Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Qantas Group

Location: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-10

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design and delivery of innovative mobile application experiences, focusing on customer value and continuous feedback within the product lifecycle.

• Transform complex customer and business challenges into clear, actionable, user-centric solutions that delight customers and drive business value.

• Collaborate closely with Product and Engineering teams, driving discovery, research, planning, execution, and iteration for outstanding outcomes.

• Champion design systems, facilitate workshops, and ensure all solutions meet Qantas' brand, accessibility (WCAG 2.0 AA), and quality standards.

• Leverage AI-enabled tools to drive efficiency and innovation in design activities, including insight synthesis, exploration, prototyping, and seamless handover to developers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the description heavily emphasizes UX/UI and Service Design aspects, with a strong focus on agile methodologies and AI integration. This role sits at the intersection of creative design and operational efficiency, requiring a candidate who can bridge user needs with technical feasibility and business objectives. The emphasis on "operations" in this context refers to the systematic processes and tools used to deliver design solutions efficiently and effectively, rather than traditional back-office operations.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, design, and delivery of user-centered mobile app experiences from ideation to launch and iteration.

• Conduct user research, persona creation, and user testing to gather insights and validate design decisions, ensuring a deep understanding of customer needs.

• Develop wireframes, user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs using industry-standard tools like Figma.

• Translate complex business requirements and user needs into intuitive and engaging user interfaces and seamless user journeys.

• Collaborate effectively within agile squads (Scrum, Kanban) to ensure timely and high-quality design delivery, participating in ceremonies and providing design input.

• Champion and evolve the Qantas design system, ensuring consistency, scalability, and adherence to brand guidelines and accessibility standards.

• Facilitate design thinking workshops and brainstorming sessions to foster innovation and collaborative problem-solving with cross-functional teams.

• Integrate and leverage AI-powered design tools (e.g., ClaudeCode, Cursor, Figma AI plugins) for tasks such as code generation, insight synthesis, and rapid prototyping.

• Communicate design concepts, rationale, and user insights effectively to stakeholders at all levels, adapting communication style to the audience.

• Ensure all designs comply with usability and accessibility standards, specifically WCAG 2.0 AA, and digital design best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role with significant strategic and collaborative elements. The emphasis on AI integration suggests a forward-thinking approach to design operations, aiming for efficiency gains in the design-to-development pipeline.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Tertiary qualification in Design, Human-Centered Design (HCD), UX/UI Design, or a related relevant field. A Bachelor's degree is the minimum expectation.

Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in Service Design, UX Design, UI Design, CX Design, or a similar user experience-focused role.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in end-to-end product design for native mobile applications.

• Strong understanding of conversational interfaces and other digital platforms.

• Strategic thinking capabilities to deliver innovative outcomes aligned with business briefs and brand identity.

• Ability to balance technical and creative objectives with a consistently user-centric approach.

• Demonstrated experience in concept development, wireframing, persona creation, user stories, and user testing methodologies.

• Proficiency in developing and promoting a product vision collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

• Experience in creating and utilizing user interface design patterns and components.

• Practical experience with modern design thinking frameworks and agile rituals such as Lean, Design Thinking, Scrum, and Kanban.

• Solid knowledge of usability and accessibility standards, including WCAG 2.0 AA compliance.

• Demonstrated logical reasoning, sound decision-making, and the ability to identify and resolve flawed logic or errors.

• Proven ability to solve high-impact design challenges within large, complex organizational structures.

• Strong facilitation skills with a track record of achieving successful outcomes in workshops and meetings.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design concepts to diverse stakeholder groups.

• Up-to-date knowledge of current digital design standards and emerging industry trends. Preferred Skills:

• Experience using AI tools to streamline design handover to developers and generate code (e.g., Figma's AI plugins, ClaudeCode, Cursor, Lovable).

• Familiarity with Qantas' specific brand guidelines and design language.

• Experience working with and contributing to established design systems.

• Understanding of front-end development principles to facilitate smoother handoffs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 5+ years aligns with a mid-to-senior level Product Designer role, expected to lead design initiatives and mentor junior team members. The explicit mention of AI tools indicates a strong preference for candidates who are proactive in adopting new technologies to enhance design operations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 5-7 diverse projects, with a strong emphasis on mobile application design.

• Detailed case studies for key projects demonstrating the end-to-end design process: problem definition, research, ideation, wireframing, prototyping, UI design, user testing, and iteration.

• Clear articulation of the user-centric problem statement and business objectives for each project.

• Evidence of strategic thinking and how design decisions aligned with broader business goals and brand standards.

• Demonstrations of collaborative work, including contributions to agile teams and stakeholder engagement.

• Showcase of proficiency in modern design tools (Figma, Miro) and an understanding of design system principles.

• Specific examples of how AI tools were integrated into the design workflow to improve efficiency, creativity, or outcomes.

• Documentation of user testing methodologies and how feedback informed design iterations. Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented design processes, user flows, or system interactions for clarity and handover.

• Case studies that highlight the application of Lean, Design Thinking, Scrum, or Kanban methodologies in your design practice.

• Evidence of adherence to and implementation of accessibility standards (WCAG 2.0 AA) within design projects.

• Demonstrations of how you have collaborated with engineering teams, including process for design handoff and iteration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, particularly one emphasizing AI and efficiency, the portfolio is critical. It should not just showcase finished products but the process and thinking behind them, with a clear emphasis on measurable outcomes and the adoption of innovative tools and methodologies. Highlighting AI integration in the portfolio will be a significant differentiator.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Product Designers (5-10 years) in Adelaide, Australia, and considering Qantas's status as a major corporation, the estimated annual salary range is AUD $120,000 - $170,000. This range accounts for the role's responsibilities, the location's cost of living, and the specialized skills required, including AI tool proficiency.

Benefits:

• Travel Perks: Heavily discounted air travel within Australia and internationally for employees, family, and friends. Exclusive deals on accommodation and holidays.

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible leave options, including the ability to purchase additional paid leave, and 18 weeks of paid parental leave.

• Financial Rewards: Salary packaging program (e.g., motor vehicles, portable electronic devices, professional memberships) and access to thousands of rewards through partnerships (shopping, food, wine, insurance, leisure, entertainment).

• Wellbeing Support: Comprehensive wellbeing programs, including mental health support, an interactive wellbeing app, and tailored nutrition plans.

• Professional Development: Hands-on training, coaching, and formal learning programs designed for career growth and skill enhancement.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 37.5 to 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, Qantas often offers flexibility within this framework, allowing for some adaptability in daily schedules to accommodate project needs and personal commitments, provided core working hours and collaboration needs are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is based on research from Australian job boards and salary aggregators for Product Designers with 5-10 years of experience in major cities like Adelaide. Benefits are detailed as per the provided information, emphasizing Qantas's strong travel-related perks and comprehensive employee support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Aviation, Travel & Tourism. Qantas is a globally recognized airline, operating in a highly competitive and regulated industry that demands innovation, efficiency, and exceptional customer experience. This context means design must be user-centric, reliable, and brand-aligned.

Company Size: Qantas Group is a large enterprise, employing thousands of individuals across various divisions. This scale implies structured processes, opportunities for impact, and potential for career advancement, but also requires designers to navigate complex organizational structures and collaborate across many departments.

Founded: Qantas was founded in 1920, giving it a long and rich history. This legacy suggests a company that values tradition and reliability while also investing in future innovation, as evidenced by its new Product and Innovation Centre.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of a new Product and Innovation Centre in Adelaide, indicating a focus on modern, agile ways of working.

• The role operates within a "squad environment," suggesting cross-functional teams comprising Product Managers, Engineers, Designers, and potentially data analysts, working together on specific product initiatives.

• Reporting is likely to a Design Lead or Head of Product, with close collaboration across Product and Engineering teams. Methodology:

• Agile Operations: The team will likely employ agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban, emphasizing iterative development, continuous feedback, and rapid deployment.

• Design Thinking: A strong emphasis on Design Thinking principles will guide problem-solving, user research, and ideation phases.

• Data-Driven Design: Decisions will be informed by data analysis, user testing, and performance metrics to optimize user experience and business outcomes.

• AI Integration: A key operational methodology will involve leveraging AI-enabled tools to enhance design efficiency, speed up prototyping, and facilitate smoother developer handoffs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The establishment of a new Product and Innovation Centre signifies Qantas's commitment to modernizing its digital offerings and adopting agile, customer-centric design practices. The focus on AI integration is a strategic operational choice to remain competitive and efficient.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-to-senior level Product Designer. It requires independent execution of design tasks, leadership within design sprints, and the ability to influence product direction. The expectation is to contribute significantly to the end-to-end product lifecycle and mentor less experienced designers.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead within the Product and Innovation Centre. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within their assigned agile squad, fostering a collaborative and peer-to-peer working dynamic.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the customer experience across Qantas's digital platforms, particularly the mobile app. This influence is critical for customer acquisition, retention, engagement, and ultimately, revenue generation. By creating intuitive and valuable digital products, the designer contributes to operational efficiency by reducing customer support queries and increasing self-service capabilities.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like mobile app design, conversational interfaces, or AI-driven design workflows.

• Leadership: Progress into a Senior Product Designer or Design Lead role, taking on more strategic responsibilities, managing projects, and mentoring teams.

• Cross-Functional Movement: Opportunities to transition into Product Management, Service Design leadership, or UX Research roles within the broader Qantas Group.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning through internal training programs, industry conferences, and hands-on experience with cutting-edge AI design tools and methodologies.

• Innovation Contribution: Play a key role in shaping the future of Qantas's digital products and contributing to the success of the new Product and Innovation Centre.

📝 Enhancement Note: Qantas, as a large, established company, offers structured career paths. The emphasis on a new innovation centre suggests a dynamic environment where individuals can carve out new roles and contribute to shaping future growth, particularly in areas like AI integration within design operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Qantas's new Product and Innovation Centre in Adelaide. This suggests a modern, purpose-built facility designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and agile ways of working, likely incorporating open-plan areas, breakout spaces, and dedicated project rooms.

Office Location(s): Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. This central location in Adelaide provides accessibility for local talent and establishes a key hub for Qantas's digital innovation efforts.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The workspace is designed to encourage frequent interaction and collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and other designers within agile squads.

• Tooling & Technology: Access to modern design tools (Figma, Miro), AI-powered design software (ClaudeCode, Cursor), collaboration platforms (JIRA, Confluence), and potentially advanced hardware for prototyping and user testing.

• Innovation Hub: Being part of a new centre means being at the forefront of Qantas's digital transformation, with opportunities to influence processes and adopt new technologies.

• Agile Rhythms: The daily environment will likely be structured around agile ceremonies, quick stand-ups, and iterative design cycles.

Work Schedule: This is a full-time, permanent, on-site position. While standard working hours apply, the agile environment often allows for some degree of flexibility in start and end times, provided team collaboration and project deadlines are met. The focus is on delivering outcomes rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The new Product and Innovation Centre implies a modern, agile workspace. The on-site requirement is typical for roles requiring intensive collaboration and access to specific resources, especially in a company like Qantas that values team cohesion and direct interaction.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter review of application, focusing on experience, qualifications, and alignment with the role's core requirements.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deep dive into your portfolio, discussing your design process, problem-solving approach, and experience with specific tools and methodologies. This stage often includes design challenges or case study presentations. Expect questions on your experience with AI tools and how you've used them.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion with the hiring manager about your experience, leadership potential, cultural fit, and understanding of the role's strategic impact.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential team members (Product Managers, Engineers, fellow Designers) to assess collaboration style and technical synergy.

• Final Round: Potentially a final interview with senior leadership or a panel to confirm suitability and discuss career aspirations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best showcase your mobile app design skills, AI integration experience, and ability to navigate complex challenges.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the solutions you designed, and the measurable outcomes or learnings.

• Highlight AI Usage: Specifically detail how you used AI tools (e.g., ClaudeCode, Cursor, Figma plugins) in your workflow, the benefits achieved (e.g., faster prototyping, code generation, improved iteration), and any challenges encountered.

• Showcase Process: Emphasize your understanding and application of Design Thinking, Lean, Agile (Scrum/Kanban), and accessibility standards (WCAG 2.0 AA).

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced task completion time, increased user satisfaction).

• Be Ready to Discuss: Prepare to articulate your design rationale, defend your decisions, and discuss your collaborative experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Challenge: Be prepared for a take-home design challenge or an on-the-spot exercise that assesses your problem-solving, ideation, and design skills. Focus on a mobile app context.

• AI Integration Focus: Consider how you might approach a design problem using AI tools, or how AI could enhance a traditional design process.

• Process Explanation: Practice articulating your design process clearly and concisely, especially how you integrate user feedback and agile principles.

• Stakeholder Communication: Prepare examples of how you've communicated design decisions and rationale to non-design stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI tools in the job description means candidates should be ready to discuss their practical experience and innovative ideas regarding AI in design. The portfolio review is a critical gateway, and its content should directly address the specified requirements.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in advanced features, component libraries, and auto-layout is expected.

• Miro: Crucial for collaborative ideation, workshops, user journey mapping, and wireframing.

• Adobe Creative Suite: While Figma is primary, familiarity with Photoshop or Illustrator for asset creation or manipulation may be beneficial.

Analytics & Reporting:

• JIRA: For managing tasks, tracking progress within agile sprints, and collaborating with engineering teams.

• Confluence: For documentation, knowledge sharing, and project planning.

• User Testing Platforms: Experience with tools for remote user testing and feedback collection (e.g., UserTesting.com, Maze).

CRM & Automation:

• AI-Powered Design Tools:

  • ClaudeCode / Cursor: For AI-assisted coding, code generation, and developer handoff.
  • Lovable: Potential AI tool for design system management or rapid prototyping.
  • Figma's AI Plugins: Experience with AI features integrated into Figma for various design tasks.

• Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with tools like InVision or Axure might be a plus, but Figma's capabilities are central.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI tools like ClaudeCode and Cursor is a strong indicator of the technology stack. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate hands-on experience with these or similar AI-driven design and development tools, highlighting their ability to enhance design operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Customer-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the user throughout the entire product lifecycle. Every design decision should prioritize user needs and enhance their experience.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working together within cross-functional squads, sharing knowledge, and supporting team members to achieve collective goals. Open communication and constructive feedback are key.

• Innovation & Curiosity: A drive to explore new ideas, experiment with emerging technologies (especially AI), and continuously improve processes and products. A proactive approach to learning is valued.

• Efficiency & Effectiveness: A focus on delivering high-quality, impactful design solutions efficiently, leveraging agile methodologies and AI tools to optimize workflows and accelerate delivery.

• Quality & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing well-crafted, accessible, and maintainable designs that align with Qantas's brand standards and uphold a high level of user experience.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Iterative: Work is conducted in sprints, with regular feedback loops and adaptability to changing requirements.

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers work hand-in-hand with Product Managers and Engineers, fostering a shared understanding of goals and challenges.

• Data-Informed: Decisions are backed by user research, analytics, and testing, but also rely on design intuition and creative exploration.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages asking questions, providing constructive feedback, and openly discussing design challenges and solutions.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement for senior team members to mentor junior designers and for all team members to share learnings and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at the new Product and Innovation Centre is likely to be dynamic and forward-thinking, heavily influenced by agile principles and a drive for innovation, particularly through AI adoption. This means candidates should be comfortable with rapid change and collaborative problem-solving.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Large Organizations: Adapting to the complexities and stakeholder landscape of a large, established company like Qantas, ensuring design initiatives gain buy-in and alignment.

• Balancing Innovation with Legacy: Integrating cutting-edge design practices and AI tools while respecting Qantas's established brand identity and operational constraints.

• Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape: Keeping pace with the fast-changing capabilities and ethical considerations of AI in design and ensuring its effective, responsible application.

• Driving Adoption of New Tools: Championing the use of new design tools and methodologies within teams and across the organization, potentially encountering resistance to change.

• Delivering High-Impact Mobile Experiences: Meeting the high expectations of Qantas customers for seamless, intuitive, and engaging mobile interactions in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Opportunity to become a subject matter expert in leveraging AI tools for design efficiency, generative design, and code assistance.

• Advanced UX/UI Techniques: Access to training and workshops on the latest UX research methodologies, interaction design patterns, and mobile design best practices.

• Agile & Product Management Principles: Deeper understanding and practical application of agile frameworks and product lifecycle management.

• Design System Evolution: Contributing to the growth and refinement of Qantas's design system, ensuring scalability and maintainability.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Opportunities to learn from and collaborate with experts in engineering, data science, and product management, broadening your understanding of the product development ecosystem.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a role in a large corporation undergoing digital transformation, especially with the integration of new technologies like AI. The growth opportunities are significant, particularly for those keen to specialize in AI-driven design operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you used AI tools to significantly improve your design process or outcomes. What were the results?" (Focus on practical application and measurable impact.)

• "How would you approach designing a new feature for the Qantas mobile app that leverages AI to personalize the customer experience? Walk us through your process." (Assess your strategic thinking, user-centricity, and AI ideation.)

• "Imagine a complex design challenge within Qantas's digital ecosystem. How would you use Design Thinking and agile methodologies to solve it collaboratively?" (Demonstrate your process, collaboration skills, and understanding of frameworks.)

• "How do you ensure accessibility (WCAG 2.0 AA) is integrated into your design process from the outset, rather than as an afterthought?" (Highlight your commitment to inclusive design.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you most about Qantas and this specific Product Designer role?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with the company's mission and the role's requirements.)

• "How do you stay current with digital design trends and emerging technologies, particularly AI?" (Demonstrate your proactive learning approach.)

• "Describe your experience working within agile squads. What is your role in facilitating effective team collaboration?" (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly state the problem, your specific role, the process, key decisions, solutions, and outcomes. Use visuals effectively.

• Emphasize AI Integration: Dedicate specific slides or sections to showcase how you've used AI tools. Discuss the tools, your approach, and the benefits.

• Quantify Success: Use metrics and data to support your claims about the impact of your designs.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design rationale, problem-solving approach, and how you handle feedback or conflicting opinions.

• Practice Your Delivery: Rehearse your presentation to ensure clarity, conciseness, and confidence. Time yourself to stay within the allotted duration.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the explicit mention of AI in the job description, candidates must be prepared to discuss their practical experience and innovative ideas regarding AI in design. This is not just a buzzword; it's a core expectation for this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight mobile app design, AI tool integration, and your experience with agile methodologies. Ensure case studies clearly articulate your process and outcomes.

• Resume Optimization: Update your resume to reflect your 5+ years of experience, focusing on achievements in UX/UI, service design, and any quantifiable results from your design work. Strategically include keywords like "Product Designer," "UX/UI," "Figma," "AI-powered design tools," and "Agile."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially your use of AI tools, and prepare specific examples for behavioral questions. Rehearse your portfolio presentation to be clear, concise, and impactful.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Qantas's current digital offerings, especially their mobile app, and understand their brand values and recent innovations. Consider how your design approach aligns with their customer-centric and innovation-driven culture.

⚠️ 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.