Product Designer, Early Career

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer, Early Career

Company: Mirage

Location: New York, NY, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: June 03, 2026

Experience Level: Early Career (1-4 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on designing intuitive and engaging user experiences across Mirage's AI-native video platform, specifically for web and mobile applications.

• The Product Designer will be instrumental in translating complex AI functionalities into user-friendly interfaces, driving innovation in generative media.

• This position requires close collaboration with Product Managers, Engineers, and other Designers to deliver end-to-end product solutions.

• The role involves contributing to and evolving a robust design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across all product touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the core job title is "Product Designer, Early Career," the company's focus on AI-native video and generative media positions this role within the broader tech and creative technology sectors. The emphasis on "early career" suggests a need for strong foundational skills and a high potential for growth, rather than extensive experience. The "on-site" requirement in NYC is a critical factor for candidates.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design intuitive user experiences for web and mobile products, encompassing user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes.

• Partner closely with Product Managers and Engineers to define product requirements and develop thoughtful solutions that address user needs and business objectives.

• Own design workstreams from initial concept through final execution, effectively balancing user needs, technical feasibility, and strategic business goals.

• Conduct user research, usability testing, and competitive analysis to gather insights that inform design decisions and identify areas for product enhancement.

• Translate research findings, product requirements, and data analytics into clear, actionable design recommendations.

• Contribute to the development and evolution of Mirage's design system, ensuring visual and interactive consistency, scalability, and overall product quality.

• Clearly present design concepts, strategic rationale, and potential tradeoffs to a variety of stakeholders and cross-functional teams.

• Actively participate in design critiques and peer reviews, providing constructive feedback and incorporating feedback to iteratively improve the user experience.

• Champion a user-centered design philosophy throughout the product development lifecycle, advocating for user needs in all decision-making processes.

• Stay abreast of the latest industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in product design and generative media.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a full-cycle design process, from user research and ideation to detailed design and implementation oversight. The emphasis on "owning design workstreams" and "contributing to and evolving our design system" indicates a significant level of autonomy and impact expected even for an early-career professional. The need to translate "complex AI functionalities" is a unique challenge for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Engineering, or a closely related field.

• Equivalent practical experience will also be considered in lieu of a formal degree. Experience:

• 1-4 years of professional experience in UX or product design.

• Preference for experience in fast-paced startup environments or high-growth technology companies. Required Skills:

• Strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end design thinking, including user research, interaction design, visual design, and prototyping capabilities.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design and prototyping tools, with a specific emphasis on Figma.

• Solid understanding of user-centered design principles, usability best practices, and common qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design ideas, rationale, and tradeoffs to diverse audiences.

• Ability to manage multiple design projects and competing priorities effectively while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.

• Experience with or a strong interest in AI, generative media, or video editing technologies. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for AI-powered products or complex technical platforms.

• Familiarity with web and mobile development processes and constraints.

• Contributions to open-source design projects or community design initiatives.

• Experience working with or contributing to design systems.

• Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).

📝 Enhancement Note: The "early career" designation combined with the 1-4 years of experience requirement suggests that candidates with internships, co-op experiences, or significant personal projects that demonstrate core competencies will be highly competitive. The portfolio is critical, and it should showcase a breadth of skills and a clear design process. A demonstrated interest or foundational understanding of AI and generative media will be a significant differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies that illustrate the full product design lifecycle.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem, your role and contributions, the design process followed, key decisions made, and the final outcomes or impact.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of user research methodologies and how research insights directly influenced design decisions.

• Present well-developed wireframes, user flows, and high-fidelity mockups that highlight your interaction and visual design skills.

• Include interactive prototypes that effectively communicate the intended user experience and functionality.

• Evidence of problem-solving skills and ability to navigate technical constraints or complex requirements. Process Documentation:

• Clearly outline the user research methods employed and how findings were synthesized.

• Detail the iterative design process, including any feedback loops and revisions.

• Explain the rationale behind key design choices, especially those related to user experience and interface functionality.

• Showcase how you contributed to or utilized a design system for consistency and scalability.

• If applicable, demonstrate experience with agile development methodologies and cross-functional collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: For an early-career role, the portfolio should focus on demonstrating a strong foundational understanding of the design process and the ability to think critically about user problems. The depth of experience with complex AI systems may be limited, so showcasing how they approached challenging problems, even in simpler contexts, will be key. The ability to articulate their process and decisions is paramount.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $100,000 - $150,000 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• 401K retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.

• Commuter benefits to assist with transportation costs.

• Catered lunch provided multiple days per week.

• Dinner stipend available each night for employees working late.

• Grubhub subscription for convenient meal delivery.

• Health and wellness perks to support employee well-being.

• Multiple team offsites per year, complemented by monthly team events.

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) policy. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work week is 40 hours.

• The role is on-site, requiring presence at the NYC HQ. Flexibility may be available within the standard work week, but the core expectation is in-office collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for an early-career Product Designer in New York City, especially within a well-funded tech startup. The comprehensive benefits package, including unique perks like catered lunches, dinner stipends, and Grubhub subscriptions, reflects a supportive and employee-focused culture. The emphasis on on-site work means that these benefits are particularly relevant to individuals based in or willing to relocate to NYC.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: AI-Native Video Platform / Generative Media / Creative Technology. Mirage is at the forefront of applying advanced AI to video production and editing, aiming to revolutionize creative workflows.

Company Size: Mirage is likely a growing startup, indicated by its recent funding rounds and focus on early-career hires. This suggests a dynamic, fast-paced environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: While not explicitly stated, the company's funding and press mentions (TechCrunch, Forbes AI 50) suggest it's a relatively young, innovative company with significant traction.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely operates within a lean, agile structure, fostering close collaboration between designers, product managers, and engineers.

• Designers will report into a Design Lead or Head of Product, with direct interaction with product leadership.

• Cross-functional collaboration is core, with designers working in pods or project teams alongside engineers and PMs to bring features to life. Methodology:

• Mirage emphasizes a data-driven and user-centric approach to product development, leveraging AI research and user feedback.

• Design processes are expected to be iterative, with a focus on rapid prototyping, user testing, and continuous improvement.

• The company values innovation and encourages exploration of novel solutions to complex problems in generative media.

Company Website: https://mirage.app/homepage

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission to use AI for video editing places it in a cutting-edge tech niche. The culture is likely to be collaborative, fast-paced, and focused on innovation. As an early-career hire, the opportunity to learn from experienced individuals and contribute to foundational product development is a significant draw. The "AI-native" aspect implies a culture that embraces technological advancement and continuous learning.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an "Early Career" Product Designer role, typically suited for individuals with 1-4 years of experience. It signifies a position focused on developing core design skills, executing design tasks under guidance, and contributing to team projects. The role offers a foundational stepping stone for a career in product design, particularly within the AI and generative media space.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Senior Product Designer, Design Lead, or potentially the Head of Product. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers and Software Engineers on specific product initiatives.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "operations" role, the Product Designer's work directly impacts the user experience and adoption of Mirage's AI video platform. By creating intuitive interfaces for complex AI tools, they enable broader user access and drive product engagement, which are critical for business growth and market penetration. Their designs will shape how users interact with and benefit from the AI's capabilities, indirectly influencing operational efficiency for video creators.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in UX research, interaction design, visual design, or specialize in AI-driven product design.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a Senior Product Designer role, leading design initiatives, mentoring junior designers, and contributing to design strategy.

• Industry Expertise: Develop deep knowledge in the rapidly evolving fields of AI, generative media, and video technology.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain experience working across various product development cycles and collaborating with diverse teams, enhancing overall product development acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "early career" designation means that the primary growth path will involve skill development and increasing responsibility within design. The company's focus on AI and generative media offers a unique specialization opportunity. Candidates should look for opportunities to take on more ownership of features and potentially mentor future junior designers as the company scales.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires being in-person at Mirage's NYC HQ. This suggests a collaborative office environment designed to foster teamwork, spontaneous interactions, and efficient problem-solving.

Office Location(s): The office is located in Union Square, New York City, a well-connected and vibrant area known for its tech and creative communities.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a dynamic, startup-like workspace that encourages collaboration and open communication.

• Access to standard design tools and technology will be provided, including Figma and other relevant software.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with engineers, product managers, and fellow designers will be frequent, supporting a strong team dynamic. Work Schedule:

• The standard work week is 40 hours, with an expectation of being on-site.

• While core hours will exist for team collaboration, there may be some flexibility within the day. However, the emphasis is on in-person presence. The dinner stipend suggests that late-night work, when necessary for project completion, is accommodated.

📝 Enhancement Note: The mandatory on-site presence in Union Square, NYC, is a key characteristic of this role. Candidates should assess if this environment aligns with their preferences. The company's perks, like catered lunches and dinner stipends, are designed to enhance the on-site experience and support employees working extended hours when needed.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Portfolio Review & Design Exercise: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approach, and impact. They may also be given a small design challenge or take-home exercise.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and ability to integrate design with development.

• Team/Culture Fit Interview: A discussion with fellow designers or team members to evaluate cultural fit, communication style, and alignment with Mirage's values.

• Final Interview: May involve a discussion with leadership to assess strategic thinking and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each case study – from problem definition and research to iteration and final solution.

• Highlight Your Role: Be specific about your individual contributions, especially in team projects. Use "I" when describing your actions.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, increased user engagement, reduced task completion time).

• Tell a Story: Structure your case studies as narratives. Explain the challenges, your thought process, and the lessons learned.

• Showcase Figma Proficiency: Ensure your portfolio demonstrates strong skills in Figma, including complex prototyping, component usage, and organized file structures.

• Tailor to Mirage: If possible, subtly align your portfolio examples with the type of problems Mirage solves (e.g., complex workflows, user onboarding for new technology).

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Product: Familiarize yourself with Mirage's AI video platform and its unique value proposition.

• Anticipate UX Problems: Think about potential user pain points or areas for improvement in AI-driven creative tools.

• Practice Articulation: Be prepared to clearly and concisely explain your design decisions and rationale.

• Bring Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the product, team, challenges, and company vision.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role. Candidates should ensure it is polished, well-organized, and clearly demonstrates their design thinking and execution capabilities. For an early-career role, the ability to articulate their process and learn from challenges is as important as the final design output.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for UI/UX design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.

• Prototyping Tools: While Figma has robust prototyping capabilities, familiarity with other tools like InVision, ProtoPie, or Adobe XD might be beneficial for demonstrating a broad skillset.

• User Research Platforms: Tools like UserTesting.com, Maze, or Lookback for conducting usability studies and gathering feedback.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Amplitude, or Mixpanel to understand user behavior and product usage data is a plus.

• Data Visualization Tools: Basic understanding of how data is presented and interpreted to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how user data flows from product usage into CRM or marketing automation systems can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly mentioned as a requirement. Candidates should ensure their portfolio and interview discussions highlight their mastery of this tool, including its collaborative features and advanced prototyping capabilities. Understanding how design decisions impact user data and product metrics will be increasingly important.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs in all design decisions.

• Innovation & Curiosity: A drive to explore new technologies, especially AI, and find novel solutions to complex creative challenges.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, open communication, and shared problem-solving across disciplines.

• Excellence & Craftsmanship: A dedication to producing high-quality, polished designs with meticulous attention to detail.

• Impact-Driven: A focus on designing solutions that not only are beautiful but also drive business goals and provide tangible value to users.

Collaboration Style:

• The team fosters a highly collaborative environment, encouraging designers to work closely with product managers and engineers from ideation through launch.

• Design critiques are a regular part of the process, providing opportunities for constructive feedback and shared learning.

• Open communication channels (e.g., Slack, regular stand-ups) are essential for keeping everyone aligned.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mirage's culture likely values individuals who are proactive, adaptable, and eager to contribute to a fast-paced, innovative environment. The emphasis on collaboration and user-centricity should be reflected in how candidates present their work and interact during interviews.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing for Novel AI: Translating complex, cutting-edge AI capabilities into intuitive and accessible user experiences for a broad audience.

• Balancing Technical Constraints and User Needs: Working within the technical limitations of AI models to deliver optimal user flows and functionality.

• Rapid Iteration in a Startup Environment: Adapting to fast-paced development cycles, frequent feedback, and evolving product roadmaps.

• Establishing Design Standards: Contributing to the definition and evolution of design principles and systems for a new and innovative product category.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized AI Design Training: Opportunities to learn about the intersection of AI and user experience design.

• Mentorship: Access to experienced designers and product leaders for guidance and career development.

• Industry Exposure: Working on a product at the forefront of generative media, offering deep insights into future trends.

• Conferences & Workshops: Potential for attending industry events related to UX, product design, and AI.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenges revolve around the novelty of applying AI to video editing and the inherent complexities of working in a startup. Growth opportunities are strong, particularly for those looking to specialize in AI product design and gain experience in a high-growth tech environment.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a user experience for a complex or novel technology. What was your process, and what challenges did you face?" (Focus on demonstrating your ability to break down complexity and your iterative design approach.)

• "How would you approach designing an onboarding flow for a user who is completely new to AI-powered video editing tools?" (Prepare to outline user research, key features, and iterative testing strategies.)

• "Imagine we want to introduce a new AI feature that automates a complex editing task. How would you ensure users understand its capabilities and trust its output?" (Think about UX patterns for AI transparency, control, and feedback.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Mirage's mission and the future of AI in creative media?" (Showcase your understanding of the company's vision and your personal interest in the domain.)

• "How do you typically collaborate with engineers and product managers? Describe a situation where you had to navigate differing opinions." (Highlight your communication and teamwork skills.)

• "What are your thoughts on the importance of design systems, and how would you contribute to one?" (Demonstrate your understanding of design consistency and scalability.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with the "Why": For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were trying to solve and why it was important.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals (wireframes, mockups, prototypes) to illustrate your design process and solutions.

• Explain Your Rationale: Be prepared to justify your design decisions, linking them back to user needs, research findings, or business objectives.

• Focus on Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics or outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Practice your presentation to ensure it flows well and keeps the audience engaged. Allocate time for Q&A and be ready to dive deeper into specific aspects of your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of user-centered design principles, the ability to articulate design decisions clearly, and enthusiasm for Mirage's mission. Candidates should be ready to discuss their portfolio projects in depth, highlighting their process and individual contributions.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio is up-to-date, showcases relevant projects (ideally including end-to-end case studies), and clearly highlights your role and design process. Tailor your resume to emphasize skills and experiences mentioned in the job description, such as Figma proficiency and user research.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Mirage, its product, mission, press coverage, and investors to understand its market position and strategic goals. This will help you tailor your responses and ask informed questions.

• Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to clearly articulate your design philosophy, your strengths, and why you are a good fit for an early-career role at a fast-paced AI startup. Practice presenting your portfolio projects concisely and effectively.

• Develop Insightful Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions for the interviewers about the team, product challenges, design culture, and growth opportunities.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions tailored for operations and design roles. All details should be verified directly with Mirage during the application and interview process.