Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Clera

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: August 19, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product innovation by owning end-to-end product areas, from initial concept to final delivery, impacting millions of students globally.

• Elevate user experience through exceptional UI craft and sophisticated motion design, ensuring a delightful and intuitive interaction for all users.

• Spearhead the development and scaling of a comprehensive design system, establishing rigorous quality standards and curated components.

• Pioneer AI-native design principles by integrating AI-assisted workflows and developing novel AI-driven product experiences.

• Set and maintain the highest visual and interaction quality standards, serving as a benchmark for the entire design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a critical contributor within a fast-growing AI-powered learning platform. The emphasis on "shipping ideas to millions of students within days" and "pioneering AI-native design" indicates a dynamic, agile environment where rapid iteration and cutting-edge technology integration are paramount. The expectation to "set the visual and interaction quality standard" suggests a senior-level influence within the design function, even with a mid-level experience requirement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of designated product areas, managing the entire lifecycle from ideation and user research to high-fidelity prototyping and final implementation.

• Craft compelling user interfaces (UI) and engaging motion graphics that enhance user engagement and product usability across the learning platform.

• Lead the creation, documentation, and governance of a scalable design system, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and maintainability of design assets and components.

• Innovate in the AI design space by exploring and implementing AI tools for design processes (e.g., research synthesis, ideation, prototyping) and designing user-centric AI-native features.

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of designs and maintain design integrity throughout the development process.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and iteratively improve product experiences.

• Mentor and guide junior designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and design excellence within the team.

• Champion best practices in product design, UI/UX, and design systems, contributing to the overall design strategy and vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic ownership and hands-on execution. The emphasis on "building and scaling a design system from the ground up" suggests a significant opportunity for an individual to make a lasting impact on the company's design infrastructure. The explicit mention of "pioneering AI-native design" and "developing AI-assisted workflows" points to a forward-thinking approach where leveraging artificial intelligence in the design process is a key differentiator.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred. Equivalent practical experience demonstrating mastery of design principles and processes will be strongly considered.

Experience: Minimum of 2-5 years of professional product design experience, with a proven track record of shipping successful consumer-facing applications or features.

Required Skills:

• Extensive experience in end-to-end product design, from conceptualization to delivery, with a focus on user-centered design principles.

• Strong proficiency in UI design, including layout, typography, color theory, and visual hierarchy.

• Demonstrable expertise in motion design and animation principles to enhance user experience.

• Proven experience in building, scaling, and maintaining design systems, including component libraries and style guides.

• Active and enthusiastic user of AI tools for design (e.g., for prototyping, research, ideation, generative design), understanding their potential as productivity multipliers.

• Solid understanding of systems thinking and its application in creating scalable and consistent design solutions.

• Ability to conduct user research, synthesize findings, and translate them into actionable design improvements.

• Expertise in prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD) for creating interactive mockups and user flows.

• Experience in fast-paced product environments with a demonstrated ability to balance shipping speed with high-quality design output.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions clearly and receive/give constructive feedback. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with code-first design systems and collaboration with engineering teams on implementation.

• Experience in the EdTech or AI-driven product space.

• A portfolio showcasing work that has demonstrably moved key metrics (e.g., engagement, conversion, retention).

• Experience with advanced AI design tools or workflows.

• Experience shipping a side project end-to-end.

• Basic understanding of front-end development concepts (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) or experience opening/reviewing pull requests.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "portfolio quality matters more than tenure" signals that practical, impactful work is highly valued over years of experience alone. The strong preference for active AI tool users suggests that candidates will be expected to hit the ground running with AI integration in their design process. "Code-first design systems" and "shipping a side project" are indicators of a hands-on, technically-minded design culture.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 significant product design projects.

• Each project should clearly articulate the problem statement, your role and responsibilities, the design process undertaken, key challenges faced, and the impact of your solutions.

• Specific attention should be given to projects demonstrating UI craft, motion design execution, and the creation or contribution to design systems.

• Evidence of using AI tools within the design process should be highlighted, detailing how AI assisted in research, ideation, prototyping, or execution.

• Projects should demonstrate a strong understanding of user journeys and the ability to simplify complex interactions into intuitive experiences.

• Quantitative results or data-driven insights that demonstrate how your designs moved key metrics (e.g., user engagement, conversion rates, task completion success) are crucial. Process Documentation:

• Detailed case studies that walk through the end-to-end product development process, from discovery and strategy to design and iteration.

• Documentation of how design systems were developed, maintained, or scaled, including component examples and usage guidelines.

• Examples of how user research and testing were integrated into the design process to validate hypotheses and inform iterations.

• Explanation of how AI tools were utilized to enhance efficiency, creativity, or problem-solving within the design workflow.

• Artifacts such as user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and final UI mockups should be presented clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the primary evaluation tool. Candidates must demonstrate not only design skill but also a strategic approach to problem-solving, a deep understanding of AI's role in modern design, and a commitment to measurable impact. The expectation for "craft obsession" means attention to detail in visual execution and interaction design is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Berlin, Germany, a competitive salary range is estimated between €55,000 and €75,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in major German tech hubs, factoring in the company's growth stage and the specific requirements of AI integration and design system development.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and potential for equity participation.

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, aligned with German standards.

• Opportunities for professional development, including access to courses, conferences, and workshops.

• Generous paid time off and public holidays.

• Modern office space in a vibrant Berlin location, fostering collaboration and innovation.

• Potential for team events and social activities to build camaraderie.

• Access to cutting-edge AI tools and technologies for design work.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours are expected, typically around 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Clera likely offers a degree of flexibility in daily scheduling, common in tech environments, to accommodate project needs and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate and will depend on the candidate's specific experience, portfolio strength, and negotiation. The benefits package is inferred based on common offerings in German tech companies, especially those in fast-growing, well-funded startups. Visa sponsorship is explicitly stated as unavailable, which is a critical factor for international applicants.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Education Technology (EdTech), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software Development. Clera operates within the rapidly evolving EdTech sector, leveraging AI to create personalized learning experiences. This industry is characterized by innovation, a focus on user outcomes, and a drive to democratize education through technology.

Company Size: Fast-growing, with a significant global user base (tens of millions of students). This suggests a company that has achieved product-market fit and is scaling rapidly, likely employing a few hundred to over a thousand individuals. Such a size indicates a structure that balances agility with established processes.

Founded: While the founding date isn't explicitly provided, the description of a "fast-growing AI-powered learning platform used by tens of millions of students globally" implies a company that has been operational for several years, has secured significant funding, and is past its initial startup phase, now focusing on robust growth and market expansion.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely consists of a lead designer, several product designers with varying specializations (UI, UX, motion, systems), and potentially UX researchers.

• This Product Designer will report to a Design Lead or Head of Product/Design.

• Close collaboration with Engineering teams (front-end and back-end developers), Product Managers, and Senior Leadership is expected. Methodology:

• Agile development methodologies, with an emphasis on rapid iteration and shipping features quickly ("shipping ideas to millions of students within days").

• Data-driven decision-making, using metrics and user feedback to guide product development.

• AI-first approach, integrating AI not just into the product but also into internal workflows and processes.

• Emphasis on building and maintaining a scalable design system to ensure consistency and efficiency.

Company Website: https://www.getclera.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is likely to be dynamic, innovation-driven, and results-oriented. The "builder mentality" and "bias toward action" suggest an environment where initiative is rewarded, and individuals are empowered to make significant contributions. The global user base implies a culture that values impact and scalability.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer, typically requiring 2-5 years of experience. It offers a significant step up from junior roles, with substantial ownership of product areas and the opportunity to influence design strategy. It's a position where one is expected to be largely autonomous in their work but also contribute to team growth and standards.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Design, or a Senior Product Manager. They will work closely with engineers and product managers on a day-to-day basis. The reporting structure is designed to facilitate efficient collaboration and rapid execution.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is direct and substantial. By shaping AI-native experiences for tens of millions of students, the Product Designer influences educational outcomes and the user experience of a globally utilized platform. The ability to "raise the bar for what education software can feel like" signifies a profound impact on the product's market perception and user satisfaction. Success in this role will be measured by the positive movement of key product metrics, user delight, and the successful scaling of design quality.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior Product Designer role, leading larger product initiatives or taking on more complex design challenges.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI-native design, design systems, or motion design, becoming a subject matter expert within the company.

• Management Track: With proven leadership and mentorship capabilities, there may be opportunities to move into a Design Lead or Management position in the future.

• Cross-functional Advancement: Opportunity to move into Product Management or other strategic roles within the company, leveraging a strong understanding of user needs and product development.

• Skill Expansion: Continuous learning through exposure to cutting-edge AI technologies and design methodologies, fostering personal and professional growth.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory is clear, emphasizing both individual contribution and potential leadership. The company's focus on AI and scaling suggests that individuals who can adapt and lead in these areas will find ample opportunities for advancement. The mention of "mentoring junior designers" is a key indicator of leadership potential development.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is strictly on-site in Berlin, Germany. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster direct interaction, brainstorming, and efficient teamwork. Modern office amenities and a focus on creating an inspiring workspace are likely.

Office Location(s): Specific office locations in Berlin are not detailed, but it is implied to be a central and accessible location within the city, typical for tech companies in major European hubs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site requirement points to an emphasis on in-person collaboration, spontaneous discussions, and team-building activities that are vital for rapid product development and design system iteration.

• Tools & Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design software, hardware, and importantly, the AI tools that the company champions for design and product development.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with engineering, product management, and fellow designers, facilitating a strong sense of team cohesion and shared purpose.

Work Schedule: Full-time, on-site in Berlin. While standard hours apply, the fast-paced nature of the company and its global user base may necessitate occasional flexibility to meet project deadlines or collaborate with international teams across different time zones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Berlin underscores the company's belief in the power of physical co-location for innovation, rapid problem-solving, and fostering a strong team culture. This is a key factor for candidates considering relocation or local applicants.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A deep dive into your portfolio, discussing your past projects, design process, and impact. This may be followed by a design challenge, either take-home or live, focused on a specific problem relevant to the platform.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (designers, engineers, product managers) to evaluate collaboration style, technical skills, and cultural alignment.

• Senior Leadership Interview: A final discussion with senior management (e.g., Head of Product, CTO, CEO) to assess strategic thinking, vision, and overall fit with the company's direction.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your skills in UI craft, motion design, design systems, and AI tool integration. Tailor your selection to highlight relevant experience for an AI-powered learning platform.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contributions, the design process, challenges, and quantifiable outcomes. Use visuals effectively to demonstrate your craft.

• Highlight AI Integration: Explicitly detail how you used AI tools in your workflow. Explain the benefits and impact this had on your design process or the final product.

• Showcase Systems Thinking: If you have experience with design systems, demonstrate your understanding of scalability, consistency, and component architecture.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. If direct metrics are unavailable, articulate hypotheses and potential impact.

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to discuss your design decisions, trade-offs made, and how you would approach future challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with the EdTech landscape and Clera's specific product. Research common user journeys and pain points for students using learning platforms.

• Focus on AI: Consider how AI could be leveraged to solve specific problems within the educational context. Think about AI-native interactions and user experiences.

• Emphasize Process: Even if the output is a design, be prepared to explain your thought process, research methods, and iteration strategy.

• Prototype Quickly: If a prototyping component is involved, focus on conveying the core interaction and user flow efficiently.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "portfolio quality matters more than tenure" means candidates should invest significant time in preparing their portfolio. The interview process is designed to assess not just design skills but also problem-solving ability, strategic thinking, and how well candidates align with the company's AI-first, rapid-iteration culture.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable as industry standard), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects for motion).

• Design Systems: Figma (component libraries, auto layout),

Storybook (if code-first), or custom documentation tools.

• AI Design Tools: Candidates should be proficient in or eager to learn tools such as:

  • AI-powered Research Assistants: Tools for summarizing user feedback, identifying patterns.
  • AI Image Generators/Editors: For asset creation or mood boarding.
  • AI Prototyping Tools: Emerging tools that assist in generating or refining prototypes.
  • AI for Workflow Automation: Tools that can automate repetitive design tasks.

• Collaboration & Project Management: Jira, Asana, Trello, Slack.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics (for understanding user behavior and product performance).

• User Feedback Platforms: SurveyMonkey, Typeform, specialized tools for in-app feedback.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's tool, understanding how CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation tools impact user acquisition and retention can provide valuable context for product design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for modern product design roles. The key differentiator here will be the candidate's demonstrated experience and enthusiasm for integrating AI tools into their design workflow. The company is clearly investing in AI, and designers are expected to be at the forefront of this integration.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Craft Obsession: A deep commitment to high-quality design, attention to detail, and continuous improvement of UI/UX and visual aesthetics.

• AI-Native Mindset: Embracing AI as a core tool for innovation, efficiency, and enhancing user experiences, rather than a novelty.

• Bias for Action & Iteration: A preference for building, testing, and learning rapidly, rather than extensive theoretical planning.

• Systems Thinking: Valuing consistency, scalability, and the interconnectedness of design elements across the entire product ecosystem.

• User-Centricity: A foundational belief in understanding and solving user problems effectively through thoughtful design.

• Direct Communication & Collaboration: Openness to honest feedback, constructive criticism, and working collaboratively across disciplines without ego.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with engineers and product managers, participating actively in sprint planning, reviews, and problem-solving sessions.

• Design System as a Shared Language: The design system serves as a common ground for communication, ensuring alignment between design and development.

• Feedback Loops: Regular design critiques and feedback sessions are likely to be embedded in the workflow, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, new tools, and learnings, particularly around AI in design and effective systems implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value proactive individuals who are passionate about design craft, embrace new technologies like AI, and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The emphasis on "direct communicator who gives and receives honest feedback without ego" is a strong indicator of a mature and effective team dynamic.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pioneering AI-Native Design: Defining and implementing best practices for AI-driven user experiences in education, a relatively new and evolving field. This requires creativity, experimentation, and a willingness to navigate ambiguity.

• Scaling Design Systems: Building and maintaining a robust design system that can support rapid feature development and a growing global user base, while ensuring adoption and adherence by multiple teams.

• Balancing Speed and Quality: Delivering high-quality, polished designs rapidly in a fast-paced environment where "shipping ideas to millions of students within days" is a key objective.

• Cross-functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication between design, engineering, and product management, especially in an AI-centric development process.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Becoming an expert in leveraging AI tools and methodologies for product design, a highly sought-after skill.

• Design System Leadership: Gaining experience in building and governing large-scale design systems, a critical component of mature product organizations.

• Impactful Product Development: Contributing directly to a product used by millions, providing opportunities to learn about user behavior at scale and iterate based on real-world data.

• Mentorship & Growth: Opportunities to mentor junior designers and grow into leadership roles, developing strategic and management skills.

• Industry Exposure: Staying abreast of the latest trends in AI, EdTech, and product design through company-sponsored learning and development initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are opportunities for significant professional growth. The company is positioned at the intersection of AI and EdTech, offering a unique environment to develop expertise in cutting-edge fields and make a substantial impact.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach designing an AI-powered feature that personalizes learning paths for students, considering potential biases in AI and ensuring an equitable experience?" (Focus on user research, AI ethics, iterative design, and metric definition)

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a complex user journey. What was your process, and what were the outcomes?" (Highlight problem deconstruction, user flow mapping, prototyping, and testing)

• "How would you advocate for and implement a new design system component or principle within a team that is focused on rapid feature delivery?" (Emphasize communication, stakeholder buy-in, phased rollout, and demonstrating value) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Clera's mission and its use of AI in education?" (Demonstrate research into the company's vision and alignment with AI's potential)

• "How do you give and receive feedback, especially in a fast-paced, iterative environment?" (Showcase maturity, direct communication skills, and a growth mindset)

• "Describe your experience with AI tools in your design process. What are the benefits and limitations you've observed?" (Be specific about tools used and practical outcomes, showing a balanced perspective) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start Strong: Begin with your most impactful and relevant project. Clearly state the problem and your role.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals extensively – mockups, prototypes, user flows, system components. Let your craft speak for itself.

• Explain Your 'Why': Articulate the rationale behind your design decisions. Why this solution? Why this interaction? Why this component?

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to support the success of your designs. If metrics aren't available, discuss potential impact or user feedback.

• Discuss AI Integration: Clearly explain where and how AI tools were used in your process and the value they added.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your process, trade-offs, challenges, and how you would handle specific scenarios.

• Engage in Dialogue: Treat it as a collaborative discussion, not a monologue. Be open to questions and feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skill but also strategic thinking, a deep understanding of AI's role in product development, and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Candidates should be ready to showcase their portfolio with confidence, highlighting specific examples of AI integration and measurable impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Carefully curate your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating UI craft, motion design, design system contributions, and especially your experience with AI tools in design. Ensure each project clearly outlines the problem, your role, process, and quantifiable impact.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize keywords from the job description, such as "Product Design," "UI Design," "Motion Design," "Design Systems," "AI Tools," "Systems Thinking," and "Consumer Apps." Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on storytelling, explaining your design decisions, and articulating the impact of your work, particularly any AI-driven innovations. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and feedback.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Clera, its mission, its product, and its position in the EdTech and AI space. Understand their values and how your skills and aspirations align with their goals.

⚠️ 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.