Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Beacon AI

Location: San Carlos, California, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: July 31, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end product design process for an innovative AI platform in the aviation sector, focusing on pilot interfaces.

• Conduct in-depth user research and usability testing with pilots and aviation professionals to ensure safety-critical design requirements are met.

• Translate complex AI-generated data into intuitive, actionable interfaces for high-pressure cockpit environments.

• Develop and maintain a scalable design system to ensure product consistency and efficient iteration.

• Collaborate closely with engineering and product teams to deliver polished, iterative user experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a foundational design hire, likely requiring the individual to establish design processes and standards from the ground up within a fast-paced, agile startup environment. The emphasis on "0 to 1" product development and "no silos or heavy processes" suggests a need for a highly autonomous and proactive designer.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete product design lifecycle, from initial concept and user discovery through to detailed specifications for engineering.

• Execute generative and evaluative user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing, specifically with pilots and aviation experts.

• Design intuitive user interfaces and interactions for complex AI-driven features, prioritizing clarity, speed, and safety in critical aviation scenarios.

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive design system, ensuring consistency, scalability, and efficiency across the product.

• Foster strong collaborative partnerships with engineering, product management, and other stakeholders to ensure design integrity and successful product launches.

• Contribute to the company's brand and visual identity by supporting marketing collateral and web presence as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "translate complex AI-driven data and alerts into interfaces that are instantly clear and actionable" highlights a significant challenge and opportunity in data visualization and information hierarchy design, particularly within a safety-critical context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction, Interaction Design, Graphic Design, Psychology, or a related field is typically expected for this level of role. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in product design, with a strong emphasis on end-to-end product ownership and a proven track record of shipping successful products. Experience in a "0 to 1" product development environment is highly valued.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience leading the full product design process for complex, data-heavy, or safety-critical products.

• Deep expertise in user research methodologies, including qualitative and quantitative techniques, and their application to understanding user needs in high-stakes environments.

• Advanced proficiency in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and creating high-fidelity mockups.

• Demonstrated ability to build, maintain, and evolve comprehensive design systems.

• Strong product intuition and strategic thinking, with the ability to ask critical questions and challenge assumptions.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to thrive in ambiguous, fast-paced startup environments with minimal structure.

• Genuine curiosity and interest in aviation, aerospace, or similar safety-critical industries. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for AI-powered products and making machine-generated insights trustworthy and intuitive.

• Familiarity with motion design, micro-interactions, and animation principles to enhance user experience.

• Basic understanding of HTML and CSS to better collaborate with engineering teams.

• Experience with user research in specialized domains like aviation, defense, or medical devices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on experience as a "sole or founding designer" and leading design "from 0 to 1" strongly suggests the company is looking for a candidate who can establish and scale design practices independently, rather than fitting into an existing large design team structure.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design work, with a clear emphasis on the design process from problem definition to final solution.

• Case studies demonstrating experience with complex, data-driven, or safety-critical applications.

• Examples of how user research directly informed design decisions and led to measurable improvements.

• Prototypes and wireframes that illustrate problem-solving capabilities and user flow design.

• A strong demonstration of your ability to build and maintain a design system, including its components and guidelines. Process Documentation:

• Detailed case studies that articulate the problem, your role, the design process employed, challenges faced, and the impact of your solutions.

• Evidence of iterative design processes, including how feedback was incorporated and designs were refined.

• Examples of how you translated complex requirements (e.g., AI data, safety protocols) into user-friendly interfaces.

• Documentation of your approach to user research, usability testing, and integrating findings into the design.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the safety-critical nature of aviation, the portfolio should strongly highlight the candidate's ability to design for high-stakes situations where clarity, accuracy, and speed are paramount. Demonstrating a rigorous approach to user validation and risk mitigation in design will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the provided data ($156,000 - $250,000 USD annually) and the San Carlos, California location, this range is competitive for a Product Designer with 3+ years of experience in a high-cost-of-living area, especially within a well-funded tech startup. The specific salary within this range will likely depend on the candidate's depth of experience, specific qualifications, and negotiation.

Benefits:

• Healthcare: Comprehensive medical insurance with 100% of employee premiums covered, and 25% coverage for dependents.

• Time Off: Generous PTO policy with 3 weeks of paid time off annually, in addition to 13+ paid company holidays.

• Stipends: Monthly stipends for phone usage and wellness, supporting employee well-being and connectivity.

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan offered, with a commitment to future employer matching.

• Equity: Potential for employee stock options or equity grants, a common offering in startups to align employee success with company growth.

Working Hours: This is a full-time position. While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the hybrid nature allows for flexibility. The company culture emphasizes agility and speed, suggesting that while hours may be flexible, dedication to project timelines and iterative development is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is broad, indicating flexibility based on candidate experience. The inclusion of equity is a significant draw for startup roles, and the 100% employee medical premium coverage is a strong benefit. The note about future 401(k) matching shows transparency about current benefits and future plans.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI) within Aviation and Aerospace. Beacon AI is developing mission-critical systems for safer and more efficient flight operations, leveraging AI to augment human capabilities in the cockpit.

Company Size: The company is described as a "fast-moving team" and operates "without silos or heavy processes," suggesting a lean, agile startup environment. Given the backing by "top investors" and "a dozen Department of Defense contracts," it's likely a growing startup, potentially in the range of 50-200 employees.

Founded: Beacon AI was founded to address critical needs in aviation safety and efficiency through AI. The company's focus on delivering "mission-critical systems" and securing "Department of Defense contracts" points to a strong emphasis on reliability, performance, and rigorous development practices.

Team Structure:

• Small, focused teams own what they build, enabling rapid iteration and learning. This implies a flat organizational structure with high autonomy for team members.

• The Product Designer will likely be part of a small, cross-functional product team, potentially reporting directly to a Head of Product or CTO.

• Collaboration is expected to be direct and frequent, with minimal bureaucracy. Methodology:

• Agile and iterative development practices are implied by the "ship quickly, and learn fast" mentality.

• A strong emphasis on data-driven decision-making, particularly in translating AI insights into user-facing features.

• Focus on user-centered design, with deep engagement with pilots and aviation professionals to inform product development.

Company Website: https://beaconai.co

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's culture is characterized by agility, autonomy, and a mission-driven approach. The "no silos or heavy processes" statement suggests a preference for individuals who are comfortable with ambiguity and can self-direct.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is for a mid-level to senior Product Designer, likely considered a "founding" or "early" designer. The responsibilities suggest a significant degree of ownership and influence, moving beyond execution to strategy and process definition within the design function. The ideal candidate is someone who can operate independently and establish design best practices.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a senior leader within product or engineering, such as the Head of Product, CTO, or potentially the CEO in a very early-stage startup. They will work closely with engineering leads and product managers.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work will have a direct and critical impact on flight safety, efficiency, and pilot capabilities. By designing intuitive interfaces for AI-powered systems, they will influence how pilots interact with technology in real-time, directly affecting mission success and operational outcomes. This role offers the chance to shape a product from its inception and see its direct application in a high-stakes industry.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: As the company scales, there will be opportunities to build and lead a design team, defining the design vision and strategy for Beacon AI.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for AI, safety-critical systems, or aviation technology, becoming a recognized expert in these niche areas.

• Product Strategy: Contribute significantly to product strategy and roadmap development, influencing the direction of the company's AI platform.

• Cross-functional Influence: Gain broad exposure to engineering, product, business development, and DoD contracts, understanding the full spectrum of a technology company.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is ideal for a designer who wants to have a tangible impact and grow with a company from its early stages, potentially shaping the future of AI in aviation. The growth trajectory is less about climbing a predefined ladder and more about evolving with the company's needs.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in San Carlos, CA, and is designated as a hybrid position. This means the designer will be expected to work from the office for at least 3 days per week, with the flexibility to work remotely for the remaining days. This setup aims to balance in-person collaboration with individual focus time.

Office Location(s): San Carlos, California, a location within the San Francisco Bay Area known for its tech industry presence. Specific office details (amenities, accessibility) are not provided but can be assumed to be standard for a tech startup in the region.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on small, focused teams suggest frequent opportunities for direct collaboration with engineers, product managers, and fellow designers (if any).

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to modern design tools, likely including Figma, and potentially other collaboration and project management software standard in a tech startup.

• Innovation Focus: The environment is geared towards rapid prototyping, iteration, and pushing technological boundaries in AI and aviation.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule is expected, likely around 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement provides some flexibility in terms of where work is done, but the nature of startup work often means a commitment beyond strict hours during critical project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, offering flexibility while maintaining the benefits of in-person collaboration essential for a design role, especially in a rapidly evolving startup.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with the role's requirements.

• Hiring Manager/Team Interview: A conversation, likely with the hiring manager (e.g., Head of Product, CTO), to discuss your experience, design philosophy, and fit with the company culture. This stage will heavily focus on your "0 to 1" experience and ability to operate autonomously.

• Design Challenge/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth session where you will present your portfolio, walking through 2-3 key case studies. Expect to discuss your process, decision-making, and the impact of your work. A practical design exercise or critique might also be included, focusing on problem-solving and translating complex requirements.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with engineering and product team members to assess collaboration skills and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Potentially with the CEO or another senior leader, to discuss overall vision, cultural fit, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 projects that best demonstrate your end-to-end design process, especially those involving complex problem-solving, user research, and iterative design. Prioritize projects that showcase your ability to handle ambiguity and drive outcomes in early-stage products.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process you followed, key decisions made (and why), challenges encountered, and the measurable impact or outcome.

• Highlight AI & Safety-Critical Experience: If you have experience with AI products or safety-critical domains, make these projects prominent. Explain how you approached user trust, data interpretation, and risk mitigation.

• Showcase Design System Skills: If you've built or significantly contributed to a design system, be prepared to discuss its structure, components, and how it enabled efficiency and consistency.

• Be Prepared for Critique: Understand that your work will be reviewed critically. Be open to discussing trade-offs and alternative solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research aviation terminology, common pilot workflows, and the general challenges of cockpit interfaces. Familiarize yourself with the concept of AI assistants in aviation.

• Focus on Process: For any design exercise, emphasize your thought process, how you'd approach research, define the problem, explore solutions, and iterate.

• Data Interpretation: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing for complex data sets and alerts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not just design skills but also a candidate's ability to thrive and lead in a startup environment. A strong portfolio that showcases autonomy, problem-solving, and impact is critical for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly mentioned as a required skill. This will be the primary tool for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and design system management.

• User Research Tools: While not specified, expect tools like UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze, or similar platforms for remote usability testing and data collection.

• Prototyping Tools: Figma's built-in prototyping capabilities will likely be central, but experience with other tools like Principle or After Effects for micro-interactions could be a plus.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics might be used to track user behavior and product performance, informing design iterations.

• Data Visualization: While not a primary responsibility, understanding how data is presented and potentially contributing to data visualization design in interfaces will be important.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the core Product Designer role, but familiarity with how product usage data integrates with CRM systems (like Salesforce) or marketing automation platforms could provide broader context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is non-negotiable. Candidates should also be comfortable with modern design collaboration tools and user research platforms. The ability to understand and design for data-heavy interfaces is a key technical requirement.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value in aviation, this translates to meticulous design, rigorous testing, and prioritizing user well-being and operational integrity.

• Efficiency & Speed: The company culture emphasizes rapid iteration and shipping quickly, valuing designers who can deliver high-quality work efficiently.

• Innovation & Pushing Boundaries: A core value in an AI and aerospace startup, expecting designers to explore novel solutions and challenge conventional approaches.

• Collaboration & Ownership: Teams own their work, but collaboration is key to achieving complex goals. Expect a culture where cross-functional teamwork is essential and individual contributions are highly valued.

• Curiosity & Learning: A genuine interest in aviation and a commitment to continuous learning are expected, given the complex domain and evolving technology.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Agile: Collaboration will likely be frequent, informal, and direct, involving close partnerships with engineering and product teams. Expect iterative feedback loops.

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers will work hand-in-hand with engineers to ensure feasibility and with product managers to align on strategy and user needs.

• Open Feedback Culture: The "no silos or heavy processes" environment suggests an open culture where constructive feedback is encouraged and exchanged freely to improve the product and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company values a proactive, mission-driven, and collaborative approach. Designers should be prepared to engage actively with technical and product teams, embracing a culture of continuous improvement and shared ownership.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Safety-Criticality: The primary challenge is translating complex AI insights into interfaces that pilots can trust and use flawlessly under immense pressure, where errors can have severe consequences.

• Ambiguity & Early-Stage Product: Operating in a "0 to 1" environment means dealing with evolving requirements, undefined processes, and the need to establish design foundations from scratch.

• Bridging AI Complexity and User Understanding: Making sophisticated AI outputs easily understandable and actionable for human users, especially those with established mental models (like pilots).

• Balancing Design Rigor with Development Speed: Ensuring a high standard of design quality and user experience while adhering to the company's fast-paced development cycle.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Domain Expertise: Gain unparalleled insight into the aviation industry, AI applications in aerospace, and safety-critical systems design.

• Foundational Design Leadership: Opportunity to establish and shape the design function within a growing tech company, potentially leading to future leadership roles.

• Cutting-Edge AI Product Design: Develop expertise in a rapidly evolving field, designing user experiences for advanced AI technologies.

• Exposure to High-Impact Projects: Work on products that have direct, significant impacts on safety, efficiency, and capability in aviation, potentially including defense applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant challenges that are also immense growth opportunities for a designer eager to make a substantial impact and develop specialized expertise in a high-stakes, cutting-edge domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you led product design for a complex product from its inception ('0 to 1'). What were the biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your autonomy, process establishment, and problem-solving.)

• "How would you approach designing an AI assistant for pilots? What are the key considerations for safety-critical interfaces and user trust?" (Demonstrate understanding of the domain, AI, and safety-critical design principles.)

• "Walk us through your process for conducting user research with specialized user groups, like pilots. How do you ensure you're uncovering their true needs and mental models?" (Highlight your research methodologies and ability to adapt them to niche audiences.)

• "How do you balance the need for robust design systems with the rapid iteration cycles typical of a startup?" (Showcase your understanding of design system scalability and agile design practices.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Beacon AI's mission and the aviation industry specifically?" (Show genuine curiosity and alignment with the company's purpose.)

• "How do you thrive in environments with ambiguity and limited structure? Can you provide an example?" (Address the startup environment and your self-management skills.)

• "How do you collaborate with engineers and product managers, especially when there are differing opinions on design direction?" (Demonstrate your communication and negotiation skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, key decisions, and outcomes. Use a consistent framework.

• Emphasize Impact: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible (e.g., improved task completion time, reduced error rates, positive user feedback).

• Showcase Your Process: Don't just show final screens; detail your research, ideation, prototyping, and testing phases. Explain why you made certain choices.

• Highlight AI/Safety-Critical Aspects: If you have relevant experience, explicitly call out how you addressed the unique challenges of AI integration or safety-critical design.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect questions about specific design decisions, trade-offs, and alternative approaches you considered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize your ability to operate autonomously, your strategic thinking, and your understanding of the unique challenges of designing for aviation and AI. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Ashby link.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that showcase end-to-end product design, particularly those involving complex problem-solving, user research, and ideally, experience with data-heavy or safety-critical applications. Ensure your portfolio clearly outlines your process and impact.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience relevant to "0 to 1" product development, leading design initiatives, user research with specialized groups, and proficiency in Figma. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio case studies, focusing on storytelling, clear articulation of your process, and demonstrating the impact of your design solutions. Be ready to discuss how you'd approach designing for AI in a safety-critical domain.

• Research Beacon AI: Understand their mission, technology, and the aviation industry context. Prepare thoughtful questions about the product roadmap, design challenges, and team culture.

⚠️ 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.