Product Designer II

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer II

Company: The Walt Disney Company

Location: New York, NY, USA; San Francisco, CA, USA; Glendale, CA, USA

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: User Experience Design / Product Design

Date Posted: April 15, 2026

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3+ years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and deliver intuitive, user-centered experiences for complex advertising platforms within Disney Entertainment & ESPN's streaming services.

• Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, and stakeholders to define and refine ad campaign planning and creation tools, driving innovation in advertising technology.

• Leverage expertise in Figma and other design tools to create user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visuals that enhance product utility and user engagement.

• Contribute to the strategic vision and design culture of a growing design team, with opportunities for leadership and mentorship.

• Focus on simplifying complex user journeys and optimizing existing functionality, while also building new, disruptive product innovations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is listed as "Product Designer II," the responsibilities and required experience (3+ years) suggest a mid-level position. The focus on ad platforms within streaming services indicates a specialized area within Product Design, requiring an understanding of advertising technology and user-centered design principles applied to business-critical tools. The hybrid work arrangement implies a need for strong communication and collaboration skills, both in-person and remotely.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently tackle medium-sized features and product experiences, with guidance from management or mentors, ensuring alignment with project goals.

• Develop intuitive and easy-to-understand user experiences that significantly enhance the overall product offering for ad platforms.

• Apply a strong understanding of existing design patterns and platform constraints to create effective and efficient user interfaces.

• Produce and iterate on detailed user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs to effectively communicate design concepts and solutions.

• Clearly articulate project objectives and the strategic rationale behind design decisions in various forums, including team reviews and executive presentations.

• Consistently deliver well-considered, high-quality work that meets or exceeds project objectives and deadlines.

• Demonstrate sustained productivity by accurately estimating task timelines and managing workload effectively to meet project milestones.

• Actively participate in design critique sessions, proactively seek feedback from peer designers and cross-functional partners, and constructively contribute to elevating the work of others.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of independent work on specific features and collaborative contributions to broader product strategy. The mention of "0-1 solutions" indicates a need for candidates comfortable with ambiguity and building new features from scratch, while "optimizing existing functionality" requires a keen eye for process improvement and user flow efficiency.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in product design, UX design, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of shipping successful digital products.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Figma and/or other industry-standard design and prototyping tools (e.g., Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, InVision).

• Strong understanding and practical application of user-centered design principles, heuristics, and best practices.

• Proven ability to simplify complex user flows and translate intricate requirements into intuitive and elegant user experiences.

• Experience designing for both mobile and desktop applications, with an understanding of platform-specific design conventions and capabilities.

• Excellent visual design skills, including layout, typography, color theory, and iconography, with an ability to maintain and contribute to design systems.

• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to approach challenges creatively and analytically.

• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design rationale and influence stakeholders.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with user research methodologies, including usability testing, user interviews, and persona development.

• Familiarity with design thinking methodologies and agile development processes.

• Understanding of advertising technology, campaign management, or media platforms.

• Experience contributing to or maintaining design systems and style guides.

• Basic understanding of front-end development principles (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to better collaborate with engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "shipping high-utility applications/features" and "simplifying complex user flows" points towards a need for designers who can translate intricate business logic into user-friendly interfaces. The requirement for expertise in Figma is a key technical skill, and the portfolio is explicitly stated as a critical component for demonstrating these capabilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 significant product design projects, with a strong emphasis on process and outcomes.

• Projects should demonstrate expertise in simplifying complex user flows, designing for business-critical applications (ideally in ad tech, enterprise, or media), and delivering innovative solutions.

• Clear articulation of the problem statement, your role and contributions, the design process followed, key challenges encountered, and the measurable impact of your solutions.

• Visual examples of user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity mockups, showcasing your design craft and attention to detail.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed case studies that highlight your end-to-end design process, from initial research and ideation through to final implementation and iteration.

• Documentation of how you gathered requirements, conducted user research (if applicable), explored design alternatives, and collaborated with cross-functional teams.

• Examples of how you leveraged user feedback and data to inform design decisions and iterate on solutions.

• Clear explanation of the tools and methodologies used throughout the design lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as the primary evidence of a candidate's ability to execute. The expectation is for detailed case studies that not only showcase visual design skills but also a robust understanding of strategy, problem-solving, and measurable impact within a business context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• New York, NY: $112,000 - $150,100 per year

• San Francisco, CA: $117,100 - $156,900 per year

• Los Angeles, CA: $106,900 - $143,300 per year

  Note: The actual base pay offered will be determined by factors such as internal equity, the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical insurance plans.

• Financial benefits package, details to be provided.

• Performance-based bonus opportunities.

• Long-term incentive units may be provided, dependent on the level and position offered.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility expected for project deadlines and team collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary ranges provided are specific to the listed locations and reflect typical mid-level designer compensation in high-cost-of-living areas. The additional compensation components (bonus, LTI) suggest that performance and company success are key factors in total compensation. The "hybrid" work arrangement implies a need for flexibility in managing one's schedule to meet collaborative needs and project demands.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Media & Entertainment, Technology, Advertising

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Over 10,000 employees)

Founded: 1923

Company History: The Walt Disney Company is a global leader in entertainment and technology, with a rich history of storytelling and innovation. Its expansion into digital streaming and advanced technology platforms highlights a commitment to evolving with industry trends.

Team Structure:

• The Ad Platforms team is part of the broader Disney Entertainment & ESPN Product & Technology organization.

• This specific design team focuses on supporting consumer-facing and business products, including advertising platforms, enterprise tooling, and UX/design research.

Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design principles and data-driven decision-making to enhance product experiences.

• Iterative design process involving frequent feedback loops, prototyping, and testing.

• Collaborative approach to problem-solving, encouraging cross-functional input and shared ownership.

• Adoption of agile methodologies to ensure flexibility and rapid development cycles.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Disney's culture is renowned for creativity and storytelling, which is integrated into its technology divisions. For operations and design roles, this translates to a focus on impact, innovation, and creating engaging experiences that align with the company's brand. The large enterprise environment suggests established processes but also opportunities for significant impact due to scale.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Mid-Level Product Designer (II)

This role is positioned as a "Product Designer II," indicating a mid-level contributor who can work relatively independently on defined features and product experiences. It requires a solid foundation in design principles, proficiency with design tools, and the ability to contribute to strategic design discussions. The role balances executing on defined tasks with contributing to the shaping of new product initiatives.

Reporting Structure:

This role will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead within the Ad Platforms team. Collaboration will be extensive with Product Managers, Engineers, and other cross-functional stakeholders involved in the ad technology and streaming product development lifecycle.

Operations Impact:

The Product Designer will have a direct impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of Disney's advertising platforms. By streamlining campaign planning and creation tools, the role contributes to:

• Increased advertising revenue through more efficient campaign management.

• Improved user satisfaction and adoption rates for ad platform tools.

• Enhanced operational efficiency for internal teams managing advertising.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in advertising technology, streaming media product design, or AI integration within design processes.

• Leadership: Transition into a Senior Product Designer role, taking on larger, more complex initiatives and mentoring junior designers.

• Management: Potential to move into a Design Manager or Lead position, focusing on team development and strategic design direction.

• Cross-functional Experience: Gain exposure to various aspects of the media and technology business within Disney.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "II" designation typically signifies a level beyond entry-level, requiring demonstrable experience and the capacity for independent contribution. The growth opportunities are aligned with typical career paths in design, emphasizing both deepening expertise and expanding into leadership roles within a large, established organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid Work Model

This role is designated as "TELECOMMUTE" but the listed locations (New York, San Francisco, Glendale) and the "Hybrid" AI work arrangement suggest a need for occasional in-office presence or collaboration with teams based in these hubs. The specific expectations for office days will likely be clarified during the interview process.

Office Location(s):

• New York, NY, USA (7 Hudson Square)

• San Francisco, CA, USA

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: Expect to work within a dynamic team environment that values collaboration across design, product management, and engineering. This will involve regular design critiques, brainstorming sessions, and cross-functional meetings.

• Technology & Tools: Access to industry-standard design software (Figma), collaboration platforms, and potentially specialized ad tech tools. The environment will support creative problem-solving and iterative design work.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for frequent interaction with designers and other professionals, fostering a culture of shared learning and continuous improvement.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time (40 hours/week) with flexibility. While specific hours may vary, the hybrid nature and collaborative requirements suggest a need for availability during core business hours for team syncs and stakeholder meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "TELECOMMUTE" designation alongside specific office locations and a "Hybrid" AI work arrangement indicates a flexible policy. Candidates should be prepared for a blend of remote work and potential in-office requirements, depending on team needs and project phases.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Application & Portfolio Submission: Submit your resume and a link to your online portfolio.

2. Recruiter Screen: Initial conversation to assess basic qualifications, cultural fit, and interest in the role and Disney.

3. Hiring Manager Interview: In-depth discussion about your experience, design philosophy, problem-solving approach, and alignment with the role's responsibilities. This often includes discussing specific projects from your portfolio.

4. Design Challenge / Portfolio Review: A practical exercise or a deep dive into your portfolio where you'll present specific case studies, explain your process, and demonstrate your design thinking and craft. This may involve presenting to a panel of designers and/or stakeholders.

5. Cross-functional Interviews: Conversations with Product Managers, Engineers, or other team members to assess collaboration skills and understanding of technical constraints.

6. Final Interview / Executive Review: Potentially a final conversation with senior leadership to discuss strategic thinking and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your ability to handle complex problems, simplify user flows, and deliver impactful results, especially those relevant to ad tech or enterprise tools.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your specific role and contributions, the design process (research, ideation, iteration, testing), challenges, and quantifiable outcomes or learnings.

• Showcase Process: Don't just show final screens; include wireframes, user flows, prototypes, and explain the rationale behind your design decisions at each stage.

• Highlight Impact: Quantify the success of your designs whenever possible (e.g., increased conversion rates, reduced task completion time, improved user satisfaction scores).

• Be Prepared for Critique: Be ready to discuss your work openly, defend your design choices, and demonstrate how you incorporate feedback.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Familiarize yourself with common challenges and user needs in advertising technology, campaign management, and streaming platforms.

• Practice Whiteboarding/Prototyping: Be ready to sketch out ideas, map user flows, or create quick prototypes on the spot.

• Articulate Your Thinking: Focus on clearly explaining your thought process, even if you don't reach a perfect solution. Demonstrate how you break down problems and consider different approaches.

• Ask Clarifying Questions: Show that you understand the importance of gathering requirements and context before jumping into solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is typical for mid-level design roles at large tech companies, emphasizing a thorough evaluation of design skills, problem-solving capabilities, and collaborative potential. The portfolio review is a critical component, requiring candidates to present detailed case studies that demonstrate strategic thinking and measurable impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert proficiency is required for UI design, prototyping, and collaboration. This will be the primary tool for creating visual designs, user flows, and interactive prototypes.

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in Figma's prototyping features or other tools like InVision, ProtoPie for creating interactive user experiences.

• Design Systems: Experience working with or contributing to design systems for maintaining consistency and scalability across products.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Familiarity with analytics platforms (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) to understand user behavior and product performance, though direct use might be limited for a designer.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct requirement for the designer, an understanding of how CRM and automation tools impact user journeys and business processes can be beneficial for context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly called out as a required tool, indicating its central role in the design workflow. The emphasis on design systems suggests that the company values cohesive and scalable design solutions. While direct use of analytics or CRM tools might not be expected, an understanding of their impact on user experience and business outcomes is valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Storytelling: A core Disney value that translates into pushing creative boundaries and developing engaging, impactful user experiences.

• Excellence & Craft: A commitment to high-quality design, attention to detail, and delivering polished, user-friendly products.

• Collaboration & Inclusion: Fostering a team environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and cross-functional partnerships are essential for success.

• User-Centricity: Placing the user at the heart of all design decisions, striving to understand their needs and create intuitive, valuable experiences.

• Impact-Driven: Focusing on designs that not only delight users but also contribute directly to business objectives and the success of Disney's streaming and advertising platforms.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with Product Managers, Engineers, Researchers, and Marketing teams. This involves active participation in planning, development, and review cycles.

• Open Feedback Culture: Regular design critiques and feedback sessions are integral to the process, encouraging constructive dialogue and continuous improvement of designs and processes.

• Shared Ownership: While designers lead the UX/UI aspects, there's an emphasis on shared responsibility for product success, encouraging proactive problem-solving and contribution from all team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The Disney culture emphasizes creativity, storytelling, and high standards. For a design role in ad tech, this means balancing innovative user experiences with the practical needs of advertising platforms and business objectives. Collaboration is key, suggesting a need for strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively within a large, diverse organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Ad Tech: Navigating the intricate landscape of advertising technology, including various ad formats, targeting capabilities, and regulatory considerations, to design user-friendly tools.

• Balancing User Needs with Business Goals: Designing experiences that cater to both the end-users of the ad platforms (advertisers, internal teams) and the strategic business objectives of Disney's advertising revenue.

• Scale and Integration: Ensuring designs are scalable across multiple platforms and integrate seamlessly with existing systems and future technological advancements within Disney's vast ecosystem.

• Pace of Innovation: Keeping up with the rapid evolution of digital advertising, streaming media, and design technologies to ensure products remain competitive and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Domain Knowledge: Gaining deep expertise in the advertising technology sector and the nuances of the streaming media market.

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply emerging design methodologies, AI-driven design tools, and advanced prototyping techniques.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Working across various Disney brands and product lines, offering a broad understanding of the entertainment and technology industry.

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential to be mentored by senior designers or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership skills.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to professional development opportunities, potentially including industry conferences and specialized training programs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are specific to the domain of ad tech within a large media company, requiring adaptability and a willingness to learn complex systems. The growth opportunities highlight the potential for deep specialization, skill enhancement, and career advancement within a leading entertainment and technology organization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to simplify a highly complex user flow for a business-critical application. What was your process, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and measurable impact.)

• "How do you balance user needs with business requirements when designing for advertising platforms? Provide an example." (Assess understanding of the domain and ability to align design with objectives.)

• "Discuss your experience with design systems. How do you ensure consistency and scalability in your designs, especially within a large organization?" (Evaluate understanding of design systems and their importance.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working at The Walt Disney Company, specifically within the Ad Platforms team?" (Show genuine interest and alignment with Disney's mission.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and product managers, especially when there are differing opinions?" (Assess interpersonal skills and conflict resolution.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: For each project, start with a clear problem statement and your role. Then, walk through your process with visuals (sketches, wireframes, flows, mockups). Conclude with the results and key learnings.

• Quantify Outcomes: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs. If direct metrics aren't available, discuss anticipated impact or user feedback.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design choices, trade-offs you made, and how you handled challenges.

• Showcase Figma Skills: Be ready to discuss your proficiency with Figma, including its advanced features for collaboration and prototyping.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design craft but also strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and the ability to navigate complex business requirements within the media and advertising space. Strong portfolio presentation is crucial for showcasing these abilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer II position:

• Submit your application through The Walt Disney Company's careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor your Resume: Highlight keywords and experiences directly related to product design, user experience, Figma, ad tech, and complex application design. Quantify achievements whenever possible.

• Optimize Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your design process, problem-solving skills, and the impact of your work, with a strong emphasis on projects relevant to this role. Make sure Figma proficiency is evident.

• Prepare for Interviews: Practice articulating your design rationale, discussing your portfolio projects in detail, and preparing for potential design challenges or case studies. Research Disney's current products and initiatives in streaming and advertising.

• Understand the Role: Clearly articulate why you are a good fit for this specific role within Disney's Ad Platforms team and how your skills align with the company's values and the demands of the position.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Walt Disney Company's hiring organization before making application decisions.