Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Humanly

Location: Bellevue, Washington, USA

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-05-07

Experience Level: 5+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead end-to-end product design for an AI-native hiring software platform, focusing on conversational AI and B2B tools.

• Drive the evolution of the design system and establish design standards for a high-growth startup.

• Collaborate closely with product management and engineering to shape product strategy and deliver user-centric features.

• Champion user understanding through research, testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions.

• Define and measure success metrics related to candidate engagement, conversion, and user experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role of Product Designer at Humanly is framed as a foundational position, implying significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape the design function from its early stages. The emphasis on "AI-native" and "conversational AI" suggests a need for designers comfortable with emerging technologies and complex user flows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own the complete product design lifecycle, encompassing discovery, user research, UI design, prototyping, and developer hand-off.

• Drive AI-forward design initiatives, contributing a strong point of view on AI integration in products and design processes.

• Maintain and enhance the existing design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across all product touchpoints.

• Partner with Product Managers and Engineers in sprint planning, problem definition, and feature development.

• Plan and execute user research activities, including interviews and usability testing, to gather actionable insights.

• Elevate the visual and interaction quality of web and mobile experiences, focusing on typography, motion, accessibility, and micro-interactions.

• Establish and uphold core product principles and design discipline standards, proactively identifying new design opportunities.

• Define, track, and analyze key design metrics such as candidate engagement rates, conversion, and experience ratings to drive product recommendations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on role with significant strategic input. The expectation to "hold product and engineering to those standards" and "don't wait for work to come to you" indicates a need for a proactive, self-starting individual who can influence without direct authority in an early-stage environment.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a background in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically advantageous.

Experience: A minimum of 5 years of experience designing digital products end-to-end, with a preference for early-stage or high-growth startup environments.

Required Skills:

• End-to-end product design expertise, from concept to delivery.

• Fluency in Figma (components, variables, auto-layout, dev-mode).

• Proficiency with prototyping tools (e.g., Framer, v0, Cursor, Lovable).

• Experience with lean user research methodologies (moderated/unmoderated testing, surveys).

• Solid understanding of React, HTML, and CSS fundamentals for effective collaboration with engineering.

• Strong systems thinking capabilities to understand product architecture and its impact.

• Excellent communication, storytelling, and data-driven design defense skills.

• Proactive ownership and ability to identify and pursue product opportunities independently.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience unifying design systems across multiple products or acquisitions.

• Background in both B2B SaaS and B2C consumer products.

• Exposure to conversational AI, chatbot, or agent-based product design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of "5+ years" and the emphasis on startup environments suggest the company is looking for a seasoned designer capable of independent work and strategic influence, rather than an entry-level or mid-level candidate. The explicit mention of AI tools in personal workflows indicates a preference for candidates who are already experimenting with current AI advancements.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product design projects, demonstrating ownership from initial concept through to shipped product.

• Include case studies that highlight problem definition, user research, design iterations, and final solutions.

• Present examples of how you've contributed to or evolved design systems, focusing on consistency and scalability.

• Demonstrate proficiency in Figma and other relevant design and prototyping tools.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your approach to user research, including methodologies used and how insights were translated into design decisions.

• Illustrate your collaboration process with product managers and engineers, emphasizing communication and problem-solving.

• Explain your methodology for maintaining and scaling design systems, including component libraries and pattern definition.

• Showcase how you have defined and measured success metrics for your design work, demonstrating data-informed decision-making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given this is a sole designer role with significant ownership, the portfolio is critical. It needs to demonstrate not just design skills but also the ability to define and manage processes, influence stakeholders, and drive product outcomes independently. The emphasis on AI integration means portfolios should ideally include examples of how AI was considered or incorporated into design solutions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.

• Equity in a high-growth startup.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Learning & development stipend to support continuous professional growth.

• Wellness stipend to encourage employee well-being.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan.

• Generous 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave.

• Flexible Paid Time Off (PTO) policy.

• Recognition programs and prizes to celebrate achievements.

• Company retreats and team-building events to foster camaraderie.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week. The role is hybrid, requiring 3 days per week in the Bellevue, WA office, with flexibility on which days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior Product Designer role in the Bellevue, WA tech hub. The benefits package is robust, reflecting a startup that values employee well-being and growth, with specific stipends for L&D and wellness being particularly attractive. The hybrid requirement specifies 3 days in-office, indicating a structured approach to in-person collaboration.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Humanly operates in the HR Tech and AI Software sectors, specifically focusing on AI-native hiring solutions for hourly, frontline, and high-volume recruitment.

Company Size: Humanly is in a high-growth phase, having recently closed a $25M Series B funding round. This indicates a company of moderate size with significant expansion plans, likely ranging from 50-200 employees, transitioning from an early-stage startup to a more established growth-stage company.

Founded: The company was founded to address the inefficiencies in traditional hiring processes, leveraging AI to create a more predictable and effective system for employers.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design function is currently a single seat, with the Product Designer reporting directly to the VP of Product.

• This structure offers high visibility and direct influence on product strategy.

• The design team will likely grow as the company scales, presenting opportunities for leadership.

Methodology:

• Humanly utilizes an AI-native approach, embedding artificial intelligence deeply into its product offerings and operational processes.

• The company emphasizes a fast-paced, agile environment, characteristic of a growth-stage startup.

• Data-driven decision-making is a core tenet, with a focus on measuring key metrics like candidate engagement and conversion rates.

• A strong emphasis is placed on user experience, both for hiring teams (B2B) and candidates (B2C/Candidate-facing).

Company Website: https://humanly.io/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as "Human Beans" who "take ownership, move fast, and care about doing the right thing." This suggests a culture that values proactivity, speed, and ethical practices, particularly in the context of AI and hiring. The "AI is core" statement implies a deep integration of AI not just in products but also in internal operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, or potentially a Lead Designer role depending on the candidate's experience and how they shape the function. The expectation to "write the playbook" and "set the design standard" signifies a senior-level individual contributor role with significant strategic impact.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report directly to the VP of Product. This direct line provides excellent visibility and an opportunity to influence product direction at a high level.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer will have a direct and significant impact on Humanly's core product offering, which is central to its value proposition. By owning the end-to-end design experience, the designer will influence candidate engagement, hiring team efficiency, and ultimately, the company's ability to scale its AI-native hiring solution. Success in this role will translate directly to user adoption, retention, and revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: As the first designer, there is a clear path to building and leading a design team as the company scales. This could involve defining team structure, hiring, and establishing design best practices.

• Product Strategy Influence: Direct reporting to the VP of Product allows for significant input into product strategy, roadmap prioritization, and the overall vision for AI in hiring.

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in conversational AI design, B2B SaaS product design, and potentially user research leadership within an AI-centric product.

• Career Advancement: Potential for promotion to Head of Design or similar leadership roles as the company matures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "sole designer" aspect is a strong indicator of significant growth potential. Candidates should view this as an opportunity to build out a design practice and potentially a team, rather than just executing design tasks. The direct reporting line to the VP of Product is a key advantage for career progression.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Humanly operates a hybrid work model. The Bellevue, WA office serves as the primary hub for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Bellevue, Washington, USA. Specific details on office amenities or accessibility would need to be confirmed, but Bellevue is a major tech hub with good infrastructure.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model (Tuesday–Thursday in office) is designed to foster collaboration and team cohesion while allowing for focus time.

• The office environment is likely dynamic and fast-paced, reflecting the growth stage of the company.

• Expect close proximity and regular interaction with product managers, engineers, and leadership, facilitating swift feedback loops and agile development.

• The company culture emphasizes AI integration, suggesting access to relevant tools and a forward-thinking technological environment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The hybrid arrangement requires employees to be in the Bellevue office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, with flexibility for remote work on Mondays and Fridays. This structure aims to balance focused individual work with collaborative team activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is clearly defined, with specific days required in the office. This is crucial for candidates who prefer a structured hybrid setup rather than fully remote or fully in-office. The emphasis on collaboration within the office days suggests activities like sprint planning, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions will be prioritized during those times.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Presentation of your portfolio, likely focusing on key projects that demonstrate end-to-end design ownership, AI considerations, and system thinking. A design challenge or case study discussion may be incorporated here or in a subsequent stage.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Discussions with the VP of Product, key engineers, and product managers to evaluate collaboration style, technical understanding, and strategic thinking.

• Final Interview: Likely with senior leadership to assess overall fit, vision, and potential for impact within the company.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 projects that best showcase your end-to-end ownership, AI design thinking, and ability to drive impact. Prioritize quality over quantity.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process followed (research, ideation, iteration), the challenges faced, and the measurable outcomes.

• Highlight AI Integration: Specifically call out any projects where you considered or integrated AI, explaining your rationale and the user impact.

• Showcase System Thinking: Demonstrate how you approach consistency, scalability, and the evolution of design systems.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to discuss your design decisions, trade-offs made, and how you would approach future challenges at Humanly.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Humanly's Product: Research Humanly's AI-native hiring software, its target audience (hourly/frontline hiring), and its competitive landscape.

• Focus on AI & Conversational Design: If a design challenge is given, anticipate it may involve designing a conversational AI interaction or improving an existing one for efficiency or user experience.

• Emphasize Process & Metrics: Be prepared to discuss how you would define success for a new feature and what metrics you would track.

• Articulate Your POV: Have a clear point of view on how AI should be thoughtfully integrated into product design and how you would approach building a design practice.

📝 Enhancement Note: As the sole designer, the portfolio review will be exceptionally critical. Candidates should prepare to discuss not just the "what" but the "how" and "why" behind their design decisions, demonstrating a mature and strategic approach. The expectation of "writing the playbook" suggests interviewers will probe for leadership potential and initiative.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (required, with emphasis on advanced features like components, variables, auto-layout, dev-mode), Prototyping tools (e.g., Framer, v0, Cursor, Lovable - familiarity is a plus).

• Collaboration: Tools for team communication and project management, likely including Slack, Jira, Asana, or similar platforms.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools to track user behavior, engagement, and conversion funnels (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel, Google Analytics).

• Data Visualization: Potentially tools for creating dashboards and reports to communicate design impact.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, understanding the CRM (likely Salesforce or similar) and automation platforms used by sales and marketing can provide context for the B2B product.

• Familiarity with front-end development technologies like React, HTML, and CSS is crucial for effective hand-offs and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma’s advanced features and the list of prototyping tools indicate a need for a designer who is not just proficient but also up-to-date with modern design tooling. The requirement for understanding React/HTML/CSS fundamentals underscores the importance of close collaboration with engineering and an appreciation for technical constraints.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Ownership: Taking full responsibility for design outcomes and proactively seeking opportunities to improve the product.

• Speed & Agility: Moving quickly to iterate, test, and deliver value in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Doing the Right Thing: A commitment to ethical practices, particularly in AI and hiring, ensuring fairness and positive user experiences for both candidates and employers.

• AI-Native Mindset: Embracing and integrating AI into product design, workflows, and problem-solving approaches.

• User-Centricity: Deep empathy for users (candidates and hiring teams) and a commitment to solving their problems effectively.

Collaboration Style:

• Deep Partnership: Working closely and collaboratively with Product Management and Engineering teams on a daily basis.

• Data-Informed Dialogue: Using data and user insights to drive discussions and decisions, fostering a culture of evidence-based iteration.

• Direct Communication: Open and honest communication, including constructive feedback and the ability to push back when design standards are not being met.

• Proactive Contribution: Actively participating in team meetings, sprint planning, and cross-functional discussions to shape product direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Human Beans" culture emphasizes a proactive, engaged workforce. This role requires someone who thrives in an environment where they are expected to take initiative, contribute beyond their defined tasks, and live by the company's values, especially concerning ethical AI use.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing Design Practice: As the sole designer, you'll need to establish design processes, standards, and potentially build out a team over time. This involves defining workflows and advocating for design's role.

• Balancing B2B & B2C/Candidate Experience: Designing for two distinct user groups (hiring teams and job candidates) with potentially different needs and contexts.

• Integrating AI Thoughtfully: Ensuring AI features are intuitive, ethical, and genuinely add value, avoiding AI for AI's sake.

• Pace of Growth: Keeping up with the rapid pace of development and iteration in a high-growth startup environment.

• Technical Constraints: Collaborating effectively with engineering to balance design ambition with technical feasibility, especially with complex AI integrations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for conversational AI, human-AI interaction, and the ethical considerations of AI in hiring.

• Product Strategy Leadership: Gain significant experience in shaping product strategy and roadmaps at a fast-growing company.

• Building a Design Function: Develop skills in team building, establishing design culture, and strategic design operations.

• Industry Exposure: Work with cutting-edge AI technology in the HR Tech space, gaining insights into a rapidly evolving market.

• Mentorship: Direct access to the VP of Product for mentorship and career guidance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is also the primary growth opportunity: building the design function from the ground up. Candidates should be excited by the prospect of defining processes and influencing the company's design trajectory.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach establishing a design system from the ground up for an AI-native product like ours?"

• "Describe a time you had to balance ambitious design goals with significant technical constraints. What was your approach and outcome?"

• "Given Humanly's focus on AI, what are the key ethical considerations you'd prioritize when designing new AI-driven features for hiring?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Humanly's mission and our AI-native approach to hiring?"

• "How do you envision your role in shaping the design culture here, especially as the first dedicated designer?"

• "Describe your ideal collaboration dynamic with Product Management and Engineering teams."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Begin with a high-level overview of Humanly and then dive into 2-3 projects that best align with the role's requirements (AI, B2B, end-to-end ownership).

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific contributions, the process, and the quantifiable results achieved. Use data to support your claims.

• Demonstrate AI Thinking: If you have AI-related projects, explicitly discuss your approach to designing for AI, including user needs, ethical considerations, and potential pitfalls.

• Showcase Systems Thinking: Explain how you approach consistency, scalability, and the maintenance/evolution of design systems.

• Be Prepared to Discuss 'Why': Anticipate questions about your design decisions, trade-offs, and how you would tackle problems specific to Humanly's product.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a candidate who can not only execute design but also strategize, influence, and build. Be ready to discuss your philosophy on design leadership, AI integration, and how you measure impact. The portfolio presentation should feel like a strategic consultation, not just a showcase of past work.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 5+ years of experience in end-to-end product design, specifically mentioning experience in startups, B2B SaaS, and any AI-related projects. Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio prominently features projects demonstrating full-cycle design ownership, strong Figma skills, user research, and ideally, AI or complex workflow design. Prepare case studies that clearly articulate problems, processes, and impactful outcomes.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to discuss your proactive approach, your point of view on AI in design, and how you would establish and evolve the design practice at Humanly. Practice presenting your portfolio and answering strategic questions.

• Research Humanly: Thoroughly understand Humanly's product, its mission, target market, and recent funding news. This will enable you to ask insightful questions and frame your experience within their context.

⚠️ 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.