Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Metropolis

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-05T18:29:33

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Own the end-to-end product design process, from initial concept and wireframing to high-fidelity prototyping and developer handoff for innovative features that bridge digital and physical experiences.

• Conduct rigorous user research, including usability testing and interviews, to validate design concepts and drive data-informed iterations for product improvements.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Product Managers and Engineers to define product requirements, ensure technical feasibility, and deliver seamless user journeys.

• Contribute to and maintain a robust design system, ensuring visual consistency and a high standard of craft across all Metropolis platforms.

• Proactively leverage product analytics and customer feedback to identify friction points and optimize existing features within the "Recognition Economy" ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer, indicated by the 3+ years of experience requirement and the expectation to "own the design process" for specific features. The emphasis on bridging digital and physical environments, coupled with the company's focus on the "Recognition Economy," suggests a unique challenge requiring strong UX/UI skills and an understanding of real-world interaction design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design lifecycle for assigned product features, encompassing discovery, user flows, wireframing, prototyping, and final asset delivery to engineering teams.

• Execute tactical user research initiatives, including qualitative interviews and quantitative usability testing, to gather actionable insights and validate design hypotheses.

• Partner with Product Management to translate business requirements and user needs into intuitive and effective design solutions.

• Collaborate closely with Engineering teams to ensure the technical feasibility of designs and to facilitate smooth implementation, acting as the primary design point of contact.

• Actively contribute to the evolution and maintenance of Metropolis's design system, ensuring adherence to style guides, component libraries, and brand consistency.

• Analyze product analytics data and customer feedback to identify user pain points, areas for improvement, and opportunities for feature enhancement.

• Design seamless end-to-end user journeys that effectively connect digital interactions with physical environments, such as parking, hospitality, and retail.

• Propose and implement innovative design solutions that leverage AI technologies to enhance user experiences and automate workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant ownership. The emphasis on "end-to-end journeys" bridging digital and physical realms, and the mention of AI tools, indicate a need for a designer who can think holistically about user experience beyond the screen.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in UX/UI design, Product Design, or a closely related role, with a proven track record of shipping successful products.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in UX/UI design principles and best practices.

• Proven ability to design seamless end-to-end user journeys that bridge digital interfaces with physical environments.

• Strong proficiency in mapping and optimizing user touchpoints that extend beyond the screen, ensuring fluid transitions.

• Expert-level skills in industry-standard design tools such as Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity mockups.

• Proficiency in prototyping tools (e.g., Figma, InVision, Adobe XD) to create interactive and high-fidelity prototypes.

• Experience conducting user research, including usability testing, user interviews, and persona development.

• Ability to clearly articulate design decisions, rationale, and user insights to cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

• A strong growth mindset with the capacity to receive and incorporate constructive feedback effectively.

• Experience leveraging AI tools to enhance design workflows and transform static processes into responsive, high-output solutions. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within a B2B2C SaaS or technology-driven environment with a significant consumer-facing impact.

• Familiarity with AI-first code editors like Cursor for design implementation and AI-assisted workflow development.

• Experience with advanced prototyping tools such as ProtoPie for creating logic-based, high-fidelity prototypes.

• Experience designing for physical spaces or integrating digital experiences with real-world environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "3+ years of experience" and "expert-level skills in Figma" firmly places this role at the mid-level. The preference for B2B2C SaaS, AI-first tools like Cursor, and advanced prototyping with ProtoPie suggests the company is looking for candidates who are forward-thinking and adaptable to emerging technologies.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects that demonstrate your end-to-end product design process, from problem definition to shipped product.

• Include case studies that highlight your ability to design for seamless transitions between digital platforms and physical environments.

• Present examples of user research methodologies employed, detailing how insights were translated into design solutions.

• Demonstrate proficiency in creating high-fidelity prototypes and user flows using tools like Figma.

• Clearly articulate the problem, your process, your role, the solution, and the impact of your design decisions. Process Documentation:

• Document the discovery phase, including user interviews, competitive analysis, and problem framing.

• Detail the ideation and design iteration process, including wireframing, prototyping, and user testing feedback loops.

• Illustrate the collaboration process with Product Managers and Engineers, including handoff procedures and feedback integration.

• Showcase how you've used product analytics and user feedback to iterate on and improve existing features.

• Provide examples of how you've contributed to or maintained a design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, a strong portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "end-to-end journeys," "digital interfaces with physical environments," and "AI tools" means candidates should curate projects that specifically address these unique challenges. Demonstrating the ability to analyze data and iterate is also a key requirement.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $165,000.00 USD to $175,000.00 USD annually.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive healthcare benefits.

• 401(k) plan with potential company matching.

• Short-term disability coverage.

• Long-term disability coverage.

• Basic life insurance.

• Lucrative stock option plan, offering equity in a growing company.

• Performance-based bonus plans.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week, with an expectation of 4 days in the office per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $165,000 - $175,000 USD for a Product Designer in New York, NY, with 3+ years of experience, aligns with industry benchmarks for high-cost-of-living areas and specialized roles. The comprehensive benefits package, including stock options and bonus plans, indicates a competitive total compensation offering.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Real Estate Technology, Mobility, Hospitality. Metropolis is pioneering the "Recognition Economy," aiming to make the real world responsive through AI, transforming everyday experiences like parking, retail, and hospitality.

Company Size: Metropolis is a growing technology company, likely in the scale-up phase, indicated by the emphasis on building and maintaining culture as the organization expands. This suggests an environment where individual contributions can have a significant impact.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's focus on pioneering a new economic model ("Recognition Economy") and building an ecosystem of technologies implies a forward-thinking, innovative, and ambitious organizational ethos.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely collaborates closely with Product Management, Engineering, and potentially Marketing/Operations teams.

• As a growing company, the structure is likely dynamic, with opportunities for direct interaction with leadership.

• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, particularly for bridging the gap between digital product design and the physical world applications. Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making, utilizing product analytics and customer feedback to inform design.

• Agile development methodologies, with a focus on iterative design and development cycles.

• Emphasis on user-centric design, with a strong commitment to understanding and solving user needs.

• Integration of AI and emerging technologies to create innovative solutions.

Company Website: https://www.metropolis.io/ (Inferred from domain_derived)

📝 Enhancement Note: Metropolis's mission to create the "Recognition Economy" through AI suggests a culture of innovation, ambition, and a focus on tangible, real-world impact. The "4 Days in Office" policy indicates a preference for in-person collaboration, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Product Designer role is at a mid-level, requiring 3+ years of experience. It offers the opportunity to take ownership of features and contribute significantly to the core product strategy. The role is crucial in defining how Metropolis's technology translates into user experiences across diverse applications.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead, Head of Product, or a similar senior role within the product organization. Close collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering leads is expected.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work will directly influence customer acquisition, retention, and satisfaction by creating intuitive and magical experiences. Their designs will be instrumental in the adoption and success of Metropolis's AI solutions in the physical world, impacting revenue through improved user engagement and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in designing for physical-digital integrations, AI-driven user experiences, and advanced prototyping techniques.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, lead design initiatives for larger product areas, and contribute to the strategic direction of the design team as the company scales.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain exposure to various business units (parking, hospitality, retail, security) and their unique operational and user needs.

• Impactful Projects: Work on foundational products that shape a new economic model, offering significant professional development and portfolio building opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This mid-level role offers substantial growth potential, moving beyond execution to strategic contribution. The unique intersection of digital design, physical environments, and AI provides a fertile ground for developing specialized skills highly valued in the tech industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Metropolis operates with an "office-first" model, requiring team members to be on-site at least four days a week. This indicates a preference for in-person collaboration, team synergy, and spontaneous idea exchange.

Office Location(s): The role is based in New York, New York. Specific office details (e.g., amenities, accessibility) are not provided but can be assumed to be in a professional setting conducive to collaboration and innovation.

Workspace Context:

• A collaborative environment designed to foster organic interactions and spark creativity among team members.

• Access to modern design tools and technology, including Figma and potentially advanced prototyping and AI tools.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other design specialists.

• A dynamic startup/scale-up atmosphere where agility and adaptability are key.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the "office-first" model suggests a structured on-site presence, balanced with the flexibility inherent in a tech company environment. The focus is on delivering results and fostering collaboration within the designated office days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "4 Days in Office" policy is a significant aspect of the work environment, emphasizing in-person collaboration. This suggests that candidates should be comfortable with, and ideally thrive in, a hybrid setting that prioritizes face-to-face interaction for team building and idea generation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

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

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, showcasing relevant projects and design process. A design challenge, either take-home or live, may be administered to assess problem-solving skills and design execution.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineers to evaluate collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to articulate design decisions.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager to discuss role specifics, team dynamics, and overall alignment with company goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Physical-Digital Integration: Showcase projects where you've successfully designed experiences that bridge digital interfaces with real-world environments.

• Demonstrate AI Tool Usage: If applicable, include examples of how you've used AI tools to enhance design workflows or create responsive processes.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics and data to demonstrate the success and impact of your design solutions (e.g., conversion rate improvements, reduction in user errors, increased engagement).

• Articulate Your Process: Clearly explain your design thinking, the rationale behind your decisions, and the user research that informed your work.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Ensure your prototypes are interactive and well-organized within Figma, demonstrating your expert-level skills.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to complex design problems, particularly those involving user journeys that extend beyond the screen.

• Understand Metropolis's mission and the "Recognition Economy" concept to tailor your responses and design thinking.

• Practice articulating your design decisions concisely and persuasively, anticipating questions about technical feasibility and user impact.

• If a take-home challenge is provided, allocate sufficient time for thorough research, ideation, and polished execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely involve a strong emphasis on the candidate's portfolio and their ability to articulate their design process, especially concerning physical-digital interactions. The mention of AI tools suggests candidates might be asked about their experience with or understanding of AI in design.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Expert-level proficiency is required.

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in Figma's prototyping capabilities is a must. Experience with advanced tools like ProtoPie is a plus for creating highly interactive, logic-based prototypes.

• User Research Platforms: Tools for conducting usability testing and gathering qualitative feedback (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze).

• Product Analytics Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or Google Analytics for understanding user behavior and feature adoption.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Experience interpreting data from product analytics tools to identify user pain points and opportunities for design improvement. CRM & Automation:

• While not explicitly mentioned for the designer, understanding how designs integrate with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and automation workflows can be beneficial for context. AI & Emerging Technologies:

• Experience or familiarity with AI tools that can transform static workflows into responsive, high-output processes.

• Exposure to AI-first code editors like Cursor is a plus, indicating an interest in the intersection of design and development with AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as an expert-level requirement. The mention of ProtoPie and AI tools like Cursor suggests Metropolis is interested in designers who are not only skilled in current industry standards but also exploring cutting-edge technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Ambition: A drive to pioneer new economic models and build transformative technologies.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and solving user needs, creating intuitive and magical experiences.

• Collaboration: Valuing in-person interaction and cross-functional teamwork to drive collective success.

• Growth Mindset: Embracing continuous learning, constructive feedback, and adapting to new challenges.

• Craftsmanship: Maintaining a high bar for design quality, detail, and execution.

Collaboration Style:

• In-Person Focused: Encouraging organic interactions and spontaneous idea generation through a 4-day office-first model.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Working closely with Product Managers and Engineers to ensure alignment and technical feasibility.

• Feedback-Oriented: Openness to constructive criticism and iterative improvement based on team input.

• Data-Informed: Utilizing data and user insights as a foundation for design decisions and team discussions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of ambitious innovation with a practical, collaborative approach to execution. The "office-first" model is a strong indicator of the desired collaboration style.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for seamless transitions between digital interfaces and complex physical environments (e.g., parking garages, retail spaces).

• Integrating AI capabilities into user experiences in a way that feels intuitive and adds tangible value, rather than being a gimmick.

• Maintaining a high standard of design craft and consistency across a growing product suite and multiple user touchpoints.

• Collaborating effectively within a hybrid work model, ensuring strong communication and alignment despite some remote work. Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized UX Skills: Gaining deep expertise in designing for IoT, physical spaces, and AI-driven interactions.

• Product Strategy Input: Contributing to the strategic direction of product development and the overall "Recognition Economy" vision.

• Mentorship: Potential to mentor junior designers and contribute to building the design team's capabilities.

• Industry Trends: Staying at the forefront of AI in design, advanced prototyping, and the evolving landscape of mobility and real estate tech.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the novel nature of designing for the "Recognition Economy," which requires innovative solutions for bridging the digital and physical realms and integrating AI meaningfully.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you designed an experience that bridged a digital interface with a physical environment. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on your process, user research, and problem-solving.)

• "How would you approach designing a seamless check-in/check-out experience for a parking facility using Metropolis's AI technology?" (Be prepared to sketch out flows and discuss key touchpoints.)

• "How do you ensure technical feasibility when designing complex features, and how do you collaborate with engineers to achieve this?" (Highlight your communication and partnership skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Metropolis's mission to create the 'Recognition Economy'?" (Research the company's vision and articulate your alignment.)

• "How do you contribute to a collaborative team environment, especially within a hybrid work model?" (Refer to your experience with in-person collaboration and team dynamics.)

• "Describe your experience leveraging AI tools in your design process." (Be specific about tools and the impact they had on your work.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the impact.

• Storytelling: Craft a narrative around each project that highlights your problem-solving abilities and design thinking.

• Visuals: Use high-fidelity mockups, interactive prototypes, and clear diagrams to illustrate your work.

• Metrics: Back up your claims with data and quantifiable results whenever possible.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with physical-digital design, AI in design, and their collaborative approach. The portfolio presentation is critical and should highlight these specific areas.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Greenhouse.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating expertise in bridging digital and physical environments, user research, and Figma proficiency. Emphasize any experience with AI tools or complex user journeys.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 3+ years of experience and lists key skills relevant to UX/UI design, product design, prototyping, and user research, using keywords from the job description. Quantify achievements with metrics where possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, rationale, and problem-solving approaches, especially for challenges involving physical-digital interactions and AI integration. Prepare to present your portfolio effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Metropolis, its mission, the "Recognition Economy," and its approach to AI. Understand their commitment to in-person collaboration and how your skills align with their culture and 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.

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