Product Designer (Design Systems)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer, Design Systems

Company: Novi AMS

Location: Remote (United States-based)

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design Operations / Design Systems

Date Posted: 2026-06-03

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (4-6 years)

Remote Status: Fully Remote

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the creation, evolution, and governance of Novi AMS's product design system, ensuring visual and UX consistency across the entire platform.

• Drive innovation in AI-native design tooling, exploring how design systems can integrate with AI for enhanced efficiency and functionality.

• Design user interfaces for new features and existing product areas, translating complex association workflows into intuitive and user-friendly experiences.

• Collaborate closely with engineering and product teams to ensure seamless implementation of design system components and patterns into the codebase.

• Act as a builder and executor, taking ownership of the design system from definition to execution, with the potential to grow into a leadership role.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "builder role" with significant autonomy and ownership of the design system. The emphasis on AI-native tooling and the "builder" aspect suggests a need for a proactive, hands-on individual contributor who can define processes and systems from the ground up, rather than manage a team initially. The target candidate should demonstrate a strong bias for action and a track record of shipping work and iterating based on performance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design System Ownership & Stewardship:

  • Develop, maintain, and evolve the comprehensive product design system, encompassing components, patterns, design tokens, and style guides.
  • Define clear documentation and contribution guidelines for the design system to facilitate scalability and team growth.
  • Ensure the design system is well-documented and easily accessible to both design and engineering teams.

• Cross-functional Collaboration:

  • Partner closely with the front-end architecture lead to ensure design system components and the technical component library are aligned and evolve in tandem.
  • Collaborate with product managers and engineers to translate complex association workflows (e.g., membership management, event coordination, communication tools) into clear, usable, and scalable UI designs.
  • Engage with customers to validate designs, gather feedback, and iterate rapidly on product interfaces.

• AI-Native Design Tooling Exploration:

  • Research and experiment with AI-enabled design tooling to explore the future of design systems, focusing on native integration between Figma libraries, component code, and documentation.
  • Contribute to defining what a machine-readable, AI-native design system looks like in practice for Novi AMS.

• Product UI Design Execution:

  • Design user interfaces for new product features and redesigns across various Novi AMS modules, including the website builder, member portal, event tools, and administrative interfaces.

  • Apply a strong product sensibility to design workflows as effectively as individual UI elements.

  • Embrace a bias for action, shipping designs, analyzing their performance, and refining them based on data and user feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on building and evolving a design system while also contributing to core product UI design. The emphasis on "AI-Native Design Tooling" is a significant differentiator, indicating a forward-thinking approach that requires a candidate comfortable with emerging technologies and their practical application in design systems. The mention of translating complex association workflows suggests a need for strong problem-solving and information architecture skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a strong portfolio demonstrating equivalent practical experience and expertise in design systems and product design is paramount.

Experience: 4 to 6 years of dedicated product design experience, with a strong preference for B2B SaaS environments.

Required Skills:

• Design System Expertise: Proven experience in building, maintaining, and governing product design systems, including component definition, pattern creation, and documentation.

• Figma Mastery: Advanced proficiency in Figma, including deep understanding and practical application of variables, auto-layout, component properties, and library management.

• UI/UX Design Principles: Strong understanding of user interface and user experience design principles, with the ability to create intuitive and effective user flows.

• B2B SaaS Design: Experience designing for complex business software, with an understanding of user needs in a professional context.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Self-Management & Initiative: Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage priorities, push back constructively, and deliver high-quality work with minimal oversight.

• Technical Familiarity: Comfort working closely with engineers and an understanding of how design systems are implemented in code (e.g., HTML, CSS, JavaScript frameworks), though direct coding is not required.

• AI Design Tooling Curiosity: Genuine interest and curiosity in AI-enabled design tools and the future evolution of design systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Association/Nonprofit Sector Experience: Prior design experience for trade associations, nonprofits, or membership organizations.

• Front-end Framework Familiarity: Exposure to component-based front-end frameworks such as React, Vue, or Blazor.

• Accessibility & Inclusive Design: Background in accessibility standards (WCAG) and a commitment to inclusive design practices.

• Design Token Tools: Experience with token pipelines and tools like Style Dictionary or Tokens Studio.

• Design-to-Code Workflows: Familiarity with or experience in implementing design-to-code workflows.

• UX Research Skills: Light experience in UX research methodologies, including usability testing and customer interviews.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize hands-on design system execution and Figma proficiency. The distinction between "understanding code" and "writing code" is crucial, indicating that the ideal candidate can bridge the gap between design and engineering without necessarily being a developer. The "nice to have" skills point towards a candidate who can hit the ground running in niche areas or quickly learn them.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design System Case Studies: Showcase detailed examples of design system work, going beyond polished mockups to include:

  • Specific components and their variations.
  • Comprehensive documentation of patterns and usage guidelines.
  • Examples of contribution patterns and design system governance.
  • Demonstrations of how the system was implemented and scaled.

• Product Design Examples: Include examples of UI designs for new features or redesigns, illustrating the translation of complex workflows into user-friendly interfaces.

• Figma Proficiency Demonstration: Evidence of advanced Figma usage, such as complex component creation, auto-layout implementation, and library management.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Provide examples of how you have designed and optimized user workflows through UI/UX design, particularly for complex business processes.

• System Implementation: Demonstrate how your design system work has been successfully implemented by engineering teams, highlighting collaboration and handoff processes.

• Measurement & Analysis: Showcase examples where design decisions or system implementations were informed by data or led to measurable improvements in user experience or efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are heavily geared towards demonstrating practical experience with design systems. Candidates need to showcase not just the final output but the process, documentation, and collaborative aspects of design system development. The emphasis on "AI-Native" and "machine-readable" systems suggests that candidates who can articulate how their work supports future technological advancements will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $110,000 per year (starting, title and salary based on experience).

Benefits:

• Health & Wellness:

  • Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

• Work-Life Balance:

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).
  • Flexible scheduling options.
  • Paid corporate holidays.

• Financial Security:

  • 401K with a 3% company match.
  • Life Insurance.
  • Short-term to Long-term Disability coverage.

• Technology & Stipends:

  • Company-provided computer and necessary equipment.

  • Internet stipend to support remote work. Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with schedule flexibility offered.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided starting salary of $110,000 is for a mid-senior level Product Designer with 4-6 years of experience in a remote US-based role. This figure aligns with industry benchmarks for specialized design roles, particularly those involving design systems and B2B SaaS. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and remote work support.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Software (Association Management Software - AMS)

Company Size: The description implies a small, collaborative team with growth potential ("If you do this well, you'll build the team underneath you and grow into a leadership role as we scale."). Novi AMS has been remote for nearly 10 years, indicating a mature remote-first culture.

Founded: Novi AMS has been operating as a remote company for over a decade, suggesting a stable and established remote-first operational model.

Team Structure:

• Design Systems Focus: The role is a singular "builder" position, with the potential to grow into a leadership role and build a team. This suggests the current design system function is nascent or requires dedicated ownership.

• Cross-functional Partnership: Close collaboration with the VP of Product & Engineering, front-end architecture lead, product managers, and engineers is essential.

• Customer-Centricity: Direct interaction with customers for design validation is expected.

Methodology:

• Bias for Action: Emphasis on shipping work, learning from performance, and iterating quickly.

• Data-Informed Design: Designs are validated with customers and performance data.

• Agile Development: Implied through collaboration with engineering and rapid iteration cycles.

• AI Exploration: A forward-thinking approach to integrating AI into design tooling and systems.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Novi AMS positions itself as a mission-driven company focused on "amplifying change for associations." The culture is described as remote-first, collaborative, and supportive, with a strong emphasis on celebrating wins (e.g., "bacon") and fostering a safe environment for ideas. The mention of "AMS built by associations, for associations" highlights a deep understanding of their target market.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a mid-to-senior individual contributor position with significant ownership. It's described as a "builder role" where the individual sets the system and executes it.

Reporting Structure: The role will work closely with the VP of Product & Engineering. This direct reporting line suggests high visibility and significant influence.

Operations Impact: The role is positioned as a key growth lever for Novi AMS, directly impacting the platform's look, feel, and scalability. Success in this role will significantly influence customer perception, user adoption, and the company's ability to scale its product offerings.

Growth Opportunities:

• Leadership Development: The explicit mention of building a team and growing into a leadership role provides a clear advancement path for exceptional performers.

• AI & Future of Design Systems: Opportunity to pioneer AI-native design systems, positioning the individual at the forefront of design technology trends.

• Product Strategy Influence: Direct collaboration with VP-level leadership offers exposure to product strategy and decision-making.

• Specialization: Deepening expertise in design systems, B2B SaaS, and specific association management workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory is clearly defined: start as a foundational owner of the design system, prove success, build a team, and potentially move into a design leadership position. The emphasis on AI is a significant growth opportunity, offering exposure to cutting-edge design practices.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Fully Remote. Novi AMS has operated as a virtual company for nearly 10 years, indicating a well-established remote infrastructure and culture.

Office Location(s): Remote, with a requirement for candidates to be based in the United States.

Workspace Context:

• Remote-First Culture: A mature, long-standing remote work environment that supports distributed teams effectively.

• Technology & Tools: Provision of necessary technology, including a computer and equipment, along with an internet stipend, ensures a productive remote workspace.

• Collaborative Tools: Expectation of using digital collaboration tools (e.g., Figma, Slack, project management software) to maintain team connection and productivity.

Work Schedule: The role involves approximately 40 working hours per week, with flexibility offered in scheduling. This allows for managing personal commitments alongside professional responsibilities, a common benefit in remote roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The established remote-first culture means candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous communication, digital collaboration, and self-directed work. The provision of equipment and internet stipend are key benefits supporting this environment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of the resume and portfolio, focusing on design system experience and Figma proficiency.

• Portfolio Deep Dive: A dedicated session to walk through the candidate's portfolio, with a focus on design system case studies, process, and impact. Be prepared to discuss specific components, decision-making rationale, and collaboration with engineering.

• Skill-Based Challenges: May include a design exercise or a take-home challenge related to design system principles or product UI design for a complex workflow.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Engineering, Product, and potentially leadership (VP of Product & Engineering) to assess technical understanding, collaboration style, and cultural fit.

• AI/Future of Design Systems Discussion: Expect questions probing your curiosity and point of view on AI-native design tooling and the future of design systems.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Design System Process: Clearly articulate the problem, your approach, the system components you created, the documentation you produced, and the governance model you established.

• Showcase Figma Mastery: Demonstrate advanced Figma techniques like variables, auto-layout, component properties, and library management through your examples.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, show how your design system work has led to efficiency gains, improved consistency, or faster development cycles. If direct metrics are unavailable, articulate the expected benefits.

• Explain Collaboration: Detail how you partnered with engineering and product teams. Provide examples of design handoffs and how you ensured accurate implementation.

• Address AI Curiosity: Be ready to discuss your thoughts on AI in design and how design systems can adapt to or leverage these advancements.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design System Thinking: Practice applying design system principles to solve new UI challenges. Consider how to break down a problem into reusable components.

• Workflow Design: Be prepared to design a user flow for a complex process, focusing on clarity, efficiency, and user satisfaction.

• Figma Practice: Ensure you are proficient with Figma's advanced features, as they may be tested in exercises.

• Communication: Practice articulating your design process, decisions, and rationale clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will heavily scrutinize design system experience and Figma skills. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also explain the "why" behind their design decisions and how their contributions impact the engineering process and overall product strategy. The focus on AI suggests a need for forward-thinking candidates.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (Mandatory, including advanced features like Variables, Auto-Layout, Component Properties, Libraries).

• Collaboration: Slack, Zoom, or similar real-time communication platforms for remote team interaction.

• Project Management: Tools like Jira, Asana, Trello, or Monday.com for tracking tasks, workflows, and progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools like Mixpanel, Amplitude, or Google Analytics to understand user behavior and product usage.

• User Feedback Platforms: Tools for collecting and analyzing customer feedback.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM: Understanding of how design systems integrate with CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) to ensure brand consistency across customer-facing touchpoints.

• Design-to-Code Tools: Familiarity with tools or workflows that bridge the gap between design and code, such as Zeplin, Avocode, or emerging AI-driven solutions.

• Token Management: Experience with tools like Tokens Studio or Style Dictionary for managing design tokens.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the core design tool, and mastery is non-negotiable. The emphasis on "AI-native" and "machine-readable" systems suggests an openness to and interest in exploring newer tools and workflows that automate or enhance the design-to-development pipeline. Familiarity with how design systems integrate with development frameworks (React, Vue, Blazor) is a strong plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Building & Ownership: A strong emphasis on taking initiative, building systems from the ground up, and owning outcomes.

• Collaboration & Help-First: A culture where team members support each other, share knowledge, and work collaboratively towards common goals.

• Data-Driven & Iterative: Making design decisions based on user feedback and performance data, with a willingness to iterate and refine.

• Meaningful Work: A focus on the mission of amplifying change for associations, contributing to a sense of purpose.

• Inclusivity & Diversity: Commitment to building a diverse team that reflects a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote-First Communication: Proficient in asynchronous and synchronous communication methods suitable for a distributed team.

• Candid Feedback: Open to giving and receiving constructive feedback to improve designs and processes.

• Partnership with Engineering: A collaborative approach to working with developers, ensuring design systems are practical and implementable.

• Customer-Centricity: Actively seeking and incorporating customer feedback into the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values proactive builders who are comfortable with autonomy and collaboration. The "help-first" attitude and emphasis on inclusivity are key cultural indicators for potential candidates. The focus on "meaningful work" for associations is a strong motivator for those seeking purpose-driven roles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Establishing a Mature Design System: For a role described as a "builder," the primary challenge will be establishing and scaling a comprehensive, robust design system from its current state. This involves defining standards, creating components, and ensuring adoption.

• Bridging Design and Code: Effectively translating design system specifications into code with engineering partners, especially with the added complexity of exploring AI-native tooling.

• Designing for a Niche Market: Translating complex and varied association workflows into intuitive and user-friendly interfaces for a specific industry.

• Pioneering AI-Native Systems: Navigating the uncharted territory of AI-enabled design systems, which requires experimentation, learning, and adaptability.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Leadership in Design Systems: Opportunity to build and lead a design system function, developing team management and strategic planning skills.

• Cutting-Edge Technology: Immersion in AI-driven design tools and the future of design systems, becoming an expert in emerging technologies.

• Product Strategy Contribution: Direct involvement in product strategy discussions with VP-level leadership, enhancing strategic thinking and business acumen.

• Industry Specialization: Deepening expertise in the association management software (AMS) sector and its unique design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed as opportunities for significant growth and impact. Candidates who thrive in ambiguity, enjoy building from scratch, and are excited by emerging technologies will find this role particularly rewarding.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience building a design system from the ground up. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, documentation, and collaboration.)

• "How do you approach translating complex business workflows, like membership management or event planning, into intuitive user interfaces?" (Demonstrate problem-solving and user-centric design.)

• "What is your point of view on the future of design systems, particularly concerning AI and machine-readable tooling? How would you explore this at Novi AMS?" (Showcase curiosity and forward-thinking.)

• "How do you ensure consistency and scalability in a design system, especially as a product and team grow?" (Highlight governance, documentation, and contribution models.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on what you know about Novi AMS and our mission, how do you see your role contributing to our growth and impact for associations?" (Connect your skills to the company's mission.)

• "How do you thrive in a fully remote, collaborative environment? What are your strategies for effective remote communication and teamwork?" (Assess cultural fit and remote work readiness.)

• "Describe a time you had to push back constructively on a design decision or process. How did you handle it, and what was the outcome?" (Evaluate communication and problem-solving.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio around key projects, clearly labeling design system work versus product feature design. Use case studies that tell a story of problem, solution, and outcome.

• Highlight Design System Components: For design system examples, showcase specific components, their variations, states, and how they contribute to a cohesive experience.

• Demonstrate Figma Proficiency: Be ready to share your Figma files or screen recordings to illustrate advanced techniques like auto-layout, variables, and component properties.

• Quantify Results: Whenever possible, present metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrates the impact of your design system work or product designs.

• Articulate Collaboration: Explain your process for working with engineering and product teams, including handoffs and feedback loops.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a deep understanding of design systems, strong Figma skills, and a proactive, collaborative approach. Candidates should be ready to discuss their vision for AI in design and how they can contribute to Novi AMS's mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer, Design Systems position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Novi AMS's careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your most relevant design system work, detailing your process, components, and governance. Ensure your Figma skills are clearly showcased.

• Resume Optimization: Highlight your experience in B2B SaaS, design systems, UI/UX design, and collaboration with engineering. Use keywords such as "Design Systems," "Figma," "Component Library," "Design Tokens," and "B2B SaaS."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, particularly for design system projects. Be ready to discuss your views on AI in design and how you collaborate in a remote environment.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Novi AMS's mission, values, and the association management industry. Understand how your role contributes to their goal of "amplifying change."

⚠️ 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.