Product Designer - Carbonhouse

AXS
Full-timeβ€’$75k-90k/year (USD)β€’Charlotte, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: AXS (Carbonhouse Team)

Location: Charlotte, NC

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Digital Infrastructure

Date Posted: August 05, 2026

Experience Level: 4-6 Years (Mid-Level to Senior)

Remote Status: Hybrid

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • This hybrid role at AXS's Carbonhouse team requires a Product Designer to lead client website designs and contribute to the development of a core product platform, leveraging AI-assisted tooling.

  • The position emphasizes a dual focus: delivering exceptional, branded digital experiences for individual clients while simultaneously identifying and pressure-testing reusable patterns for the company's platform.

  • Candidates will be expected to "design in real materials," utilizing AI to prototype and validate concepts in production-like environments, ensuring seamless handoffs to development.

  • A key aspect of this role involves a deep partnership with engineering teams, moving beyond traditional handoffs to a peer-level collaboration that informs technical feasibility and reduces development churn.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The job title "Product Designer" for the Carbonhouse team suggests a role that bridges product development with client-specific design solutions. The emphasis on "reusable patterns" and "core platform" indicates a strategic product-centric approach, differentiating it from pure agency work. The explicit mention of "AI-native workflow" and "design in real materials" points to a forward-thinking design practice that integrates emerging technologies.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end client website design projects, from initial concept and brand interpretation to final launch, presenting work to clients and driving successful outcomes.

  • Collaborate closely with the Creative Director to interpret client brand identities and translate them into high-craft digital designs.

  • Identify, pressure-test, and document reusable design patterns and components from client projects to contribute to the core platform's design system and product suite.

  • Utilize AI-assisted tooling for rapid prototyping, concept validation, and generating initial design drafts, establishing quality standards for AI-generated outputs.

  • Partner with development teams as a peer, engaging in early discussions on technical feasibility, understanding front-end constraints, and proactively addressing structural questions to minimize development rework.

  • Analyze user analytics and usage metrics from live client sites to derive actionable insights that inform both immediate client design decisions and the long-term product roadmap.

  • Contribute to the development and maintenance of shared design systems, including components, patterns, and design tokens, ensuring they evolve based on real-world client needs.

  • Actively mentor associate designers, providing constructive feedback, modeling best practices for AI and developer collaboration, and sharing strategic product direction.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a "product-thinking" designer who is not only a skilled visual and interaction designer but also a strategic thinker focused on scalability and platform development. The emphasis on "design in real materials" and "partner with development as a peer" signifies a hands-on role requiring a deep understanding of technical constraints and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

Education: While specific degree requirements are not listed, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience, is typically expected for this level of role.

Experience: 4-6 years of professional web or product design experience.

Required Skills:

  • Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing systems thinking, intentional brand application, and end-to-end project ownership.

  • Client-Facing Communication: Proven ability to present work to clients, defend design decisions, interpret feedback, and manage client relationships effectively.

  • Figma Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Figma, including components, variants, Variables, design tokens, library management, and collaborative workflows.

  • AI-Native Workflow: Demonstrated experience designing with AI tools, including prompt engineering, iterating on AI-generated output, evaluating machine output quality, and building small automations.

  • Prototyping & Validation: Ability to create near-production prototypes, particularly using AI-assisted tools, for concept validation and client presentations.

  • Technical Acumen: Comfort in reading and evaluating code (HTML/CSS), understanding front-end development constraints, and engaging in technical feasibility discussions with engineers.

  • Core Design Principles: Deep command of responsive design, accessibility standards (WCAG AA+), and performance-conscious design practices.

  • Systems Design: Ability to design for both immediate client needs and for reuse across a broader platform and product suite.

  • Data Interpretation: Capacity to interpret user analytics and usage metrics to inform design decisions and product strategy.

  • Ownership & Initiative: Demonstrated ability to take ownership of projects, make confident decisions, and proactively identify and flag issues.

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience building custom integrations or automations to streamline the design-to-development pipeline.

  • Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms, and designing within their constraints.

  • Experience designing productized systems or component libraries intended for sale and reuse.

  • Working knowledge of HTML/CSS or front-end architecture.

  • Experience in the sports, entertainment, or live-event industry.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The requirements strongly emphasize a blend of traditional design skills with modern, AI-driven workflows and a product-oriented mindset. The "AI-native workflow" requirement is a significant differentiator, suggesting the company is at the forefront of integrating AI into the design process. The need for technical fluency and systems thinking points to a role that requires a holistic understanding of the product development lifecycle.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Systems Thinking: Showcase projects that demonstrate an understanding of how individual designs fit into a larger system, with examples of component reuse and pattern application.

  • Brand Application: Present case studies where you've successfully translated diverse client brand identities into cohesive and effective digital experiences.

  • End-to-End Ownership: Include projects that illustrate your full involvement, from initial discovery and concept development through to final launch and post-launch analysis.

  • AI Integration: If possible, highlight projects where AI tools were used in the design process, explaining your role in prompting, evaluating, and refining AI-generated outputs.

  • Technical Collaboration: Demonstrate examples of how you've worked with developers, showing wireframes or prototypes that consider technical feasibility and front-end constraints.

Process Documentation:

  • Client Design Process: Clearly outline your approach to client projects, from discovery and briefing to design, presentation, iteration, and final delivery.

  • Product Contribution Process: Explain how you identify opportunities to extract reusable patterns from client work and contribute them to a design system or product platform.

  • AI Workflow Integration: Detail how you integrate AI tools into your daily workflow, including prompt strategies, evaluation methods, and how you ensure design quality and craft.

  • Data-Informed Decision Making: Illustrate how you use analytics and user data to inform design decisions and shape product strategy.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements emphasize practical application and a strategic approach to design. Candidates need to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also a deep understanding of systems, client management, technical collaboration, and the innovative use of AI tools. The expectation of "systems thinking" and "turning data into decisions" are critical for this role.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 per year.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

  • Paid holidays, vacation time, and sick time.

  • Company-paid basic life insurance and voluntary life insurance options.

  • Parental leave.

  • 401k Plan with a current employer match of 3%.

  • Flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) options.

  • Wellness offerings.

  • Education reimbursement for professional development.

Working Hours: Standard 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range is competitive for a mid-level to senior Product Designer in a major metropolitan area like Charlotte, NC, especially considering the specialized skills required (AI-native workflow, systems thinking). The benefits package is robust, offering comprehensive health coverage, retirement savings, and professional development support, aligning with industry standards for full-time employees.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Live Entertainment, Ticketing, Digital Infrastructure. AXS operates within the dynamic live event and ticketing industry, providing digital solutions for venues, artists, and event organizers. The Carbonhouse team specifically focuses on building the digital infrastructureβ€”websites and productsβ€”that power these entities.

Company Size: AXS employs over 900 professionals globally. The Carbonhouse team's specific size is not detailed but is part of a larger, established organization. This size suggests a company with established processes, resources, and opportunities for impact, while still maintaining a focused team environment within Carbonhouse.

Founded: AXS was founded in 2011, indicating a company with a solid track record and experience in evolving the ticketing and live event industry.

Team Structure:

  • The Product Designer will be part of the Carbonhouse team, reporting to a Creative Director.

  • They will collaborate closely with developers and potentially other designers (e.g., associate designers they may mentor).

  • Cross-functional collaboration is expected with client teams, sales, and potentially product management to ensure designs meet client needs and contribute to platform strategy. Methodology:

  • Client-Centric Design: A primary methodology is to deliver tailored, high-craft digital experiences for individual clients.

  • Product-Minded Development: A core strategy is to leverage client projects to identify and build reusable patterns for a core platform, driving efficiency and scalability.

  • AI-Assisted Design: The team is actively integrating AI tools into the design workflow for prototyping, ideation, and iteration, emphasizing human oversight and craft.

  • Data-Informed Iteration: Insights from user analytics and usage metrics are used to refine both client solutions and the long-term product roadmap.

Company Website: https://solutions.axs.com/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: AXS, as a subsidiary of AEG, operates within a significant player in the global live entertainment market. The Carbonhouse team's focus on building digital infrastructure positions it as a crucial internal product development unit. The company culture appears to value innovation, client success, and a forward-thinking approach to technology, as evidenced by the emphasis on AI and product development.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level to Senior Product Designer. It requires 4-6 years of experience, indicating a need for demonstrated expertise and the ability to work independently on complex projects. The responsibilities suggest a designer who can lead projects, mentor others, and contribute strategically to product development.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report to a Creative Director within the Carbonhouse team. This implies a clear reporting line and opportunities for mentorship and guidance from a senior design leader.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact extends across two critical areas:

  • Client Success: Directly influencing the digital presence and fan engagement for numerous live entertainment clients (arenas, stadiums, theaters).

  • Product Evolution: Contributing foundational design patterns and reusable components that will shape the core platform, impacting scalability, efficiency, and future product development for AXS. The role bridges client delivery with product strategy, ensuring that individual client work compounds value for the broader organization.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Senior Product Designer role, taking on more complex projects, leading larger initiatives, or specializing in specific areas of the platform.

  • Product Strategy: Opportunity to influence the product roadmap and design system by consistently identifying and advocating for scalable patterns and platform improvements.

  • Mentorship Development: Developing leadership skills through mentoring associate designers, which can be a stepping stone to team lead or management roles.

  • AI Design Specialization: Deepening expertise in AI-assisted design workflows, becoming a go-to resource for the team and potentially contributing to the company's AI strategy.

  • Industry Exposure: Working within the live entertainment and ticketing industry provides unique insights and potential for career growth within AXS or AEG.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: This role offers a unique blend of client-facing design and product development. The growth path is not just about design execution but also about strategic contribution to the platform and leadership within the design team. The emphasis on AI integration presents a significant opportunity for skill development in a rapidly evolving field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is listed as "Hybrid," indicating a mix of in-office and remote work. The "LI-Hybrid" tag reinforces this. This setup typically involves a few days a week in the office to foster collaboration and team cohesion, with the remaining days offering flexibility for remote work.

Office Location(s): Charlotte, NC. This location serves as the hub for the Carbonhouse team.

Workspace Context:

  • Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and the emphasis on peer collaboration with developers suggest an environment that values both focused individual work and dynamic team interaction. The office space likely supports collaborative sessions, client presentations, and team meetings.

  • Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma) and cutting-edge AI-assisted tooling is expected. The company's focus on digital infrastructure implies a robust technology stack.

  • Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct interaction with the Creative Director, fellow designers, and engineering teams are integral to the role, both in-person and through virtual communication tools.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-hour work week is implied, the hybrid arrangement offers some flexibility. The nature of client work and product development may occasionally require adaptability to meet deadlines or client needs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The hybrid work environment is a key aspect of this role, balancing the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work. This setup is common in the tech and design industries and suggests a company that trusts its employees and prioritizes work-life balance while ensuring team alignment.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications, focusing on portfolios and relevant experience. Candidates with a strong alignment to the "product lens" and AI integration will likely advance.

  • Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing case studies, design process, client management, and their approach to systems thinking and AI. This stage will also assess technical fluency and understanding of front-end constraints.

  • Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Further discussion on design philosophy, collaboration style, problem-solving approaches, and cultural fit with the Carbonhouse team and Creative Director.

  • Final Interview (Potentially): May involve a broader discussion with leadership or a cross-functional team to assess strategic alignment and overall impact potential.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight Dual Focus: Clearly demonstrate projects where you balanced client-specific needs with the development of reusable product patterns. Use distinct sections or callouts for each aspect.

  • Showcase Systems Thinking: Go beyond individual screens. Explain how your designs fit into a larger system, using examples of component libraries, design tokens, or pattern documentation.

  • Emphasize AI Integration: If you have relevant projects, detail your AI workflow: prompt engineering, iteration, evaluation criteria, and how AI enhanced your design process and outcomes. Explain what "good" looks like when using AI.

  • Client Case Studies: For client projects, focus on the problem, your process, the solutions presented, client feedback, and the ultimate impact or success metrics. Quantify results where possible.

  • Technical Collaboration: Include examples of how you've worked with developers, perhaps showing wireframes with annotations, or discussing how you've addressed technical feasibility challenges.

  • Conciseness and Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, easy to navigate, and clearly articulates your role and contributions in each project.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design Exercise: Be prepared for a design challenge that may involve translating a client brief into initial concepts or identifying reusable patterns from a given scenario. Focus on your process, strategic thinking, and how you'd integrate AI and consider technical constraints.

  • Presentation Skills: Practice presenting your portfolio and any challenge work clearly and concisely. Be ready to articulate your design decisions, rationale, and potential impact.

  • AI Prompting: Think about how you would approach prompting AI for specific design tasks relevant to web design or component generation.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes portfolio quality and the ability to articulate a sophisticated design process that blends client work with product development and AI integration. Candidates should proactively highlight their experience in these specific areas.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Explicitly mentioned as an expert-level requirement. This will be the core tool for UI design, prototyping, and design system management. Proficiency with advanced features like Components, Variants, Variables, and Design Tokens is essential.

  • AI-Assisted Design Tools: The role requires an "AI-native workflow." This could include tools like Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, DALL-E for image generation, or AI-powered prototyping and design assistance tools (e.g., Galileo, Uizard, or specific plugins for Figma). The candidate is expected to architect prompts and evaluate AI output.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • User Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools used to track user behavior on websites (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude) is necessary for data-informed decision-making.

  • Data Visualization Tools: While not explicitly mentioned, the ability to interpret data often involves understanding dashboards or reports generated by analytics platforms.

CRM & Automation:

  • Not Directly Applicable: While AXS and its clients likely use CRM and automation tools, this role's direct interaction is primarily with design and development tools. Understanding how design integrates with these systems might be a plus, but not a core requirement.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The technology stack is centered around Figma and a strong emphasis on AI-powered design tools. The ability to leverage AI effectively and critically evaluate its output is a key technical differentiator for this role. Familiarity with web analytics tools is also crucial for the data-informed aspect of the job.

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • Craftsmanship & Quality: A strong emphasis on delivering high-quality, well-executed designs, whether for individual clients or the core platform.

  • Product-Mindedness: A value placed on thinking beyond the immediate task to consider scalability, reusability, and the long-term impact on the product suite.

  • Collaboration & Partnership: A belief in working closely and collaboratively with developers, Creative Directors, and clients to achieve the best outcomes.

  • Innovation & Forward-Thinking: An openness to adopting and leveraging new technologies, such as AI, to enhance design processes and outcomes.

  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Valuing insights derived from analytics to inform design choices and strategic direction.

  • Ownership & Accountability: Encouraging team members to take responsibility for their work and drive projects to successful completion.

Collaboration Style:

  • Peer-to-Peer with Development: The role emphasizes a collaborative, peer-level relationship with engineers, moving beyond traditional handoffs to a partnership focused on technical feasibility and efficient implementation.

  • Client-Centric Presentation: A proactive and confident approach to presenting design work to clients, interpreting feedback, and guiding them through the design process.

  • Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: An environment that encourages senior members to mentor junior designers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill development.

  • Cross-Functional Integration: Working effectively with various departments (e.g., sales, product management) to ensure designs align with business goals and client needs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The culture values a blend of creative excellence, strategic product thinking, and technical collaboration. The integration of AI suggests a team that is adaptable and embraces innovation. The emphasis on shared values like craftsmanship, data-informed decisions, and ownership indicates a results-oriented and collaborative environment.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Balancing Client Needs with Platform Strategy: Effectively managing the inherent tension between delivering unique, branded solutions for individual clients and extracting reusable patterns for the core product platform. This requires strong prioritization and negotiation skills.

  • Integrating AI Effectively: Learning to leverage AI tools to enhance, rather than replace, human design craft, and establishing quality benchmarks for AI-generated outputs. This involves navigating the evolving landscape of AI design tools and methodologies.

  • Technical Collaboration Complexity: Ensuring seamless collaboration with engineers, particularly when dealing with complex front-end constraints and translating intricate designs into production-ready code, requires continuous communication and understanding.

  • Data Interpretation into Action: Translating raw user analytics into actionable design insights that drive meaningful improvements for both clients and the product roadmap can be challenging, requiring analytical rigor and creative problem-solving.

  • Client Management Nuances: Navigating diverse client expectations, brand guidelines, and feedback loops while maintaining design integrity and driving projects forward.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • AI Design Mastery: Becoming an expert in AI-assisted design workflows, potentially leading to specialized roles or contributions to the company's AI strategy.

  • Product Design System Growth: Contributing significantly to and influencing the evolution of AXS's core design system and product platform.

  • Mentorship & Leadership: Developing leadership skills by mentoring associate designers, which can pave the way for future team lead or management positions.

  • Industry Expertise: Gaining deep knowledge of the live entertainment and ticketing industry's digital landscape and user needs.

  • Cross-Functional Acumen: Enhancing understanding of product development lifecycles, engineering processes, and client relationship management.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the unique nature of the role, requiring a designer to be both a client-facing expert and a product-focused innovator. The growth opportunities are substantial, particularly in the rapidly developing field of AI-assisted design and in contributing to a significant product platform within a major industry player.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "How would you approach designing a new website for a major concert venue, ensuring it not only reflects their brand but also incorporates reusable components for our platform?" Focus on your discovery process, how you'd balance unique client needs with platform patterns, and your methodology for extracting and documenting these patterns.

  • "Describe a time you used AI in your design workflow. What was the outcome, and how did you ensure the quality of the AI-generated output?" Be ready to detail your prompt engineering, iteration process, evaluation criteria, and how you maintained design craft. Highlight any automations you built.

  • "Imagine a client needs a complex ticketing flow. How would you collaborate with developers to ensure feasibility and a smooth build process?" Emphasize your peer-level collaboration, how you'd discuss technical constraints early, and methods for ensuring clear communication and reducing development churn. Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What excites you about AXS and the Carbonhouse team's mission to build digital infrastructure for live entertainment?" Research AXS and AEG's impact on the industry and articulate how your design philosophy aligns with their goals.

  • "How do you see your role contributing to both individual client success and the evolution of our core product platform?" Connect your responsibilities to the dual focus of the role and express your commitment to both aspects.

  • "Our team values data-informed decisions. Can you give an example of how you've used analytics to influence a design decision?" Prepare a specific case study demonstrating your ability to interpret data and translate it into actionable design improvements. Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase projects that highlight your ability to handle client work and contribute to product systems. Use distinct sections or clear callouts.

  • Tell a Story: For each case study, walk through the problem, your process (including AI and collaboration), your solutions, the rationale behind your decisions, and the results. Quantify impact where possible.

  • Highlight AI & Systems: Explicitly point out where you used AI tools and how you applied systems thinking. Explain the benefits derived from these approaches.

  • Demonstrate Technical Fluency: Be ready to discuss front-end constraints and how your designs accommodate them. If possible, show examples of how your designs are technically sound.

  • Engage and Discuss: Treat it as a conversation. Be prepared to answer questions about your choices, your process, and your vision for future design challenges.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a holistic understanding of design, product strategy, and emerging technologies like AI. Candidates need to be articulate about their process, collaborative skills, and ability to drive impact in a hybrid client-product environment.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the Greenhouse application link provided.

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature projects that demonstrate your ability to balance client-specific design with the development of reusable product patterns. Ensure your AI workflow and technical collaboration examples are clearly highlighted.

  • Resume Optimization: Update your resume to emphasize your 4-6 years of experience, expert-level Figma skills, AI design experience, systems thinking capabilities, and client-facing successes. Use keywords from the job description like "Product Design," "Web Design," "AI-Assisted," "Design Systems," and "Client Management."

  • Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially how you integrate AI and collaborate with developers. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions related to ownership, problem-solving, and data-informed decisions.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AXS, AEG, and the live entertainment ticketing industry. Understand their mission, values, and the importance of digital infrastructure in this sector. Consider how your design philosophy aligns with their 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.

Application Requirements

Requires 4-6 years of web or product design experience with a strong portfolio demonstrating systems thinking and brand application. Must possess expert-level Figma skills, an AI-native workflow, and the ability to communicate effectively with developers regarding technical feasibility.