Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Pangram Labs

Location: New York City, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / GTM Operations Support

Date Posted: 2026-08-24

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the visual identity, brand, and design system for Pangram Labs, an AI research lab.

• Execute end-to-end design and shipping of web pages for the company website.

• Develop compelling marketing materials and assets across various formats to support Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies.

• Contribute to product design (UI, UX, user flows, onboarding) to enhance user experience.

• Conduct lightweight user studies to inform and iterate on design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is primarily Product Design, its focus on brand, web, and marketing assets suggests a strong need for collaboration with GTM functions. The candidate will be instrumental in translating brand strategy into tangible design elements that support sales enablement, marketing campaigns, and overall product adoption. This implies a need for understanding GTM objectives and how design can directly impact revenue enablement.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Own and evolve Pangram’s design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across all visual touchpoints.

• Design and launch impactful web pages for Pangram’s website, optimizing for user engagement and conversion.

• Create a comprehensive suite of marketing materials, including landing pages, social media graphics, launch announcements, campaign visuals, sales collateral, and event materials, aligning with GTM initiatives.

• Collaborate with product management and engineering teams to contribute to product design, focusing on UI, UX, user flows, and onboarding experiences.

• Execute lightweight user studies to gather insights and validate design solutions, fostering a data-informed design process.

• Establish and maintain the highest quality standards for Pangram’s visual output, managing quality assurance (QA) across all design deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a significant need for a designer who can bridge the gap between product and GTM. Designing sales collateral and campaign visuals directly supports revenue generation efforts. The emphasis on owning the "brand and visual identity" for an AI research lab suggests the designer will play a critical role in shaping market perception and establishing credibility, which are foundational to GTM success.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in product design, with a proven track record of shipping real products to users.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in brand identity development and visual design principles.

• Strong portfolio showcasing exceptional graphic design work and a keen eye for visual craftsmanship and taste.

• Proven experience in web design, including the ability to design and ship web pages.

• Hands-on experience in designing and launching user-facing products.

• Proficiency in utilizing AI tools to enhance the design process and output.

• Ability to manage quality assurance (QA) for design deliverables. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in motion graphics and animation.

• Background in product design, specifically UI/UX design and user flows.

• Experience conducting user research and translating findings into actionable design improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "fluency with AI tools" is a critical differentiator for this role, especially given Pangram Labs' focus. Candidates should be prepared to showcase how they leverage AI in their design workflow, from ideation and asset generation to efficiency improvements. The "2 or more years" experience level, combined with the expectation to "own" the design system and "ship real products," suggests they are looking for an individual who can operate with significant autonomy relatively quickly.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating exceptional brand, visual, and graphic design work.

• Specific examples of web pages designed and shipped end-to-end.

• Case studies showcasing the creation of marketing materials and assets across various formats (landing pages, social media, sales collateral).

• Evidence of contributions to product design, including UI, UX, and user flows.

• Examples of how user studies informed design decisions and led to iterative improvements.

• Demonstrations of design system components and their application. Process Documentation:

• Showcase your approach to developing and maintaining a design system, including its governance and evolution.

• Illustrate your end-to-end process for designing and launching web pages, from concept to deployment.

• Detail your workflow for creating marketing assets, highlighting collaboration with GTM stakeholders.

• Present case studies on how you’ve contributed to product UI/UX improvements, including user flow optimization.

• Provide examples of how you’ve conducted user research and integrated findings into design iterations.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role that emphasizes ownership of brand and visual identity, the portfolio must clearly articulate the candidate's strategic thinking behind their design choices, not just aesthetic execution. Applicants should highlight projects where their design decisions directly supported business objectives, especially those related to market presence and user acquisition/retention. Demonstrating an understanding of how design integrates with GTM strategies will be key.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $170,000 USD per year. This range reflects the competitive market for experienced Product Designers in New York City, considering the specialized nature of working within an AI research lab and the significant ownership this role entails.

Benefits:

• Equity: Opportunity to own a stake in a rapidly growing AI research lab.

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and holidays.

• Professional Development and Learning Opportunities.

• Potential for significant impact and career growth within a pioneering company.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected to meet project deadlines and collaborate effectively with a fast-paced startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $130,000 - $170,000 USD is competitive for a Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in New York City, especially for a role with significant ownership and impact in a high-growth tech sector. The inclusion of "Equity" is a strong indicator of a startup environment where employees are incentivized to contribute to long-term company success, aligning with GTM goals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AI Research & Development (Software). Pangram Labs operates at the forefront of artificial intelligence, focusing on AI detection software. This specialized industry demands innovation, accuracy, and a strong emphasis on trust and credibility.

Company Size: Small (likely <50 employees based on hiring the second Product Designer). This size implies a dynamic, hands-on environment where individual contributions have a significant and immediate impact.

Founded: Specific founding date not provided, but the company is described as an "AI research lab," suggesting a focus on cutting-edge technology and innovation.

Team Structure:

• The design function is nascent, with the hired Product Designer being the second member.

• Collaboration will be close with founders, a lead designer, and a product manager.

• This structure allows for direct influence and rapid iteration within the design team.

• The role will likely involve close interaction with engineering and potentially marketing/sales teams as GTM functions mature. Methodology:

• Data-driven approach, particularly leveraging AI for product development and insights.

• Emphasis on accuracy and credibility, which will influence design decisions and quality standards.

• Agile and iterative development processes are likely given the startup environment.

• Focus on user-centric design informed by lightweight user studies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on AI and "trust and credibility" as core values will heavily influence the design aesthetic and messaging. The "small company size" suggests a flat hierarchy and a need for individuals who are comfortable wearing multiple hats and driving initiatives independently, which is crucial for supporting evolving GTM needs.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role sits at an early-to-mid-career level for a Product Designer. While requiring 2+ years of experience, the "ownership" of brand, design system, and significant GTM-related asset creation positions it as a high-impact role with potential for rapid advancement. The designer will be instrumental in shaping the company's visual narrative.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a Lead Designer or potentially a founder, with direct collaboration with the Product Manager. This close working relationship with leadership provides excellent visibility and opportunities for mentorship.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact extends beyond aesthetics. By owning the visual identity and creating marketing/sales collateral, they directly support GTM efforts. High-quality, consistent design builds trust, enhances brand perception, and improves the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and sales conversations, ultimately contributing to customer acquisition and revenue growth.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in brand system management, product UI/UX, or AI-driven design tools and workflows.

• Leadership: As the design function grows, opportunities to lead projects, mentor junior designers, and influence design strategy will emerge.

• Cross-functional Impact: Develop a strong understanding of GTM operations, marketing strategy, and product development cycles, becoming a key strategic partner.

• Skill Expansion: Gain experience in areas like motion graphics, animation, and advanced user research, further broadening skill sets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's position as one of the first designers implies a unique opportunity to build foundational design processes and culture. For operations professionals looking to transition or collaborate with design, understanding how this role supports GTM by creating consistent brand messaging and sales enablement tools is key. The growth trajectory is steep, offering a chance to shape the design function from its early stages.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in New York City. This indicates a preference for in-person collaboration, fostering team cohesion and spontaneous idea exchange crucial for a startup environment.

Office Location(s): New York City, New York, United States. This vibrant tech hub offers access to talent, resources, and networking opportunities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The small team size and on-site requirement foster a highly collaborative atmosphere, encouraging direct interaction with founders, product management, and potentially GTM teams.

• Tools & Technology: Expect access to industry-standard design software (e.g., Figma, Sketch) and potentially cutting-edge AI design tools. The company's focus on AI suggests an environment that embraces technological innovation.

• Operations Team Interaction: While not strictly an operations role, the Product Designer will work closely with GTM functions by providing essential visual assets and brand consistency, acting as a key partner in executing marketing and sales strategies.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected, with the understanding that startup environments often require flexibility to meet critical project deadlines and launch windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in NYC is significant. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic, collaborative in-office culture. The emphasis on "setting the quality bar" suggests a work environment that values meticulousness and high standards in design execution, which is critical for building trust in an AI company.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess foundational skills and experience.

• Portfolio Presentation: A deep dive into the candidate's portfolio, focusing on brand identity, visual design, web design, and marketing asset creation. Expect to discuss design process, decision-making rationale, and impact.

• Skills Assessment: Potentially a design challenge or case study focused on brand application, web page design, or marketing collateral creation, assessing problem-solving abilities and execution quality.

• Team/Founder Interviews: Discussions to evaluate cultural fit, collaboration style, and alignment with Pangram Labs' mission and values, particularly regarding accuracy and trust.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Brand Ownership: Highlight projects where you defined or significantly evolved a brand's visual identity. Emphasize strategic thinking behind your choices.

• Demonstrate End-to-End Web Design: Include case studies of web pages you designed and shipped, detailing the process from concept to execution and any user feedback.

• Highlight GTM Asset Creation: Present examples of marketing materials (landing pages, social graphics, sales collateral) and explain how they supported specific GTM objectives.

• Detail Design System Contributions: If applicable, showcase your experience in building, maintaining, or contributing to a design system.

• Illustrate User Study Impact: Briefly explain how user research informed your design decisions and led to tangible improvements.

• Leverage AI Tools: Be ready to discuss how you used AI tools in your workflow and the benefits they brought to your projects.

Challenge Preparation:

• Brand Application Exercise: Be prepared to apply Pangram's nascent brand identity to a hypothetical marketing asset or web page.

• Web Design Scenario: You might be asked to outline the design approach for a new feature landing page or a key section of the website.

• Marketing Collateral Ideation: Consider how you would visually represent Pangram's AI detection software for different audiences (e.g., academic, enterprise).

• Process Explanation: Be ready to articulate your design process clearly and concisely, especially how you integrate user feedback and collaborate with stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize the candidate's portfolio for evidence of strong brand stewardship and an ability to translate business needs into compelling visual solutions. For this role, demonstrating an understanding of how design directly supports GTM objectives—like lead generation through landing pages or sales enablement through collateral—will be a significant advantage.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design Software: Figma (highly probable, industry standard for collaborative design), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Prototyping Tools: Figma, InVision, Adobe XD.

• Design System Management: Tools and methodologies for documenting and managing design system components and guidelines.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a direct analytics role, understanding how to use data from tools like Google Analytics or product analytics platforms (e.g., Amplitude, Mixpanel) to inform web design and user flow optimization will be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, Pardot) is advantageous for understanding the context of sales collateral and marketing campaign assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fluency with AI tools" requirement is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to discuss specific AI design tools they have used (e.g., Midjourney for concept generation, Adobe Firefly for asset creation, AI-powered UX analysis tools) and how these tools augment their creative process and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Trust & Credibility: Central to Pangram's mission; design must reflect accuracy, reliability, and professionalism.

• Innovation: As an AI research lab, a forward-thinking and experimental approach to design is valued.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: High standards for visual execution and attention to detail are expected.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within a small, cross-functional team is essential.

• Impact-Driven: Focus on how design contributes to the company's mission and GTM success.

Collaboration Style:

• Direct & Iterative: Expect frequent feedback loops and collaborative sessions with founders, product managers, and potentially other GTM stakeholders.

• Cross-functional Integration: The designer will be a key bridge between product development and GTM strategy, requiring strong communication and partnership skills.

• Process-Oriented: While the design function is new, there will be an emphasis on establishing clear processes for design requests, feedback, and QA.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "trust and credibility" means the designer must be adept at creating visuals that convey authority and reliability, especially critical for an AI detection software company. This translates to a design culture that values precision, ethical considerations, and clear communication over overly flashy or misleading aesthetics.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch: Establishing a design system and brand identity for a growing company presents a significant foundational challenge.

• Balancing Product & GTM Needs: Effectively managing design requests from both product development and GTM functions simultaneously.

• Defining Visual Authority: Creating a visual language that clearly communicates the accuracy and trustworthiness of AI detection software.

• Rapid Iteration: Adapting designs quickly to evolving product features and GTM campaign requirements in a fast-paced startup.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Strategic Design Leadership: Opportunity to shape the future of design at Pangram Labs and influence company-wide visual strategy.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Gain deep insights into GTM operations, product development, and AI research.

• AI Tool Mastery: Become an expert in leveraging cutting-edge AI tools for design innovation.

• Industry Impact: Contribute to a company making significant strides in AI authenticity and combating misinformation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge will be balancing the need for a strong, consistent brand identity with the diverse and often urgent demands of GTM initiatives. The growth opportunity lies in becoming the go-to design authority and a strategic partner in the company's expansion.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach building and evolving a design system from its early stages for a company like Pangram Labs?" (Focus on process, scalability, and collaboration.)

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting design priorities from product and marketing/sales. How did you resolve it?" (Assess prioritization, communication, and stakeholder management skills.)

• "How do you ensure your design work aligns with and supports Go-To-Market objectives, such as lead generation or brand awareness?" (Evaluate understanding of GTM impact.)

• "Given Pangram's mission around trust and credibility in AI, what are the key visual principles you would apply to our brand and marketing materials?" (Test strategic thinking and brand alignment.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you most about Pangram Labs' mission and the AI detection space?" (Gauge genuine interest and research.)

• "How do you approach quality assurance in your design work, especially in a fast-paced environment?" (Assess attention to detail and process.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with founders, product managers, and potentially marketing/sales teams." (Evaluate cultural fit and teamwork.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation with a clear story for each project: the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the impact (quantified where possible).

• Highlight GTM Relevance: For marketing and web design projects, explicitly state the GTM objective and how your design contributed to achieving it.

• Showcase AI Tool Usage: Be prepared to demonstrate or explain how you used AI tools in specific projects and the benefits derived.

• Brand Consistency: Ensure your presentation itself reflects strong visual design and brand cohesion, mirroring the professionalism you'll bring to Pangram.

• Focus on Ownership: Emphasize instances where you took ownership of design initiatives and drove them to completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to discuss how they would translate complex AI concepts into accessible and trustworthy visual communication. Demonstrating an understanding of the GTM funnel and how design assets contribute at each stage will be a significant advantage.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight relevant experience in brand identity, visual design, web design, and marketing asset creation, with specific examples of shipped products and GTM collateral.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 2+ years of experience, proficiency with design tools (especially AI-powered ones), and any experience contributing to GTM strategies.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, decision-making, and the impact of your work, particularly how it supported business objectives.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Pangram Labs, its mission, its AI detection technology, and its market position to articulate your understanding and enthusiasm during interviews.

⚠️ 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.