Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Brighte

Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-10-01

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive end-to-end product design ownership for defined problem spaces, from initial discovery through to successful implementation.

• Collaborate closely within agile pods comprising Product Managers and Engineers to translate complex, regulated requirements into intuitive user experiences.

• Iterate on UI and UX designs, potentially contributing directly to code or working closely with engineering for seamless front-end integration.

• Engage with cross-functional teams, including Operations, Risk, and Compliance, to demo designs and articulate their value in relevant terms.

• Contribute to the evolution of a robust design system, identifying gaps and proposing enhancements to ensure consistency and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role emphasizes a hands-on approach to product design, requiring the candidate to be comfortable with ambiguity and regulated environments. The integration of AI tools in the design and development process is a key differentiator, suggesting a forward-thinking and innovative team culture.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design process for specific product features or user flows, from ideation and user research to final UI/UX delivery and post-launch analysis.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and gather feedback to inform design decisions and ensure user-centricity.

• Develop wireframes, mockups, interactive prototypes, and final visual designs that clearly communicate design concepts and user interactions.

• Work closely with engineers to ensure accurate implementation of designs, providing detailed specifications and front-end guidance.

• Collaborate with Product Managers to define product requirements, prioritize features, and align design solutions with business objectives and user needs.

• Champion accessibility best practices throughout the design process, ensuring products are usable by a diverse range of users.

• Translate complex regulatory and compliance requirements into clear, user-friendly interface elements and messaging.

• Actively participate in design critiques and provide constructive feedback to peers, fostering a collaborative design environment.

• Leverage and contribute to the company's design system, ensuring consistency in visual language, components, and interaction patterns.

• Explore and integrate emerging AI technologies into the design workflow to enhance efficiency and user experience, demonstrating a pragmatic approach to their application.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "make lending and compliance requirements feel clear instead of frightening" highlights a critical aspect of this role, requiring a strong understanding of user psychology in high-stakes financial contexts. The expectation to "move across products, features and flows, sometimes more than one at a time" indicates a dynamic and potentially fast-paced environment where adaptability is key.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for mid-level design roles.

Experience: Approximately 3 to 5 years of professional experience in product design, UX design, or UI design, with a proven track record of shipping successful digital products.

Required Skills:

• Product Thinking: Ability to understand business objectives, user needs, and technical constraints to deliver effective design solutions.

• Interaction Design: Proficient in designing intuitive user flows, interactive elements, and information architecture.

• Visual Design: Strong aesthetic sense and ability to create visually appealing and consistent interfaces, with deliberate decisions on hierarchy, type, spacing, and behavior.

• Design Systems: Working understanding of design system principles, including tokens, composition, and the importance of consistency.

• Prototyping: Skill in creating interactive prototypes using tools like Figma to effectively communicate design concepts.

• User Research & Testing: Experience in conducting user research, usability studies, and synthesizing findings into actionable design improvements.

• Accessibility: Commitment to designing inclusive experiences, understanding WCAG guidelines and best practices.

• Clear Writing: Ability to craft concise and effective microcopy, especially crucial for regulated industries.

• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams, including product management and engineering.

• Problem-Solving: Aptitude for tackling ambiguous and complex problems, comfortable with iterative design processes.

• AI Tool Proficiency: Demonstrated experience using AI tools (e.g., Claude, Codex, or similar) in real-world design delivery workflows, understanding their benefits and limitations.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in Fintech or regulated industries.

• Familiarity with front-end development principles or direct coding experience.

• Experience with design system implementation and governance.

• Understanding of AI agentic workflows and their application in product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Product thinking alongside the craft" suggests that candidates who can balance user experience with business goals and technical feasibility will be highly valued. The mention of "Calibration" implies a need for self-awareness regarding one's expertise and the ability to identify when to seek help or delegate.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 shipped product design projects that demonstrate end-to-end ownership.

• Clearly articulate the problem statement, design process, key decisions, and rationale behind each project.

• Highlight your role and contributions within each project, especially in cross-functional team settings.

• Include examples of interaction design, visual design, and user flow documentation.

• Demonstrate how you have utilized or contributed to design systems.

• Present case studies that illustrate your product thinking and ability to balance user needs with business constraints.

• Include examples of accessibility considerations within your design work.

• Showcase your experience with AI tools and how they were integrated into your workflow. Process Documentation:

• For each project, provide insight into your design methodology, including discovery, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration phases.

• Explain how you documented and communicated your design process and decisions to stakeholders.

• Detail how you collaborated with engineering for implementation and with Operations, Risk, and Compliance for reviews.

• Illustrate how you measured the success or impact of your designs, if applicable.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. The hiring team is interested in "how you think, how to approach problems, and the work that you’re proud of," indicating a focus on process and problem-solving skills over just polished visuals. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their portfolio in detail, explaining their decision-making at each stage.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the mid-level experience requirement (3-5 years), location in Sydney, and the nature of the Fintech industry, a competitive salary range for a Product Designer in Sydney would typically fall between AUD $100,000 and $140,000 per annum. This range can vary based on the candidate's specific experience, skill set, and the company's compensation philosophy.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Coverage for medical, dental, and optical needs.

• Generous Paid Time Off: Including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Retirement Savings Plan: Contributions to a Superannuation fund as per Australian legislation.

• Professional Development: Budget for conferences, training, and learning resources to support skill growth, especially in areas like AI and emerging design technologies.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work model allowing for a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Support services for mental and emotional well-being.

• Potential for Stock Options or Performance Bonuses: Depending on company performance and individual contribution.

• Team Events and Social Activities: Opportunities for team building and networking.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 38-40 hours per week. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in structuring these hours, with core collaboration times expected when in the office.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations are based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers in Sydney, Australia, considering the Fintech sector and a mid-level experience range. Benefits are typical for Australian tech companies, with an added emphasis on professional development relevant to the role's focus on AI and evolving design practices.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Fintech, Sustainable Finance, Technology. Brighte operates at the intersection of finance and sustainability, aiming to make eco-friendly home upgrades accessible through innovative financial products. This unique positioning requires a blend of financial acumen, technical expertise, and a strong mission-driven approach.

Company Size: Brighte is a growing company, likely falling into the small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) category or early-stage growth phase. This implies a dynamic environment where individuals can have a significant impact and shape processes. For operations professionals, this means opportunities for broad exposure and influence across various functions.

Founded: Brighte was founded in 2017. This relatively recent founding suggests a modern, agile organizational structure with a focus on innovation and adaptability, typical of many successful Fintech startups.

Team Structure:

• The Product and Technology team is likely structured into cross-functional "pods" or squads, each focused on a specific area or product line.

• The Product Designer will be part of a pod including a Product Manager and Engineers, fostering close collaboration and shared ownership.

• Senior designers provide mentorship and act as sounding boards rather than traditional managers, promoting autonomy for mid-level designers.

• The role requires frequent interaction with other departments such as Operations, Risk, and Compliance, indicating a highly collaborative and communicative company-wide culture. Methodology:

• Agile Development: Pods likely operate using agile methodologies, emphasizing iterative development, continuous feedback, and rapid adaptation.

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions are informed by data, user research, and performance metrics, with a focus on measurable impact.

• AI Integration: Proactive exploration and adoption of AI tools to enhance design workflows, product development, and operational efficiency.

• User-Centricity: A strong focus on understanding and meeting user needs, especially within the context of complex financial products.

Company Website: https://brighte.jp/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to make sustainable home upgrades affordable suggests a culture that values purpose-driven work and environmental consciousness. The integration of AI in a regulated Fintech environment implies a sophisticated approach to technology adoption, balancing innovation with robust risk management.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer (3-5 years of experience). It requires independent ownership of defined problems, contributing significantly to product development while receiving guidance from senior team members. It's a crucial stage for deepening expertise in product design craft, product thinking, and cross-functional collaboration.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer reports into the Product and Technology team, likely within a broader design or product leadership structure. They will work within autonomous pods, collaborating daily with a Product Manager and Engineers. Senior designers will provide mentorship and critical feedback, but the day-to-day direction comes from the pod's objectives.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer, the impact is directly tied to the usability, accessibility, and effectiveness of Brighte's financial products. By creating intuitive experiences for complex lending and compliance requirements, this role directly influences customer adoption, satisfaction, and regulatory adherence. Success in this role contributes to Brighte's mission of making sustainable upgrades accessible, thereby driving business growth and positive environmental impact.

Growth Opportunities:

• Deepen Design Expertise: Advance skills in interaction design, visual design, and user research through complex project work and mentorship from senior designers.

• Expand Product Thinking: Develop a stronger understanding of business strategy, financial products, and regulatory landscapes through close collaboration with Product Managers and other stakeholders.

• AI Specialization: Become a leader in applying AI tools to product design and development, potentially contributing to the company's competitive advantage in this area.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Gain experience in influencing and communicating with Operations, Risk, and Compliance teams, enhancing stakeholder management skills.

• Design System Contribution: Play a key role in evolving and maintaining the company's design system, potentially leading initiatives in this area.

• Mentorship: As experience grows, opportunities may arise to mentor junior designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential beyond traditional design responsibilities, particularly in areas like AI integration and navigating regulated environments. The emphasis on "room to grow into the parts of the role you haven't done yet" suggests a supportive environment for skill development and career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Brighte operates a hybrid work model. This typically involves a combination of working from a physical office and working remotely. The office serves as a hub for collaboration, team meetings, and focused work requiring in-person interaction.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Sydney, NSW, Australia. Specific details about office amenities, accessibility, or neighborhood features would need to be confirmed directly.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Pods: The workspace is designed to support the agile pod structure, likely featuring open-plan areas, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces to facilitate seamless collaboration between designers, PMs, and engineers.

• Technology & Tools: Access to modern design and development tools, including Figma, AI coding assistants (Claude, Codex), and other relevant software. High-speed internet and appropriate hardware are assumed.

• Cross-Functional Interaction: The environment encourages regular interaction and knowledge sharing with diverse teams across the organization, fostering a holistic understanding of the business.

• Mission-Oriented: The workspace likely reflects Brighte's mission, potentially incorporating elements that highlight sustainability and financial accessibility.

Work Schedule: While full-time hours are expected, the hybrid model offers flexibility. Core working hours are likely established for team synchronization, with adaptability for individual work styles and personal needs, provided project deliverables are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, requiring individuals to be self-motivated and effective in both independent and collaborative work settings. The emphasis on "asking rather than guessing" suggests an environment that values proactive communication and problem-solving within the team structure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A session where candidates present their portfolio, walking through specific projects and explaining their design process and thinking. This may be followed by a small, focused design challenge or a discussion about how they would approach a hypothetical problem.

• Pod Interview: Meeting with the Product Manager and Engineers from the pod the candidate would join. This assesses collaboration style, technical understanding, and how well they integrate with the team.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Discussion with representatives from Operations, Risk, and Compliance to evaluate communication skills, understanding of regulated environments, and ability to translate design concepts for non-design audiences.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in Product or Technology to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and strategic alignment.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your end-to-end ownership, product thinking, and ability to handle ambiguity and regulated environments.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process (discovery, ideation, testing, iteration), the constraints (including regulatory), your design decisions, and the outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight AI Integration: Specifically call out instances where you used AI tools to enhance your workflow or outcomes, explaining the benefits and any challenges encountered.

• Focus on Impact: Quantify results where possible (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support queries, increased user satisfaction scores). If quantitative data isn't available, articulate the qualitative impact.

• Be Prepared for Questions: Anticipate questions about your design choices, trade-offs made, how you handled feedback, and how you'd approach future challenges.

• Demonstrate Calibration: Be honest about the scope of your involvement and where your expertise lies. It’s okay to say you don’t know something, but show your willingness to learn.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: If a design challenge is provided, thoroughly understand the problem, the target user, and any constraints mentioned.

• Think Aloud: Practice articulating your thought process clearly and concisely, as if you were presenting to the pod.

• Prioritize: Focus on the most critical aspects of the problem and demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving.

• Consider AI: Think about how AI tools could potentially assist in solving the challenge, even if you're not expected to use them directly in the exercise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is designed to assess not only design skills but also the ability to collaborate effectively within an agile pod and communicate with diverse stakeholders, especially those in regulatory and operational roles. The emphasis on AI is a significant factor throughout the evaluation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in Figma's advanced features, including component creation, auto layout, and collaborative editing, is expected.

• AI Design & Coding Assistants: Tools like Claude and Codex are actively used for tasks such as generating code snippets, assisting with UI iterations, and potentially streamlining design system components. Familiarity with prompt engineering for design-related tasks is beneficial.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, other prototyping tools might be used depending on the complexity of interactions required.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics Platforms: Tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics may be used to track user behavior, feature adoption, and overall product performance.

• Data Visualization Tools: Tools such as Tableau or Looker might be employed to create dashboards and reports for stakeholders, presenting design impact and user insights.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM Systems: While not a direct design tool, understanding how CRM data (e.g., Salesforce) informs user segmentation and personalization can be valuable.

• Project Management Tools: Tools like Jira or Asana are likely used for task management, sprint planning, and tracking progress within agile pods.

Integration Tools:

• API Understanding: Basic understanding of how different systems integrate via APIs can be helpful when designing features that interact with various backend services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, Claude, and Codex highlights the current technology stack. However, the company is open to suggestions for better tools, indicating a culture that values innovation and efficiency in its technology choices. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these tools and any other relevant technologies they have successfully employed.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to Brighte's purpose of making sustainable home upgrades affordable and accessible. This translates to a desire to create products that have a positive societal and environmental impact.

• Collaboration & Transparency: An open and communicative environment where ideas are shared freely, feedback is welcomed, and cross-functional teamwork is paramount. The "ask rather than guess" mentality reinforces this.

• Innovation & Adaptability: A forward-thinking approach that embraces new technologies like AI and is comfortable with evolving processes and tools. The company is still defining how design gets done, valuing input.

• User-Centricity: A deep focus on understanding and serving the needs of customers and partners, ensuring that designs are intuitive and valuable.

• Pragmatism & Focus: While innovative, there's an emphasis on delivering tangible results and focusing on what truly matters. The ability to make "small" design decisions or recognize when a solution isn't a design at all is valued.

Collaboration Style:

• Pod-Based Autonomy: Teams (pods) are empowered to make decisions and drive work independently, with support from senior members.

• Cross-Functional Partnerships: Active collaboration with Product Management, Engineering, Operations, Risk, and Compliance is essential. This involves regular communication, joint problem-solving, and shared accountability.

• Design Critiques: Regular sessions for designers to share work, receive constructive feedback, and learn from each other's approaches and challenges.

• Open Communication Channels: Utilizing tools and practices that facilitate easy communication and knowledge sharing across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture appears to be a blend of startup agility and the rigor required for a regulated Fintech environment. Values like mission-driven work, innovation, and strong collaboration are key themes. Candidates should demonstrate how their personal values align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Regulation: Designing user experiences for financial products involves complex regulatory requirements (compliance, risk, lending laws) that can be challenging to translate into simple, user-friendly interfaces.

• Ambiguity: The role involves taking "something ambiguous and regulated" and turning it into a clear experience. This requires comfort with uncertainty and the ability to define solutions from vague requirements.

• AI Integration Pace: Keeping up with the rapid advancements in AI and effectively integrating these tools into design workflows while ensuring reliability and ethical use can be a challenge.

• Balancing Innovation with Stability: In a Fintech environment, there's a constant need to innovate while maintaining the stability and security of financial systems.

• Cross-Departmental Alignment: Ensuring that design solutions meet the needs and constraints of various departments (Operations, Risk, Compliance) requires strong communication and negotiation skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Expertise: Deepen skills in leveraging AI tools for design, content generation, and potentially workflow automation, becoming a subject matter expert within the company.

• Fintech & Regulatory Design: Gain specialized knowledge in designing for regulated industries, understanding compliance frameworks and risk management principles.

• Product Strategy: Develop a more strategic understanding of product development by working closely with Product Managers and business leaders.

• Design System Development: Contribute to the growth and evolution of Brighte's design system, potentially leading initiatives or defining new components and guidelines.

• Mentorship from Senior Designers: Receive guidance and feedback from experienced designers, accelerating personal and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to the company's industry and the innovative nature of the role. They also represent significant opportunities for learning and professional development, particularly in specialized areas like AI-driven design and regulatory compliance.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Walk us through a project where you took an ambiguous and regulated problem and turned it into a clear user experience. What was your process, what were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and handling constraints.)

• "Describe a time you had to demo your design work to stakeholders outside of the Product/Engineering team (e.g., Operations, Risk, Compliance). How did you tailor your communication to their needs and concerns?" (Focus on stakeholder management and communication.)

• "How have you used AI tools in your design workflow? Can you provide a specific example of how AI sped up your work or improved the outcome?" (Focus on practical AI application and efficiency.)

• "Imagine you're tasked with designing a new feature for Brighte. What would be your first steps, and how would you ensure it aligns with our mission and regulatory requirements?" (Focus on approach, product thinking, and regulatory awareness.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Brighte's mission to make sustainable home upgrades accessible?" (Focus on mission alignment and passion.)

• "How do you approach working within a hybrid environment and collaborating with a remote and in-office team?" (Focus on adaptability and collaboration style.)

• "Describe your understanding of design systems. How have you contributed to or utilized them in the past?" (Focus on design system experience and consistency.)

• "How do you ensure accessibility is integrated into your design process from the start?" (Focus on inclusive design practices.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with a high-level overview of the project and your role, then dive into the problem, your process (research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, testing), key design decisions with rationale, and finally, the outcomes and learnings.

• Visuals: Use clear, concise visuals. Annotate screenshots or mockups to highlight specific design choices or user flows.

• Storytelling: Frame your projects as narratives. Emphasize the "why" behind your decisions and the impact of your work.

• AI Integration: Clearly label sections or projects where AI tools were used, explaining the specific tool, the task, and the benefit achieved.

• Calibration: Be prepared to discuss trade-offs made, compromises, and areas where you sought input or guidance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Goal: Focus on delivering a thoughtful solution that addresses the core problem, rather than a perfectly polished final product.

• Articulate Your Process: Be ready to explain your thought process, even for quick sketches or ideas.

• Ask Clarifying Questions: Don't hesitate to ask questions to better understand the problem or constraints.

• Consider AI: Think about how AI could be a tool to help solve the challenge, and mention it if relevant.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize the integration of AI tools, the navigation of regulated environments, and the ability to collaborate effectively within an agile pod structure. Demonstrating a clear, user-centric design process backed by product thinking will be paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Lever link.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience in product design, UX/UI, interaction design, and any specific experience with AI tools, regulated industries, or Fintech. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases 3-5 strong end-to-end projects, clearly articulates your process, and highlights your use of AI tools and handling of regulated environments. Have a clear narrative ready for each project.

• Research Brighte: Understand their mission, values, and the products they offer. Familiarize yourself with their website and any recent news or press releases to demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Your Pitch: Rehearse how you will present your portfolio and answer common interview questions, especially those related to problem-solving, collaboration, and AI integration. Be ready to articulate your design philosophy and how it aligns with Brighte's 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.