Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Virtualitics, Inc

Location: Remote

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-09-01

Experience Level: Mid-Level (1-4 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Design innovative, chat-first, agent-driven user experiences that translate complex insights into actionable decisions for defense, government, and critical infrastructure sectors.

• Collaborate closely with Product Managers and engineers to translate well-scoped problems into clear user flows, states, and high-fidelity interfaces, leveraging an established design system.

• Develop and iterate on prototypes using Figma and AI tools to validate design rationale and present compelling case studies that highlight thoughtful hierarchy, spacing, and user experience details.

• Contribute to the evolution of the company's design system by identifying and flagging gaps and inconsistencies, ensuring a cohesive and scalable user experience.

• Participate actively in UX reviews, providing critical feedback on features, agent responses, and generated UI before deployment, ensuring adherence to UX, UI, and accessibility best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically tailored for a Product Designer with a focus on AI-native applications and agent-driven interfaces, particularly within the specialized domains of defense, government, and critical infrastructure. The emphasis on "chat-first" and "agent-driven" experiences suggests a need for expertise in conversational UI and understanding how users interact with AI agents to achieve operational certainty. The role requires a blend of strong visual and interaction design skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into intuitive user experiences.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design conversational user interfaces for agent-driven applications, focusing on presenting insights and guiding users from inquiry to decision-making within established design patterns.

• Build and maintain UI components within the company's design system, actively contributing to its expansion and refinement by identifying and addressing inconsistencies or gaps.

• Partner with Product Managers to transform user requirements and product specifications into detailed user flows, screen designs, interactive prototypes, and comprehensive interface specifications.

• Create high-fidelity prototypes in Figma or other AI-assisted design tools to test design hypotheses, user flows, and complex component interactions, effectively communicating design rationale.

• Conduct and participate in rigorous UX reviews of new features, agent responses, dynamically generated UIs, and page layouts, ensuring alignment with user needs, business objectives, and design standards.

• Present design work, articulate design decisions, and defend rationale to cross-functional teams including designers, product managers, and engineers, and actively incorporate feedback for rapid iteration.

• Analyze and reflect on past design projects to identify areas for improvement and apply learnings to future design endeavors, demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning and refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on design role that requires not only the creation of interfaces but also active participation in the product development lifecycle. The emphasis on "chat-first, agent-driven experiences" and "AI-native readiness applications" indicates a need for a designer comfortable with emerging AI interaction paradigms. The requirement to "partner with Product Managers" and "present your work and your reasoning" underscores the importance of strong communication and collaboration skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is often preferred for product design roles, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design principles and user-centered methodologies.

Experience: 1-4 years of professional product design experience, with a proven track record in designing user interfaces and experiences for software applications.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Figma, including the ability to create well-documented designs, complex prototypes, and user flows.

• A strong portfolio showcasing 1-3 completed product design case studies or projects, detailing your specific contributions and design process.

• Excellent visual design skills, with a keen eye for hierarchy, spacing, typography, and the ability to create aesthetically pleasing and functional interfaces.

• Solid understanding of User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) design principles, including user-centered design methodologies.

• Foundational knowledge of accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG) and their application in interface design.

• Fluency in working with and contributing to design systems and component libraries.

• Ability to clearly articulate, explain, and defend design decisions with logical reasoning.

• Demonstrated willingness to reflect on past projects, identify areas for improvement, and incorporate feedback effectively.

• Receptiveness to constructive criticism and an open mind towards new ideas and approaches. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing interfaces for data-dense, analytical, or enterprise-level software applications.

• Exposure to or experience with AI-powered products, conversational UIs, or agentic workflows.

• Familiarity with using AI tools such as Claude and Figma's AI features (e.g., Figma Make) in the design and prototyping process.

• Basic understanding of front-end development concepts (components, tokens, states, responsive behavior) to facilitate effective collaboration with engineers.

• Interest in contributing to projects within the defense and government sectors.

• Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 1-4 years suggests this role is suitable for individuals who have moved beyond entry-level internships and have some practical experience applying design principles in a professional setting. The emphasis on a "viewable portfolio showing 1-3 case studies or completed projects highlighting your contributions" is critical for assessing a candidate's practical skills and problem-solving abilities. The preferred skills indicate a strong leaning towards candidates with experience in complex software and an interest in cutting-edge AI interaction models.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio showcasing 1-3 detailed case studies or completed projects that clearly illustrate your product design process, problem-solving approach, and final outcomes.

• Each case study should highlight your specific contributions, the challenges faced, your design rationale, the tools and methodologies used (especially Figma), and the impact of your design solutions.

• Demonstrations of your ability to translate complex requirements into intuitive user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Evidence of strong visual design skills, including thoughtful hierarchy, spacing, typography, and attention to detail across various states and components.

• Examples of how you've applied UX, UI, and accessibility fundamentals in your designs. Process Documentation:

• Your portfolio should implicitly or explicitly document your design process, from initial problem definition and user research (if applicable) through ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration.

• Showcase your ability to work within and contribute to design systems, demonstrating an understanding of component-based design and scalability.

• Provide clear explanations of your design decisions, supported by user needs, business goals, or technical constraints.

• Include examples of how you have collaborated with product managers and engineers, and how you have incorporated feedback into your designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to go beyond just showcasing pretty screens and demonstrate a structured design thinking process. For this specific role, highlighting experience with complex interfaces, AI, or conversational design within the portfolio will be highly advantageous. The "willingness to reflect on past projects" suggests that candidates should be prepared to discuss their design choices and the lessons learned from them.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: While not explicitly provided, for a Product Designer with 1-4 years of experience in a fully remote capacity within the US tech market, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $90,000 - $130,000 USD annually. This range can vary based on specific location (even for remote roles, some companies consider cost of living), the candidate's exact experience, and the depth of their portfolio.

Benefits:

• Equity Participation: Meaningful equity in a rapidly scaling company, offering potential for significant financial upside.

• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Fully paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their dependents.

• Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO): Flexible approach to time off, allowing employees to take time as needed for rest and rejuvenation.

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Options for remote work, with potential for hybrid arrangements for those in or near the Los Angeles or Washington, DC areas.

• Professional Development: Opportunities to grow alongside a scaling company and work on impactful, mission-critical projects.

• Competitive Compensation: Beyond salary and equity, the package is designed to attract and retain top talent.

Working Hours: A standard full-time work week is typically 40 hours. Given the fully remote nature and emphasis on flexible work arrangements, there is likely flexibility in daily scheduling, provided core collaboration hours and project deadlines are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided benefits are strong, particularly the equity participation and fully paid health coverage for dependents, which are attractive to experienced professionals. The "unlimited PTO" and "flexible work arrangements" signal a modern, results-oriented work culture. The estimated salary range is based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers in remote US roles with 1-4 years of experience, considering the company's focus on AI and specialized sectors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Virtualitics operates in the AI and Defense Technology sector, specifically focusing on AI-native readiness applications for defense, government, and critical infrastructure. This positions the company at the intersection of cutting-edge AI development and critical national security needs.

Company Size: Virtualitics is a growing company, likely in the startup to early-stage growth phase, with a focus on innovation and scaling its AI solutions. The description suggests a team of "scientists, strategists, and servicemembers," indicating a highly specialized and mission-driven workforce.

Founded: Founded on a decade of Caltech research in partnership with NASA/JPL, Virtualitics has a strong scientific and research foundation, implying a culture that values deep technical expertise and rigorous innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team likely operates within a Product organization, collaborating closely with Product Management and Engineering.

• Designers are expected to be independent contributors, capable of driving projects from concept to completion, with direct interaction with leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

• The broader company culture emphasizes "relentless about results, grounded in transparency, and driven by compassion for the mission and the people it serves," suggesting a collaborative, high-impact, and ethically-minded environment. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Innovation: The company leverages AI and extensive research to solve complex challenges, implying a data-centric approach to product development and decision-making.

• Agile Development: Likely employs agile methodologies, requiring designers to iterate quickly and adapt to evolving requirements.

• Mission-Oriented Focus: A strong emphasis on the impact of their AI solutions for critical sectors, meaning design decisions are tied to tangible mission outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's background in Caltech research and NASA/JPL partnerships suggests a high bar for technical excellence and innovation. The focus on defense and government clients implies a need for designers who can handle complex, sensitive, and data-intensive applications, and potentially understand the nuances of working with public sector clients. The culture described is one of high performance, purpose, and technical depth.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at the Mid-Level Product Designer stage. It requires 1-4 years of experience, indicating a need for individuals who can work independently on defined projects, contribute meaningfully to design systems, and effectively communicate their work. They are expected to move beyond basic task execution to strategic problem-solving within their design domain.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Product Design. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering teams, participating in cross-functional sprints and reviews. The emphasis on presenting work to "designers, PMs, and engineers" highlights a collaborative reporting dynamic.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer at Virtualitics, your impact will be measured by your ability to create clear, intuitive, and effective user experiences for AI-native readiness applications. Your designs will directly influence how leaders and operators in critical sectors gain operational certainty, identify risks, and make informed decisions. This role offers the opportunity to shape how AI is perceived and utilized in high-stakes environments, contributing to mission success and organizational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization in AI/Conversational Design: Deepen expertise in designing for AI-powered products, LLMs, and agentic workflows, a rapidly growing field.

• Contribution to Design Systems: Become a key contributor to and potentially a lead for the company's design system, enhancing scalability and consistency.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Develop leadership skills by influencing product direction and collaborating closely with senior stakeholders in Product Management and Engineering.

• Domain Expertise: Gain specialized knowledge in defense, government, and critical infrastructure sectors, understanding the unique UX challenges and requirements of these industries.

• Career Progression: Potential to advance into Senior Product Designer, Lead Product Designer, or Design Manager roles as the company grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities are significant, particularly for a designer interested in the burgeoning field of AI interaction design and its application in critical domains. The company's growth trajectory suggests ample opportunities for individuals to take on more responsibility and advance their careers. The "AI-native readiness applications" focus means that developing expertise here can be highly valuable.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, offering maximum flexibility in terms of work location. However, the company also mentions hybrid options for team members based in Los Angeles or Washington, DC, suggesting potential for in-person collaboration for those who prefer it or are located nearby.

Office Location(s): While remote, the company has a presence in Los Angeles, CA, and Washington, DC, which may serve as hubs for occasional team meetups or hybrid work options for employees in those regions.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: Expect to utilize digital collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Figma) extensively for communication, design reviews, and team meetings.

• Tech-Forward Environment: Access to modern design tools, including Figma and potentially AI-assisted design tools, fostering an environment of innovation and efficiency.

• Mission-Focused Culture: The workspace is characterized by a drive for results and a deep commitment to solving complex, mission-critical challenges, fostering a sense of purpose among team members.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard 40-hour work week. However, the "flexible work arrangements" suggest that while core hours for collaboration might exist, there's likely autonomy in structuring the workday to accommodate personal needs and optimize productivity.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote nature is a significant draw for many. The mention of specific office locations for hybrid options suggests that while remote is the default, the company values some level of in-person interaction or has a physical presence for certain functions. The emphasis on "AI-native readiness applications" implies a need for a focused work environment capable of handling complex data and intricate design challenges.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process: The interview process is likely to be multi-stage, designed to assess design skills, problem-solving abilities, cultural fit, and technical understanding. A typical flow might include:

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

• Portfolio Review & Design Exercise: A session where you present your portfolio case studies, discuss your design process, and potentially complete a small design challenge or take-home assignment. This stage focuses on your ability to articulate design decisions and solve specific problems.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and Engineers to evaluate collaboration skills, understanding of technical constraints, and strategic thinking.

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: A final discussion to assess overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with team and company culture.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest case studies that best represent your skills relevant to this role (e.g., complex interfaces, AI/conversational design, enterprise software).

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the process you followed, the challenges you overcame, your design rationale, and the impact of your solutions. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Process: Emphasize your thought process, not just the final designs. Show wireframes, user flows, iterations, and why you made specific design choices.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Tailor to Virtualitics: If possible, subtly align your case study explanations with the company's mission and the types of problems they solve.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with AI-native applications, agent-driven interfaces, and the challenges faced by defense, government, and critical infrastructure sectors.

• Figma Proficiency: Be ready to demonstrate advanced Figma skills, including component creation, prototyping, and collaboration features.

• Design System Thinking: Prepare to discuss your experience with design systems and how you contribute to their maintenance and evolution.

• Communication: Practice articulating complex design concepts clearly and concisely, preparing to defend your decisions and engage in constructive critique.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "chat-first, agent-driven experiences" means that candidates should be prepared to discuss or demonstrate their understanding of conversational UI design principles and how to create effective interactions with AI agents. The portfolio should ideally reflect this, or candidates should be ready to discuss how they would approach such challenges. The "willingness to reflect on past projects" is a key indicator for interviewers, so be prepared for deep dives into your decision-making.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core design tool for wireframing, UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency in advanced Figma features, including component libraries, auto layout, and interactive prototyping, is essential.

• AI Tools: Experience with AI tools like Claude and Figma Make is a significant advantage, indicating comfort with emerging technologies that can aid in the design process.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a designer's primary tool, an understanding of how user data and analytics are used to inform design decisions is beneficial. Experience with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Mixpanel) from a UX perspective can be a plus. CRM & Automation:

• As a designer, direct CRM or automation tool usage might be limited, but understanding how these systems integrate with the user experience and how design impacts user workflows within these systems is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is clearly the central tool for this role. The explicit mention of AI tools like Claude and Figma Make indicates that Virtualitics is at the forefront of incorporating AI into their design workflows, and candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience or willingness to learn these tools. An understanding of how designs impact downstream processes within enterprise systems is also beneficial.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Mission-Driven: A strong commitment to solving complex, mission-critical challenges for defense, government, and critical infrastructure clients. This translates to a focus on delivering impactful and reliable solutions.

• Relentless Innovation: Driven by scientific research and a desire to push the boundaries of AI technology, fostering an environment where new ideas and technical depth are highly valued.

• Transparency and Results: A culture that prioritizes clear communication, accountability, and a focus on achieving tangible outcomes.

• Compassion: A dedication to the mission and the people it serves, suggesting an empathetic approach to both internal team dynamics and end-user needs.

• Excellence: A high-performance environment where quality, detail, and rigorous execution are paramount.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Partnership: Designers are expected to collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers, acting as integral members of product teams.

• Iterative and Feedback-Oriented: The design process involves continuous feedback loops through UX reviews and discussions with stakeholders, encouraging open dialogue and rapid iteration.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that likely encourages sharing best practices, design patterns, and learnings to collectively improve the product and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be a blend of rigorous scientific inquiry, mission-critical focus, and a high-performance startup environment. Designers should be comfortable with a fast-paced, innovative setting where their contributions directly impact critical operations. The "compassion for the mission and the people it serves" suggests a human-centered approach despite the technical focus.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Complex Domains: Adapting design thinking to the specific needs and constraints of defense, government, and critical infrastructure sectors, which often involve high stakes, data complexity, and stringent security requirements.

• Pioneering AI-Native Interfaces: Being at the forefront of designing for AI-native and agent-driven applications requires navigating uncharted territory in UX design, defining new interaction paradigms.

• Balancing Innovation with Established Patterns: Creating novel chat-first experiences while adhering to established design system components and UX best practices requires careful consideration and skillful execution.

• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Environment: The need to iterate quickly based on feedback and evolving AI capabilities within a scaling company can be demanding.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into AI/LLM Design: Gain unparalleled experience in designing for advanced AI, conversational interfaces, and agentic systems, a highly sought-after skill set.

• Industry-Specific Expertise: Develop specialized knowledge in national security and critical infrastructure applications, understanding the unique challenges and user needs within these domains.

• Design System Leadership: Opportunity to significantly influence and grow the company's design system, potentially leading to system ownership.

• Exposure to Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with leading-edge AI research and development, staying ahead of industry trends.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the innovative and specialized nature of Virtualitics' work. Successfully navigating these challenges presents significant growth opportunities for a designer looking to specialize in a high-impact, emerging field. The company's unique position in the market means that learning here will be highly relevant and valuable.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design an experience for a complex, data-dense application. What were the key challenges, and how did you approach them?" (Focus on your process, problem-solving, and ability to handle complexity.)

• "How would you approach designing a 'chat-first' experience for an AI agent that provides operational readiness insights? What are the key considerations for user trust and clarity?" (Demonstrate understanding of conversational UI, AI interaction, and user empathy.)

• "Walk us through a case study from your portfolio where you significantly improved a user experience. What was the problem, your solution, and the measurable impact?" (Highlight your design thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to quantify results.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Virtualitics' mission and the sectors we serve (defense, government, critical infrastructure)?" (Research the company's mission, products, and client base; articulate your alignment with their purpose.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with Product Managers and Engineers, especially when there are differing opinions on design decisions?" (Showcase your communication, negotiation, and teamwork skills.)

• "Describe your experience working with or contributing to design systems. How do you ensure consistency and scalability?" (Detail your practical experience with design systems and your understanding of their importance.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role, the user, your process (research, ideation, design, testing), your key design decisions and rationale, and the outcome/impact.

• Be Visual: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, user flows, and prototypes to illustrate your points. Ensure your Figma work is well-organized and easy to navigate if screen-sharing is involved.

• Highlight Your "Why": For every design decision, explain the reasoning behind it. Connect your choices to user needs, business goals, or technical constraints.

• Embrace Feedback: Be open to questions and critiques. Demonstrate that you can thoughtfully consider feedback and discuss potential iterations.

• Showcase AI/Conversational Design: If you have relevant experience, make sure to highlight it. If not, be prepared to discuss how you would approach these types of challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of AI-driven interactions and the specific nuances of designing for high-stakes environments. The portfolio presentation is a critical component, so practicing the narrative and anticipating questions about design rationale will be key. The company's emphasis on "explainable AI" suggests that clarity and transparency in design will be highly valued.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on jobs.lever.co.

• Customize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight experience with Figma, UX/UI design, design systems, and any relevant experience with AI, conversational UI, or enterprise software. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio is polished, easily accessible (a link is sufficient), and showcases 1-3 strong case studies that demonstrate your design process, problem-solving abilities, and impact. Be ready to walk through these in detail.

• Research Virtualitics: Understand the company's mission, its AI-native readiness applications, and its target markets (defense, government, critical infrastructure). This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest.

• Practice Your Pitch: Be ready to articulate your design philosophy, explain your design decisions confidently, and discuss your experience with collaboration and iteration. Practice presenting your portfolio case studies.

⚠️ 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.