience level within the 5-10 year range, unique skill sets, and the candidate's precise location (e.g., within the specified hybrid zone) would influence the exact offer.
Benefits:
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Competitive compensation package.
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Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental coverage.
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Generous time-off policy.
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401k plan for long-term financial support.
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Home office improvement stipend.
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Annual education stipend for professional development.
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Annual wellness stipend for personal well-being.
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Healthy lunches provided daily.
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Opportunity to contribute to a vibrant company culture through regular events.
Working Hours: The job description implies a standard full-time work week, with an expectation of 4 days per week in the San Francisco office. An estimated 40 hours per week is standard for full-time roles, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements.
π Enhancement Note: The benefits package is quite comprehensive, including stipends for home office, education, and wellness, which are attractive perks for tech professionals. The hybrid model with a specified number of office days is a key aspect of the work arrangement.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Enterprise Software, SaaS, Work Technology. Glean operates at the forefront of AI, aiming to revolutionize how knowledge workers perform their tasks through its Work AI platform.
Company Size: Approximately 1,000+ employees globally, indicating a scale that allows for significant impact and complex product development while retaining a dynamic, growth-oriented culture.
Founded: Glean was founded with the mission to redefine enterprise search and knowledge management, evolving into a comprehensive Work AI ecosystem. This history suggests a culture that values innovation, rapid evolution, and a deep understanding of enterprise needs.
Team Structure:
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The Product Design team is described as "tight-knit" and "highly collaborative," blending user research, behavioral insights, and design craft.
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Designers work closely with Product Managers (PMs), engineers, and researchers.
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The role involves contributing to Glean's design system and participating in thoughtful critique, suggesting a structured yet open approach to design collaboration.
Methodology:
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Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on user research and data to uncover real needs and shape product strategy.
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AI-Native Experiences: Focus on designing interactions that are inherently built around AI capabilities.
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Iterative Development: Rapid prototyping and continuous refinement based on feedback.
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Craftsmanship: High bar for quality, detail, and user delight in all design outputs.
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Cross-Functional Collaboration: Close partnership between design, product, and engineering teams.
Company Website: https://www.glean.com/
π Enhancement Note: Glean's positioning as a leader in Work AI, backed by strong innovation awards and rapid growth, suggests a demanding but rewarding environment for designers. The "AI-First Mindset" is a critical cultural element that permeates all aspects of the company, including the interview process.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This role is for an experienced Product Designer, likely at a mid-to-senior level, given the 5+ years of experience requirement and the expectation to own features end-to-end, drive product strategy, and contribute to team culture. It's not an entry-level or junior position.
Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, designers typically report into a Design Lead, Head of Design, or potentially a Director of Product within a technology company of Glean's size. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering leads for specific product initiatives.
Operations Impact: Product Designers at Glean have a direct impact on the company's core offering β the Work AI platform. By crafting intuitive and powerful AI experiences, they enhance user productivity, drive adoption of Glean's platform, and contribute to measurable business outcomes for clients (e.g., faster onboarding, increased productivity, smarter decisions). Their work is instrumental in shaping the user perception and competitive advantage of Glean's AI products.
Growth Opportunities:
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Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI interaction design, user research for AI products, and developing AI-native user experiences.
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Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior or Lead Product Designer role, mentoring junior designers and taking on more strategic product ownership.
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Product Strategy Influence: Opportunity to significantly influence the direction and roadmap of Glean's AI product suite.
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Industry Impact: Contribute to defining the future of how people work with AI, a highly impactful and rapidly growing field.
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Learning & Development: Access to education and wellness stipends, plus a culture that encourages continuous learning about AI and design.
π Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential in a cutting-edge field. The ability to shape AI product strategy and influence the user experience of a widely adopted platform is a key draw for ambitious designers.
π Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid work model, requiring 4 days per week in the San Francisco office. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster teamwork and innovation, balanced with some remote flexibility.
Office Location(s): San Francisco, CA. Specific office details beyond location are not provided but are likely to be modern, tech-focused workspaces.
Workspace Context:
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Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on collaboration suggest an office space conducive to team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and design critiques.
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Tools & Technology: As a tech company, Glean likely provides access to high-performance workstations, necessary design software, and robust internet connectivity. The specific tools are detailed in the "Tools & Technology Stack" section.
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Team Interaction: The office environment facilitates direct interaction with PMs, engineers, researchers, and fellow designers, fostering a strong sense of team and shared purpose.
Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is implied, with the expectation of 4 days in the San Francisco office. This model aims to balance focused individual work with collaborative team engagement.
π Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, requiring a balance of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. Candidates should be comfortable with this arrangement and the commute to San Francisco.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process: While not explicitly detailed, a typical process for a Senior Product Designer role at a tech company like Glean would involve:
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Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and salary expectations.
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Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Presentation of portfolio to the hiring team, often followed by a design exercise or case study discussion. This may be a take-home assignment or an in-person/virtual workshop.
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Technical/Team Interviews: Discussions with Product Managers, Engineers, and other Designers to assess technical skills, design thinking, collaboration style, and AI fluency.
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Hiring Manager Interview: Final discussion with the hiring manager to align on expectations and assess overall fit.
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AI-Focused Exercise/Discussion: As explicitly stated, an exercise or discussion to gauge AI thinking and usage.
Portfolio Review Tips:
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Showcase AI Expertise: Highlight projects demonstrating understanding and design of AI/LLM-based products. Clearly articulate the AI-specific challenges and your solutions.
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End-to-End Process: Present at least one comprehensive case study that walks through the entire design journey from problem identification to shipped product and its impact.
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Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., user engagement, task completion rates, satisfaction scores).
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Craftsmanship & Detail: Ensure your portfolio is visually polished, easy to navigate, and demonstrates a high level of attention to detail in both UI and UX.
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AI Fluency Demonstration: Be prepared to discuss your personal use of AI tools and how you approach designing for AI limitations and strengths.
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Tell a Story: Frame your case studies as compelling narratives that showcase your problem-solving skills and design philosophy.
Challenge Preparation:
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Understand Glean's Product: Research Glean's Work AI platform, its target audience, and its competitive landscape.
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AI Interaction Patterns: Familiarize yourself with current trends and best practices in AI interaction design, especially for enterprise and productivity tools.
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Problem-Solving Framework: Prepare to articulate your approach to solving complex design problems, especially those involving AI.
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AI Use Case: Be ready to discuss how you personally use AI tools in your work and design process, and how you would approach the specific AI exercise Glean mentions.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of an "AI-focused exercise or discussion" is a key differentiator for Glean's interview process. Candidates must be prepared to demonstrate practical AI fluency, not just theoretical knowledge.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
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Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, as it's industry standard for collaborative design), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite.
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Prototyping Tools: InVision, ProtoPie, or Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities.
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User Research Tools: UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for remote user research and usability testing.
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Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, Confluence (for documentation).
Analytics & Reporting:
CRM & Automation:
- Not directly relevant to the designer role, but understanding the context of enterprise SaaS tools Glean integrates with (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, ServiceNow, Zendesk, GitHub) is part of the job's domain.
π Enhancement Note: While specific tools are not listed, proficiency in modern, collaborative design tools like Figma is almost a given for a role like this. The emphasis on rapid prototyping and user research suggests a need for tools that facilitate these workflows efficiently.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
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AI Fluency: A core value, driving innovation and how work is done. Every employee is expected to integrate AI into their daily tasks.
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User-Centricity: Designing for real end-users with a focus on intuitive, delightful, and trustworthy experiences.
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Craftsmanship & Detail: Holding a high bar for quality, polish, and user experience in all product outputs.
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Collaboration: A "tight-knit, highly collaborative team" environment where designers, PMs, and engineers work closely together.
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Innovation: Pushing boundaries in AI interaction design and shaping the future of work.
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Transparency & Trust: Building AI products that users can rely on.
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Continuous Learning: Encouraged through stipends and a dynamic work environment.
Collaboration Style:
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Cross-Functional Partnership: Designers are expected to work closely with Product Managers and Engineers, holding technical conversations and influencing roadmaps.
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Design Critique Culture: Active participation in thoughtful critique sessions to elevate design quality and share knowledge.
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Team-First Attitude: Prioritizing collective success and contributing to a positive team dynamic.
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Openness to Feedback: Willingness to iterate rapidly based on user research and team feedback.
π Enhancement Note: The "AI-First Mindset" is central to Glean's culture and influences how every employee, including designers, is expected to approach their work. This implies a proactive engagement with AI tools and concepts.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
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Designing for Emerging AI: The frontier of AI interaction design is still being defined, presenting the challenge of creating new, intuitive paradigms for complex, evolving technology.
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Balancing AI Power with User Simplicity: Making sophisticated AI capabilities accessible and easy to use for a broad range of knowledge workers.
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Maintaining Trust and Transparency: Designing AI experiences that users feel confident and comfortable with, especially in enterprise contexts.
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Rapidly Evolving Technology: Keeping pace with the fast-changing landscape of LLMs and AI capabilities while delivering stable, reliable product experiences.
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Hybrid Work Integration: Ensuring effective collaboration and design quality within a hybrid work model.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
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Specialized AI UX Training: Opportunities to become an expert in designing for AI, LLMs, and agentic systems.
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Product Strategy Influence: Direct impact on shaping the roadmap and future of Glean's AI products.
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Mentorship: Working alongside experienced peers and leaders in a fast-growing AI company.
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Industry Exposure: Contributing to a product recognized by major publications (Fast Company, CNBC, Gartner) in the AI space.
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Professional Development: Access to education and wellness stipends to pursue external learning and maintain well-being.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working at the cutting edge of AI. Glean offers growth opportunities that align with these challenges, focusing on deep specialization in AI UX and strategic product influence.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
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"Describe a complex AI-powered feature you designed. What were the key UX challenges, how did you address them, and what was the outcome?"
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"How do you approach designing for AI limitations (e.g., hallucinations, bias, lack of perfect understanding) while still showcasing its power?"
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"Walk us through your process for conducting user research on AI products. What are the unique considerations compared to traditional software?"
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"How do you stay current with AI advancements and translate them into actionable design improvements?"
Company & Culture Questions:
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"How do you see AI changing the way knowledge workers collaborate and get things done?"
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"What does an 'AI-First' mindset mean to you, and how do you apply it in your design work?"
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"Describe a time you had to advocate for the user against technical constraints or business pressures. How did you handle it?"
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"How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially in a hybrid setting?"
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
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Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact.
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Focus on AI: Emphasize the AI-specific aspects of your projects β the unique challenges, your understanding of LLMs, and how you designed for AI's strengths and weaknesses.
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Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals, prototypes, and clear explanations to demonstrate your design thinking and craft.
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Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your design decisions, research findings, and collaboration with engineering.
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AI Exercise: Practice: Be prepared for the specific AI exercise. Think about how you use AI tools daily, how you'd design a new AI feature, or how you'd explain AI concepts to a non-technical user.
π Enhancement Note: The interview preparation heavily emphasizes AI fluency and practical application. Candidates should be ready to discuss their personal experience with AI and demonstrate how they can contribute to an AI-first product development environment.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Product Designer position:
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Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.
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Tailor your Resume: Highlight experience with AI/LLM products, user research, interaction design, and your 5+ years of relevant experience. Use keywords from the job description.
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Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features AI-related projects. Clearly articulate your design process, challenges, solutions, and impact, especially for AI-driven features. Be ready to present a deep dive into 1-2 key projects.
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Prepare for the AI Exercise: Understand Glean's focus on AI fluency. Think about how you use AI tools in your daily life and work, and how you would approach designing for AI.
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Research Glean: Familiarize yourself with Glean's Work AI platform, its mission, its awards, and its target market to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.
β οΈ 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.
Application Requirements
Requires 5+ years of product design experience with a focus on AI or LLM-based products for consumer or prosumer audiences. Must possess strong technical confidence regarding model constraints and a portfolio demonstrating high visual and interaction craft.