Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Concourse

Location: New York City, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / Design Systems / Front-end Development

Date Posted: 2026-09-16

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Own the foundational design language, including tokens, primitives, components, motion, and patterns, for Concourse's operating system for State and Local governments.

• Develop flexible and configurable design components that empower Forward-Deployed PMs (FDPMs) to assemble agency-specific solutions without compromising design standards.

• Directly ship production front-end code using AI agents and collaborate closely with engineers, moving beyond traditional Figma file handoffs.

• Solve complex design challenges related to government workflows, statutory requirements, legacy data models, and user interfaces for diverse public sector audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized, focusing on building a foundational design system that will be the bedrock for numerous product deployments within the public sector. The emphasis on shipping production code directly and utilizing AI coding tools signifies a modern, integrated approach to design and development, requiring a candidate comfortable with both high-level systems thinking and hands-on implementation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Define and meticulously maintain Concourse's comprehensive design language, encompassing conventions for casing, form patterns, error states, empty states, motion, and authentication flows.

• Architect and build a robust design library, from tokens and primitives to fully functional components, ensuring configurability for diverse workflows while maintaining strict constraints for non-engineer assembly.

• Collaborate with Forward-Deployed PMs (FDPMs) to translate intricate government workflows (e.g., multi-approver reviews, conditional fee schedules, statutory deadlines) into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces.

• Spearhead the development of design components that can model any government process, ensuring ease of use for individuals interacting with the platform on various devices, even under time constraints.

• Implement and iterate on design solutions directly as production front-end code, leveraging AI coding tools and close partnership with engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and quality.

• Develop clear and comprehensive documentation for the design library, tokens, primitives, and components to facilitate consistent adoption and understanding across teams.

• Conduct user research and gather feedback from non-technical stakeholders (e.g., county clerks, school IT directors) to inform design decisions and ensure practical application of the platform.

• Ensure pixel-level precision and consistency across hundreds of deployments, adapting the design language to different audiences, mandates, and government agency needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a unique blend of foundational design system work and direct code implementation. The emphasis on "shipping all of it as production front-end code, built with AI agents" is a critical differentiator, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just design prowess but also comfort and capability in a code-centric delivery model.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent knowledge and practical application of design principles, systems thinking, and front-end development is paramount.

Experience: 5+ years of product design experience, with a significant portion involving early-stage startup environments and a proven track record of building or substantially shaping a design system that scaled across multiple products.

Required Skills:

• Portfolio: A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design and development, demonstrating successful shipping under real client pressure and constraints.

• AI Coding Tools Proficiency: Hands-on, daily experience utilizing AI coding tools (e.g., Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, Factory) as an integral part of the design and development workflow.

• Design Systems Expertise: Proven ability to build or significantly shape a design system that has been successfully implemented across multiple products, with a focus on future-proofing and scalability.

• Systems Thinking: Strong capability to think at a systems level, understanding how individual components and patterns contribute to a cohesive and functional overall product.

• Front-end Code Delivery: Comfort and proficiency in delivering final designs as production front-end code, rather than relying solely on Figma files.

• Ambiguity Tolerance: Ability to thrive in highly ambiguous environments, often starting projects with limited information like statutes or screenshots of outdated systems.

• Stakeholder Management: Excellent relationship-building and communication skills with non-technical stakeholders, enabling effective translation of workflows into user interfaces.

• Pixel-Level Standards: Meticulous attention to detail and a strong command of visual design principles at the pixel level.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for the public sector or government-adjacent industries.

• Familiarity with front-end development frameworks and languages (e.g., React, JavaScript).

• Experience with motion design principles and implementation.

• Strong technical writing skills for comprehensive documentation.

• Experience with workflow modeling and process mapping tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for direct code delivery and AI tool proficiency is a significant differentiator. Candidates must explicitly highlight their experience in these areas within their portfolio and resume. The "design for the case you haven't seen yet" statement emphasizes the need for proactive, forward-thinking design system architecture.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• End-to-End Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant projects that demonstrate your entire design process, from initial problem definition and user research through to final implementation and iteration, with a clear focus on the "why" behind design decisions.

• Design System Development: Include detailed case studies of at least one design system you built or substantially contributed to. Highlight the process of defining tokens, primitives, components, and usage guidelines.

• AI Tool Integration: Explicitly detail how you integrated AI coding tools into your workflow for design implementation, demonstrating efficiency gains, code quality improvements, or novel solutions.

• Production Code Samples: Provide links to or examples of production code you have shipped, especially if related to design system components or UI implementation.

• Workflow Modeling: Demonstrate examples of how you've modeled complex workflows into intuitive interfaces, particularly in challenging domains like government or regulated industries.

Process Documentation:

• Design Language Guidelines: Showcase documentation created for a design system, including style guides, component specifications, and best practices for usage.

• Component Configuration: Illustrate how you designed components to be configurable for various use cases while maintaining consistency and adherence to the overall design system.

• AI-Assisted Development Workflow: Detail the steps and tools used in your AI-assisted design implementation process, including any custom scripts or agent configurations.

• Stakeholder Collaboration Artifacts: Include examples of how you documented or communicated design decisions and progress with non-technical stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is not just a showcase of visual design but a testament to the candidate's ability to architect, build, and deliver functional UI systems, especially through code and AI-assisted methods. The emphasis on "shipping production front-end code" means the portfolio must go beyond static mockups to include demonstrable implementation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 - $150,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays.

• Stock options package, reflecting early-stage startup equity.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning, including access to AI tools and training.

• Collaborative and innovative work environment with a focus on solving impactful problems.

• Direct impact on shaping the future of government technology.

Working Hours: Full-time, approximately 40 hours per week, with an expectation of high agency and velocity, particularly given the early-stage startup environment and the on-site requirement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is consistent with senior product design roles in high-cost-of-living areas like New York City, especially for positions requiring specialized skills like AI tool integration and design system ownership. The benefits package is typical for a well-funded startup, emphasizing health, equity, and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Government Tech, SaaS. Concourse is operating at the intersection of cutting-edge software development and the often-under-served public sector, aiming to modernize how governments operate.

Company Size: Early-stage startup (specific employee count not provided, but implied by the need for high agency and direct impact). This means a lean, agile team where individual contributions are highly visible and critical.

Founded: Concourse is a relatively new venture, focused on building its foundational product and market presence. This implies a culture of innovation, rapid iteration, and significant ownership opportunities.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team is likely small and highly integrated with product management and engineering.

• The role reports to a Head of Product or Design Lead, with close collaboration with Forward-Deployed PMs (FDPMs) who are embedded with client teams.

• Cross-functional collaboration is paramount, as designs must be directly implemented and work within the context of specific government agency workflows. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design & Development: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on shipping code and solving complex problems suggests a data-informed approach to design decisions and continuous feedback loops.

• Agile & Iterative: The startup environment and the nature of solving "hard, unsolved problems" point towards agile methodologies, rapid prototyping, and iterative development cycles.

• AI-Augmented Workflows: A core methodology involves leveraging AI agents for code generation and implementation, streamlining the design-to-production pipeline.

Company Website: https://concoursetech.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to build the operating system for state and local governments is ambitious and positions Concourse as a leader in GovTech. The culture is likely fast-paced, mission-driven, and emphasizes technical excellence and a proactive, problem-solving mindset.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior-level Product Designer, with significant ownership over foundational design elements and direct contribution to production code. It's a role that requires deep expertise in design systems and modern development practices.

Reporting Structure: The role likely reports into a design leadership position (e.g., Head of Design, Lead Product Designer), with very close, day-to-day collaboration with Forward-Deployed PMs and Software Engineers.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact is immense, as they are defining the core user experience and technical foundation for all products built on the Concourse platform. Their work directly influences the usability and efficiency of government services for public servants and constituents alike.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design System Leadership: Opportunity to become the de facto owner and leader of Concourse's evolving design system, shaping its future direction and impact.

• Technical Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in front-end development and AI coding tools, becoming a specialist in code-first design delivery.

• Product Strategy Influence: Contribute to the strategic direction of the platform by identifying opportunities for design innovation and user experience improvements across various government verticals.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers or engineers as the team grows, sharing expertise in design systems and AI-assisted development.

• Industry Impact: Play a pivotal role in setting new standards for government software design and usability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique growth path for designers who want to move beyond traditional UI/UX roles and become deeply involved in the technical implementation and strategic architecture of a foundational product. The focus on AI and code delivery positions the candidate at the forefront of evolving design practices.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role requiring 5 days per week in their Flatiron, NYC office. This suggests a traditional office setting that prioritizes in-person collaboration, team cohesion, and direct interaction.

Office Location(s): Flatiron, New York City. This is a vibrant, central location in Manhattan, known for its tech scene and accessibility.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site requirement emphasizes a collaborative workspace where designers, PMs, and engineers can easily interact, brainstorm, and co-create. Expect team meetings, whiteboarding sessions, and spontaneous discussions.

• Tools & Technology: Access to modern design and development tools, including high-performance workstations, and the specific AI coding tools mentioned in the requirements.

• Team Interaction: Frequent opportunities for direct interaction with colleagues, fostering a strong sense of team and shared purpose, crucial for an early-stage startup.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time schedule (approx. 40 hours/week) is expected, but the "high-agency, high-velocity mindset" suggests flexibility and dedication may be required to meet project deadlines and solve complex problems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory 5-day on-site presence indicates a company culture that values in-person collaboration and team synergy. Candidates should be comfortable with this structured work environment and appreciate the benefits of co-location for rapid problem-solving and ideation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience, with a specific focus on design systems and AI tool usage.

• Portfolio Deep Dive: A dedicated session to walk through your most relevant case studies, focusing on your process, decision-making, and the impact of your work. Be prepared to discuss your design system contributions and AI implementation.

• Technical/Design Challenge: Likely a hands-on exercise, potentially involving a small design task, a system thinking problem, or a discussion around how to approach a specific government workflow. This may involve using AI tools or discussing their application.

• Team/Culture Fit Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (PMs, Engineers) to assess collaboration style, communication skills, and alignment with Concourse's mission and values.

• Final Round: Discussions with leadership to evaluate strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and overall fit for the senior role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight AI Integration: Clearly articulate and demonstrate how you've used AI coding tools in your design process and the tangible outcomes. This is a critical differentiator.

• Showcase Design System Impact: Quantify the impact of design systems you've built or shaped. Discuss scalability, consistency improvements, and efficiency gains for development teams.

• Detail End-to-End Ownership: Emphasize projects where you owned the entire lifecycle from concept to shipped product, especially if involving code delivery.

• Address Ambiguity: Be ready to discuss how you navigated ambiguity in past projects, demonstrating your problem-solving approach in uncertain environments.

• Focus on Code as Deliverable: Frame your design contributions in terms of functional code and implemented systems, not just visual designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• Familiarize Yourself with AI Tools: Practice with common AI coding assistants and understand their capabilities and limitations.

• Study Government Workflows: Research common challenges and processes within state and local government to better understand the context of Concourse's work.

• Practice Systems Thinking: Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing modular, configurable systems that can adapt to diverse needs.

• Prepare to Discuss Constraints: Understand how real-world constraints (e.g., budget, legacy systems, statutory requirements) influence design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to not only design but also implement and think systemically, with a strong emphasis on modern AI-assisted workflows. A well-curated portfolio demonstrating these specific skills is essential for progression.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Systems: Figma (as a thinking tool, not the primary output), Sketch, or similar design software.

• AI Coding Tools: Claude Code, Codex, Gemini CLI, Factory, or similar AI-powered code generation and development assistants.

• Front-end Development: Understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and potentially modern frameworks like React.

• Version Control: Git (for code collaboration).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly mentioned for the designer, awareness of how design impacts user behavior and conversion is beneficial. Experience with analytics platforms like Google Analytics or Amplitude could be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the core design responsibilities, but understanding how the platform integrates with government CRM or workflow automation tools might be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Tools & Technology Stack" section is heavily weighted towards AI coding tools and the delivery of production code. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency and a forward-thinking approach to using these technologies in their design workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• High Agency & Velocity: A proactive, self-starting approach to problem-solving and execution, with a focus on delivering results quickly and efficiently.

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to improving public services and making a tangible impact on government operations and constituents' lives.

• Technical Excellence: A dedication to high-quality design and code, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in government technology.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication and a willingness to work closely with cross-functional teams to achieve shared goals.

• Adaptability & Resilience: The ability to thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced startup environment, embracing change and learning from challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Design & Development: A seamless workflow where design and engineering are not separate silos but work in tight integration, with designers contributing directly to code.

• Partnership with PMs: Close collaboration with Forward-Deployed PMs who act as the bridge between Concourse's platform and specific government agency needs.

• Feedback-Oriented: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and continuous improvement from all team members, fostering a learning environment.

• Cross-Functional Problem Solving: Tackling complex challenges by bringing together diverse perspectives from design, product, and engineering.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values individuals who are not only skilled designers but also proactive, technically adept, and passionate about the company's mission. The emphasis on "high agency" suggests a preference for individuals who can take initiative and drive projects forward with minimal oversight.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Extreme Ambiguity: Navigating complex, often poorly defined government statutes and workflows to create intuitive user experiences.

• Balancing Flexibility with Consistency: Creating a design system that is configurable enough for diverse agency needs while maintaining a cohesive and recognizable Concourse brand.

• Shipping Code as a Designer: Adapting to a workflow where design deliverables are production-ready code, requiring a blend of design and development skills.

• Leveraging AI Effectively: Mastering the use of AI coding tools to enhance productivity and quality, while understanding their current limitations and future potential.

• Stakeholder Alignment: Effectively communicating complex technical and design concepts to non-technical government officials and ensuring buy-in.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Mastery of AI in Design: Becoming a leader in the application of AI for design and development in a production environment.

• Deepening Design System Expertise: Expanding knowledge and influence over a foundational design system that will impact a broad range of government applications.

• Front-end Development Skills: Enhancing coding proficiency and understanding of how design translates into functional software.

• Public Sector Domain Knowledge: Gaining deep insights into the operational challenges and workflows of state and local governments.

• Strategic Product Influence: Contributing to the strategic roadmap and product vision of a company aiming to revolutionize government technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents significant challenges that are also key growth opportunities. Candidates who embrace these challenges will find avenues for substantial professional development and career advancement at the cutting edge of design and technology.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to build a design system from scratch or significantly overhaul an existing one. What were the key considerations, and how did you ensure its adoption and scalability?"

• "Walk us through a complex government workflow you've encountered or designed for. How did you simplify it for end-users, and what were the trade-offs?"

• "How do you approach balancing the need for flexible components that can model diverse workflows with the need for a consistent and unified design language?"

• "Describe your experience using AI coding tools in your design workflow. What are the biggest benefits you've seen, and what are the limitations you've encountered?"

• "Imagine you're given a statute that dictates a specific process. How would you begin translating that into a user interface, and what questions would you ask stakeholders?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Concourse's mission of modernizing government operations?"

• "How do you thrive in an ambiguous, fast-paced startup environment?"

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with engineers and product managers, especially in a code-first design environment."

• "How do you ensure your designs are accessible and usable for a diverse range of users, including those with limited technical expertise?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your process, the solutions you implemented (with specific examples of AI tool usage and code delivery), and the measurable impact.

• Demonstrate AI Tool Usage: Dedicate specific slides or sections to showcasing how you used AI tools, including code snippets or descriptions of the AI's contribution.

• Showcase Design System Architecture: Clearly present the underlying structure of your design systems – tokens, primitives, components, and their relationships.

• Focus on Production Impact: Highlight what was actually shipped and the results achieved, rather than just polished mockups.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your code implementation, design system architecture, and your thought process behind specific design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss their practical experience with AI tools and design systems in a production context. The interview will probe their ability to translate abstract requirements into tangible, coded solutions and their capacity to work effectively in a high-agency, collaborative startup environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating your expertise in design systems, AI coding tool integration, and end-to-end product delivery, including production code examples.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of experience, specific achievements in building design systems, and any experience with AI-assisted development workflows. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work, especially concerning your contributions to code and AI tool utilization.

• Research Concourse: Understand their mission, the challenges of the public sector, and their innovative approach to building government operating systems. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals.

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

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