Product Designer - Internal Startups

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer - Internal Startups

Company: Wix

Location: Vilnius, Vilnius County, Lithuania

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-08-21

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end design process for new, internal Wix startups operating in a 0-to-1, stealth environment.

• Drive product-market fit discovery through extensive research, ideation, experimentation, and rapid iteration.

• Craft intuitive and visually stunning User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) designs across all product flows.

• Collaborate closely with entrepreneurial "Entrepreneurs in Residence" and Software Engineers within agile startup teams.

• Integrate AI-powered tools and methodologies to enhance design workflows and product development speed.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is explicitly for "Internal Startups" within Wix, indicating a focus on innovation and new product development distinct from Wix's core offerings. The "0-to-1 environment" and "stealth" nature suggest a high degree of ambiguity and the need for a designer comfortable with uncharted territory and rapid experimentation. The emphasis on AI integration points to a forward-thinking design approach.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of the design strategy and execution for one or more internal Wix startups, guiding them from initial concept to a validated product.

• Conduct thorough user research, market analysis, and competitive landscaping to inform product direction and identify opportunities.

• Develop user personas, journey maps, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs to articulate product vision.

• Translate complex ideas and user needs into clear, actionable design specifications for software engineering teams.

• Continuously iterate on designs based on user feedback, A/B testing results, and performance analytics to optimize user experience and retention.

• Proactively identify and propose usability improvements, brand enhancements, and innovative design solutions to elevate early-stage products.

• Explore and adopt new design methodologies, tools, and AI applications to push the boundaries of product development at Wix.

• Actively participate in team discussions, providing design expertise and contributing to strategic product decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a high degree of autonomy and strategic involvement, typical of roles within internal innovation labs or early-stage product teams. The explicit mention of "adjusting code with AI" suggests a hands-on approach and a need for designers comfortable with or eager to learn AI-assisted design workflows, which is a significant differentiator for this role.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in product design, with a significant emphasis on building products from the ground up or working in early-stage startup environments.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in the full spectrum of User Experience (UX) design: user research, usability testing, information architecture, interaction design, and visual design.

• Strong proficiency in crafting compelling User Interface (UI) designs that align with brand identity and user needs.

• Demonstrated ability to manage the entire design lifecycle, from initial research and ideation to final UI/UX delivery.

• Excellent communication skills, capable of articulating design decisions and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced setting.

• Robust analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to design optimization.

• High degree of comfort with ambiguity, rapid experimentation, and iterative development processes.

• Curiosity and proficiency in leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and methodologies within design workflows. Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within "0-to-1" product development environments or internal innovation labs.

• Familiarity with product-led growth (PLG) strategies and their impact on design.

• Experience in transferring design concepts and specifications to software engineers.

• Knowledge of content strategy and its role in user experience.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "3+ years of work experience... preferably in an environment of building products from scratch" strongly suggests that candidates with startup experience or those who have worked on new product initiatives within larger organizations will be highly regarded. The emphasis on "ambiguity, experimentation, and fast iteration" further reinforces this, pointing to a need for resilient and adaptable designers.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive case studies detailing end-to-end product design projects, preferably from conception to launch or significant iteration.

• Clearly articulate your role and contributions within each project, especially in ambiguous or early-stage product environments.

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of user research methodologies, ideation techniques, and validation processes used in each case.

• Highlight your ability to translate research findings into tangible UI/UX solutions, including wireframes, prototypes, and final visual designs.

• Present evidence of problem-solving skills and how you navigated challenges or pivots within a project lifecycle. Process Documentation:

• For each case study, document the design process followed, emphasizing the iterative nature of the work and how feedback was incorporated.

• Detail the tools and methodologies used, paying particular attention to any AI integrations or experimental approaches.

• Quantify the impact of your design decisions where possible, using metrics related to user engagement, conversion rates, or usability improvements.

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach establishing design processes and standards for a new internal startup.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "0-to-1" nature of the role, portfolios should emphasize process and adaptability over polished, fully launched products. Case studies demonstrating how a designer navigated uncertainty, ideated from scratch, and iterated based on limited data will be highly valued. The inclusion of "AI-heavy environment" implies a preference for portfolios that showcase experimentation with new tools or AI-assisted workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: 3000 - 5500 Eur GROSS / month (Total compensation, including RSU package)

Benefits:

• Discount stock purchasing plans (ESPP)

• Health and personal accident insurance

• Daily lunch and snacks provided at the office

• Commuting allowance

• Discounted phone operator services and compensation for a new phone

• Free exercise classes and wellness activities

• Access to online courses and professional development programs

• Regular fun activities and team events

Working Hours: The company operates a fully in-person model with 5 days a week from the office. While flexibility is a core value, special requests are handled at the team level. Assuming a standard 40-hour work week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided (3000-5500 EUR Gross/month) is an estimate for a mid-level Product Designer in Vilnius, Lithuania, considering cost of living, industry benchmarks for tech roles, and the specific benefits offered. This range includes a potential Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) package, indicating a comprehensive compensation structure. The "5 days a week from our office" policy means this role is strictly on-site.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (SaaS, Web Development Platforms)

Company Size: Wix is a large, established technology company with a global presence, employing thousands of individuals. However, the "Internal Startups" group operates with the agility and focus of a much smaller, dedicated team.

Founded: Wix was founded in 2006, bringing significant experience and resources to its innovation initiatives.

Team Structure:

• The "Innovations Vilnius" group is a specialized unit within Wix, comprised of experienced software engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs.

• This group functions as a collection of semi-autonomous internal startups, each with its own core project team.

• The Product Designer will collaborate directly with these internal startup teams, which include "Entrepreneurs in Residence" (likely product strategists/leaders) and software engineers.

• The reporting structure likely involves a design lead or manager within the Innovations group, though day-to-day collaboration will be with the startup team members. Methodology:

• The group focuses on building "next unicorn" products from within Wix, indicating a high-risk, high-reward approach.

• A strong emphasis is placed on Product-Led Growth (PLG) principles, prioritizing user experience, quality, and retention.

• The environment encourages rapid experimentation, iteration, and pivoting to discover product-market fit.

• AI integration is a key component of their development and design methodologies.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture described for "Innovations Vilnius" is distinct from a typical large corporation. It fosters an entrepreneurial spirit, akin to an external startup, but with the backing and resources of Wix. This duality is crucial for candidates to understand – they will work with startup-level autonomy and pace but within a larger, established tech framework.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer with significant ownership. It offers a unique opportunity to act as a foundational design leader for new ventures, going beyond typical feature design to shape entire product directions from inception. The "0-to-1" aspect means growth is tied to successfully launching and iterating on novel products.

Reporting Structure: While part of the larger Wix organization, the Product Designer will report within the "Innovations Vilnius" group. Day-to-day collaboration is with internal startup teams (Entrepreneurs in Residence, Engineers), and direct management is likely within the innovation leadership structure.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer will have a direct and profound impact on the success of new internal ventures. Their ability to define user needs, craft compelling experiences, and drive product-market fit will be critical to whether these internal startups achieve unicorn status or undergo pivots. This role provides a direct line of sight to business outcomes and the potential for significant influence on new product strategies.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in designing for early-stage products, AI-driven design, and PLG models.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Product Designer role, potentially leading design efforts for multiple internal startups or taking on mentorship responsibilities within the innovation group.

• Entrepreneurship: Gain invaluable experience in the full product lifecycle, which can be a springboard for future entrepreneurial endeavors, either within Wix or externally.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in AI tools, new design methodologies, and cross-functional collaboration with product strategists and engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth trajectory here is less about climbing a traditional corporate ladder and more about deepening expertise in innovation and product creation. Success in this role could lead to significant opportunities within Wix's innovation arm or provide a robust foundation for future entrepreneurial pursuits, making it attractive for ambitious designers.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires 5 days a week in the Wix office in Vilnius. This indicates a strong preference for in-person collaboration and a dynamic office environment designed to foster teamwork and creativity.

Office Location(s): Vilnius, Vilnius City Municipality, Lithuania.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be collaborative, with dedicated spaces for team interaction and brainstorming sessions.

• As part of a large tech company, access to modern design tools, software, and potentially internal development platforms will be available.

• The "Innovations Vilnius" group likely cultivates a fast-paced, energetic atmosphere conducive to rapid prototyping and iteration.

• Opportunities for spontaneous collaboration with a diverse group of engineers, entrepreneurs, and fellow designers will be abundant.

Work Schedule: The standard work week is 5 days in the office, implying a structured yet potentially flexible approach to daily hours, managed at the team level. This schedule is designed to maximize in-person collaboration for the fast-paced startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fully in person, with 5 days a week from our office" policy is a definitive aspect of this role's work environment. While Wix states flexibility is a core value, this specific role in "Innovations Vilnius" prioritizes co-location for its 0-to-1, experimental nature. Candidates must be comfortable with a consistent on-site presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess relevant experience and design capabilities, particularly in early-stage product development.

• Portfolio Presentation & Discussion: A session where you present 1-2 key case studies from your portfolio, discussing your process, challenges, and outcomes. Expect in-depth questions about your decision-making and approach to ambiguity.

• Technical/Design Challenge: Potentially a short design exercise or a deep dive into a specific design problem relevant to the internal startup context, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ideation process.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interviews: Meetings with the hiring manager and potentially members of the "Innovations Vilnius" team to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and alignment with the entrepreneurial spirit.

• Final Round: Discussions with senior leadership within the innovation group to evaluate strategic thinking and potential impact.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Process: Emphasize your thought process, research, ideation, and iteration, especially for projects in ambiguous environments.

• Showcase Ambiguity Navigation: Highlight projects where you had to define problems, experiment, and pivot based on limited information.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success or learning outcomes of your designs.

• AI Integration: If you have experience or strong interest in AI-assisted design, showcase this explicitly.

• Clarity and Conciseness: Ensure your case studies are easy to follow, clearly outlining the problem, your solution, and the results.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Context: Research Wix's core products and its internal innovation initiatives. Consider the challenges of building "0-to-1" products and the role of PLG and AI.

• Practice Articulating Your Process: Be ready to explain your design methodology, how you approach user research, and how you translate insights into designs.

• Prepare for Ambiguity: Think about how you would approach a design problem with minimal initial information and how you would validate your assumptions.

• Showcase Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you would work with entrepreneurs and engineers in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "0-to-1," "experimentation," and "AI-heavy environment" means interviewers will be looking for designers who are not just skilled executors but also strategic thinkers and proactive problem-solvers comfortable with uncertainty. Portfolios and interview responses should reflect this adaptability and innovative mindset.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (highly probable, industry standard), Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop).

• Prototyping Tools: InVision, Principle, ProtoPie (for advanced interactions).

• AI-Assisted Design Tools: Candidates are expected to be proficient or very curious about tools that leverage AI for design generation, optimization, or workflow enhancement. Specific tools will depend on ongoing developments and internal Wix adoption.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Product Analytics: Tools like Amplitude, Mixpanel, or internal Wix analytics platforms to track user behavior and product performance.

• User Feedback Platforms: Tools for collecting and analyzing user feedback (e.g., Hotjar, UserTesting.com).

• Data Visualization: Proficiency in interpreting data from dashboards and reports to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a "design" tool, understanding how user data from CRMs or marketing automation platforms informs product design is beneficial. Familiarity with how products integrate with broader business systems is a plus. Collaboration & Project Management:

• Jira, Confluence, Asana, Trello (for agile project management and documentation).

• Slack, Microsoft Teams (for team communication).

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of an "AI-heavy environment" is a critical differentiator. While specific AI tools aren't listed, candidates should highlight any experience or strong interest in AI-powered design assistants, generative design tools, or AI for user research analysis. Proficiency in Figma is almost a given for modern product design roles.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Entrepreneurship: A drive to build new, impactful products and a willingness to take calculated risks.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and serving user needs, central to the PLG approach.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing analytics and research to guide product development and design choices.

• Agility & Iteration: Embracing rapid prototyping, testing, and continuous improvement.

• Collaboration & Ownership: Working effectively in cross-functional teams and taking responsibility for product outcomes.

• Curiosity & Learning: A proactive approach to exploring new technologies (like AI) and methodologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: The role demands close collaboration with Entrepreneurs in Residence (product visionaries) and Software Engineers, requiring clear communication and shared understanding.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is regularly exchanged to refine designs and product strategy.

• Agile Teamwork: Working within agile sprints, participating in stand-ups, retrospectives, and planning sessions.

• Open Communication: Fostering transparency and direct communication within the small, focused startup teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values emphasize an entrepreneurial mindset within a structured corporate innovation framework. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, experimental setting while respecting the need for process and data-informed decisions. The blend of "startup" ethos with corporate backing is key.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Navigating Ambiguity: Operating in a "0-to-1" environment means defining problems and solutions with incomplete information, requiring comfort with uncertainty.

• Rapid Experimentation & Pivots: The need to quickly test hypotheses and adapt product direction based on market feedback can be demanding.

• Balancing Innovation with Quality: Delivering "stunning" products while iterating rapidly requires a strong design system or the ability to create one on the fly.

• AI Integration Complexity: Effectively leveraging new AI tools and integrating them into design workflows can present a learning curve.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring all team members (design, product, engineering) are aligned on vision and execution in a fast-paced startup setting.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into PLG: Gain hands-on experience building and designing for Product-Led Growth strategies.

• AI in Design: Become an expert in applying AI tools to enhance the product design lifecycle.

• Startup Lifecycle Mastery: Develop a comprehensive understanding of building and scaling new products from scratch.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Hone skills in collaborating with diverse roles (entrepreneurs, engineers) to drive product success.

• Mentorship: Potential for mentorship from experienced product leaders and entrepreneurs within Wix.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to early-stage product development but are framed as opportunities for growth. The learning opportunities are significant, particularly in the areas of PLG and AI integration, which are highly relevant and in-demand skills in the current tech landscape.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to design a product or feature with significant ambiguity. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your process, research, and iteration.)

• "How would you approach validating a new product idea for an internal startup with limited resources?" (Highlight your ideation, research, and validation techniques.)

• "Imagine you're tasked with designing a user onboarding flow for a completely new product. What are the key principles you'd consider, and how would you test it?" (Demonstrate your understanding of user acquisition and retention.)

• "How do you see AI impacting the future of product design, and how might you leverage AI tools in this role?" (Showcase your forward-thinking perspective and curiosity.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about working on internal startups within a large company like Wix?" (Align your answer with Wix's innovation goals and the "0-to-1" environment.)

• "How do you stay updated on design trends and new technologies, particularly AI?" (Emphasize continuous learning.)

• "Describe your ideal collaboration style with product managers/entrepreneurs and software engineers." (Highlight your teamwork and communication skills.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your designs?" (Show your receptiveness to iteration and improvement.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: Frame each case study as a narrative – the problem, your role, your process, the solution, and the impact/learnings.

• Highlight Your "Why": Explain the rationale behind your design decisions, connecting them to user needs and business goals.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals effectively to illustrate your design process and final outcomes.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your process, tools, and decisions.

• Focus on Adaptability: For this role, emphasize how you navigated uncertainty and iterated based on feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily lean into the unique aspects of this role: "0-to-1," "internal startups," "ambiguity," and "AI." Candidates should prepare specific examples that demonstrate their ability to thrive in such an environment, rather than generic product design scenarios.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on SmartRecruiters.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best showcase your experience in product design, particularly in early-stage or ambiguous environments. Ensure they highlight your process from research to execution, emphasizing problem-solving and iteration.

• Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to clearly articulate your experience with product design lifecycles, UX/UI expertise, and any relevant experience with startups, AI tools, or fast-paced innovation. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your selected case studies, focusing on your thought process, decision-making, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to ambiguity and AI integration.

• Research Wix Innovations: Understand Wix's mission, its core products, and the philosophy behind its "Innovations Vilnius" group. Consider how your skills can contribute to building the "next unicorn."

⚠️ 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.