Product Designer (Parental Leave Replacement)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (Parental Leave Replacement)

Company: Descope

Location: Tel Aviv, Israel

Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (8 months)

Category: Product Design, UX/UI Design

Date Posted: 2026-08-25

Experience Level: 5+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design end-to-end user interfaces for Descope's SaaS platform, focusing on a developer-first identity provider.

• Collaborate closely with product managers and R&D to translate strategic objectives into user-centric designs.

• Map user scenarios, create comprehensive product flows, and develop high-fidelity prototypes to optimize user journeys.

• Contribute to a fast-paced startup environment, managing high context-switching and delivering quick, impactful results.

• Enhance design workflows by leveraging AI tools, with a preference for experience with Claude.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a crucial parental leave replacement for an 8-month period, indicating a need for an experienced designer who can quickly integrate and contribute without extensive ramp-up. The focus on "developer-first" and "identity provider" suggests a need to understand complex technical user needs and abstract concepts, translating them into intuitive interfaces.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design user interfaces for Descope's SaaS platform, encompassing authentication, MFA, SSO, and AI agent authorization features.

• Develop comprehensive user flows, wireframes, and interactive prototypes to visualize and validate design solutions.

• Conduct user research and usability testing to gather insights and iterate on designs, ensuring user needs are met.

• Collaborate effectively with Product Management to define requirements and with Engineering to ensure feasibility and high-quality implementation of designs.

• Maintain and contribute to the company's design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across the platform.

• Stay abreast of industry trends in UI/UX design, SaaS platforms, and developer tools to bring innovative ideas to the team.

• Utilize AI tools within the design process to streamline workflows and improve design output efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the "drag & drop" approach and the focus on enabling developers, the responsibilities will likely involve designing for both end-users of applications built with Descope and the developers who configure and manage Descope itself. This dual focus requires a nuanced understanding of different user personas and their distinct needs.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication or a related field is preferred.

Experience: 5+ years of experience in end-to-end (UX/UI) product design, with a strong preference for SaaS or developer-centric environments.

Required Skills:

• End-to-End Product Design: Proven ability to manage the full design lifecycle from research and concept generation to high-fidelity design and usability testing.

• UX/UI Proficiency: Strong understanding of user experience principles and user interface design best practices.

• Figma Expertise: Advanced proficiency in Figma for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design creation.

• Visual Design Fundamentals: Solid grasp of typography, color theory, layout, composition, and a keen eye for detail.

• Prototyping Skills: Ability to create interactive prototypes to effectively communicate design concepts and user flows.

• Strategic Design Thinking: Capacity to make high-level strategic design decisions and understand the broader product lifecycle.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product, R&D), share ideas early, and communicate efficiently.

• AI Tool Proficiency: Hands-on experience using AI tools to enhance design workflows; experience with Claude is a plus.

• Industry Awareness: Up-to-date knowledge of UI trends, UX conventions, techniques, and technologies.

• English Proficiency: High level of written and spoken English.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience as a developer or in designing developer-oriented SaaS products.

• Experience with Adobe Suite and other complementary design tools.

• Experience creating and maintaining design system libraries.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "strategic design thinking" and "holistic user journeys" implies that candidates should be able to think beyond isolated screens and consider the entire user experience within the context of Descope's product offerings and the broader identity management landscape.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive online portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects.

• Demonstrations of UX/UI design process, including user research, wireframing, prototyping, and final visual design.

• Case studies that highlight problem-solving skills, design decision-making, and the impact of design solutions.

• Examples of work within SaaS or developer-centric platforms are highly valued.

• Evidence of collaboration with product and engineering teams. Process Documentation:

• Showcase projects where you mapped product flows and user scenarios effectively.

• Include examples of iterative design processes, demonstrating how user feedback and testing informed design changes.

• Highlight experience in creating and utilizing design systems for consistency and scalability.

• Provide examples of how AI tools were integrated into your design workflow to enhance efficiency or outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Submissions without an online portfolio will not be considered. This is a critical requirement. The portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's design process, problem-solving approach, and the tangible results of their design work, especially in the context of complex SaaS platforms.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the role's seniority (5+ years experience), location (Tel Aviv), and the temporary nature of the contract, a competitive salary is expected. Based on industry benchmarks for experienced Product Designers in Tel Aviv, a range of ₪30,000 - ₪45,000 per month gross could be anticipated. This estimate is based on market data for similar roles in Israel, considering the cost of living and demand for specialized design talent in the SaaS sector.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to work with a well-funded, rapidly growing startup (Descope has $88M in seed funding).

• Exposure to cutting-edge identity provider technology and AI integrations.

• Collaborative and dynamic startup work environment in Tel Aviv.

• Potential for significant impact and rapid satisfaction in a fast-paced setting.

• Opportunity to contribute to a product trusted by over 1000 organizations, including notable companies like GoFundMe and Databricks.

Working Hours: Full-time. While specific daily hours are not detailed, a hybrid work arrangement in Tel Aviv implies a standard work week with flexibility for focused work and team collaboration. The startup environment suggests a dynamic schedule, often requiring adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a parental leave replacement role for 8 months, it may not include the full suite of long-term benefits typically offered to permanent employees (e.g., extensive stock options, long-term disability). However, it should offer competitive compensation and a rich learning experience. The salary estimate is a guideline and should be confirmed by the candidate during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, Software (Identity Provider, SaaS, Developer Tools). Descope operates in the rapidly evolving identity and access management (IAM) space, focusing on simplifying authentication for developers and organizations. The company's mission to "descoping authentication plumbing" from developers' lives positions it as an innovator in making complex security features accessible.

Company Size: The exact current size isn't specified but the context of a startup with significant seed funding ($88M) suggests a growing team, likely in the range of 50-200 employees. This implies a dynamic, agile environment where individuals can have a substantial impact.

Founded: Founded with a mission to simplify developer authentication, Descope has quickly gained traction, indicating a strong product-market fit and a culture focused on innovation and rapid execution.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design function likely works closely with Product Management and R&D (Engineering).

• Designers are expected to be integrated into product teams, contributing from early ideation through to final implementation.

• Collaboration is key, with an emphasis on early communication and sharing of ideas.

• The "startup environment" suggests a relatively flat hierarchy, encouraging direct communication and cross-functional teamwork. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While not explicitly stated, the emphasis on user research and usability testing points towards a data-informed approach to design decisions.

• Agile Development: The "startup environment" and "high context-switching" suggest an agile methodology, where designers work in iterative cycles alongside developers.

• User-Centricity: The focus on "holistic user journeys" and "end-to-end user interfaces" underscores a commitment to understanding and serving user needs.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Descope's focus on being "developer-first" is a critical cultural indicator. This means the company likely values technical understanding, efficiency, and solutions that empower developers. The culture is expected to be fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative, typical of a well-funded tech startup.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is for an experienced Product Designer, specifically at a mid-to-senior level, with 5+ years of dedicated experience. The responsibilities involve end-to-end ownership and strategic input, indicating a level of autonomy and influence within product development.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will report into a Head of Product, Design Lead, or potentially a Product Manager, depending on the specific team structure. They will work closely with Product Managers and R&D teams, requiring strong cross-functional collaboration skills.

Operations Impact: As a Product Designer, the impact is directly on the usability, adoption, and overall success of Descope's SaaS platform. By creating intuitive and effective user interfaces, the designer contributes to customer satisfaction, developer efficiency, and ultimately, the company's growth and market position in the competitive identity management space.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Deepening: Opportunity to deepen expertise in designing for developer-centric SaaS products and complex technical domains like identity management.

• AI Tool Integration: Gain practical experience in leveraging advanced AI tools within design workflows, a highly sought-after skill.

• Design System Contribution: Contribute to or help build a design system, enhancing skills in scalability and design governance.

• Startup Experience: Develop resilience, adaptability, and broad product development exposure in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Potential for Future Roles: While this is a temporary role, exceptional performance could lead to opportunities for permanent positions if they arise.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a temporary role, growth is often measured by the breadth of experience gained and the impact made during the contract period. The opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and a fast-moving product is a significant growth factor.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This indicates a blend of remote work and in-office collaboration, allowing for flexibility while maintaining team cohesion.

Office Location(s): Tel Aviv, Israel. This places the designer within a vibrant tech hub, offering access to a strong talent pool and industry events.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and emphasis on collaboration suggest an office designed to foster teamwork, with common areas and meeting spaces.

• Tools & Technology: Access to standard design software (Figma, potentially Adobe Suite), AI design tools, and collaboration platforms will be provided.

• Team Interaction: Regular opportunities for face-to-face interaction with product managers, engineers, and fellow designers, alongside virtual collaboration tools for remote days.

Work Schedule: Full-time, hybrid. This typically means a standard work week (e.g., Sunday-Thursday in Israel) with a mix of remote and in-office days as agreed upon with the team. The startup culture may involve occasional flexibility to meet deadlines or project milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Tel Aviv offers a good balance of flexibility and in-person collaboration, which is beneficial for design work that often thrives on spontaneous discussions and feedback loops.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A session where the candidate presents their portfolio, discussing their process, decision-making, and impact. This may be followed by a take-home design challenge or an in-person/virtual design exercise.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and/or Engineers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and problem-solving abilities.

• Hiring Manager/Leadership Interview: Final discussion focusing on strategic thinking, alignment with company vision, and overall fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, your design process, the challenges faced, the solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes or impact.

• Showcase Process: Don't just show final screens; include wireframes, user flows, research insights, and iteration examples to demonstrate your thinking.

• Highlight SaaS/Developer Focus: If possible, include projects that demonstrate experience with complex interfaces, developer tools, or B2B SaaS products.

• Explain AI Tool Usage: Clearly articulate how you used AI tools to enhance your workflow, what the benefits were, and what you learned.

• Be Concise and Focused: Prioritize 2-3 strong projects that best represent your capabilities for this specific role.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Product: Thoroughly research Descope, its mission, target audience (developers), and key features.

• Anticipate Design Problems: Consider common challenges in designing authentication flows, user onboarding, or developer tools.

• Focus on Process: For any design exercise, emphasize your thought process, how you approach problem-solving, and how you would gather requirements and feedback.

• Articulate Trade-offs: Be prepared to discuss design trade-offs and justify your decisions based on user needs, business goals, and technical constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of a portfolio requirement and the need for AI tool experience suggests that interviewers will probe deeply into these areas. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate practical application and strategic thinking regarding these aspects.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Essential for all aspects of UI/UX design, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is non-negotiable.

• AI Design Tools: Experience with AI tools for design enhancement is required; Claude specifically is a plus. This could include AI-powered ideation, content generation, or workflow automation tools.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly a designer's tool, an understanding of how design impacts user analytics (e.g., conversion rates, engagement metrics) is beneficial. Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics or Amplitude may be helpful for interpreting user behavior data. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for the Product Designer role, but awareness of how design integrates with the user journey within a CRM context could be a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Figma and AI tools is paramount. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their specific workflows and how they leverage these tools to achieve design excellence and efficiency.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Speed: Descope operates in a fast-paced startup environment, valuing quick iteration and innovative solutions to complex problems.

• Developer Empathy: A core value is understanding and serving the needs of developers, making complex technical processes accessible and efficient.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Encouraging early sharing of ideas, open communication, and close teamwork across departments.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to designing products that solve real user problems and provide exceptional experiences.

• Continuous Learning: Staying updated with industry trends and embracing new technologies, including AI, to enhance products and workflows.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Designers are expected to work seamlessly with Product Managers and R&D teams, acting as integral members of product development squads.

• Proactive Communication: Sharing designs and ideas early and often to gather feedback and ensure alignment.

• Iterative Design: Embracing feedback loops and using them to refine designs, leading to better product outcomes.

• Shared Ownership: A sense of collective responsibility for the product's success, fostering a supportive and goal-oriented atmosphere.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "developer-first" ethos is likely a foundational value that permeates all aspects of Descope's culture, including design. This means understanding technical constraints and developer workflows is as important as user experience principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Fast-Paced Startup Environment: Adapting to rapid changes, high context-switching, and tight deadlines inherent in a growing startup.

• Complex Domain: Designing for identity management and developer tools requires understanding intricate technical concepts and user needs.

• Temporary Role: Navigating a contract position, ensuring maximum impact and integration within a limited timeframe.

• Balancing Developer & End-User Needs: Designing for a platform that serves both developers configuring it and end-users of applications built with it.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced SaaS Design: Gaining deeper experience in designing for sophisticated B2B SaaS applications.

• AI in Design: Mastering the use of AI tools to augment the design process, a critical skill for future-proofing a design career.

• Identity Management Domain: Developing expertise in a specialized and high-demand area of cybersecurity and software development.

• Design System Contribution: Enhancing skills in creating scalable and maintainable design systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The temporary nature of the role presents a unique challenge and opportunity. Candidates must be highly self-motivated and results-oriented to make a significant impact within the 8-month period.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex SaaS product you've designed. What were the biggest challenges, and how did your design decisions address them?" (Focus on process, user needs, and outcomes.)

• "How do you approach designing for a developer audience? What are the key considerations?" (Highlight empathy for technical users, efficiency, and clarity.)

• "Walk us through a project where you used AI tools to enhance your design workflow. What was the impact?" (Be specific about the tools, process, and results.)

• "How do you ensure your designs are scalable and maintainable, especially within a growing product or design system?" (Discuss design system principles, modularity, and consistency.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Descope's mission and its developer-first approach to identity?" (Show genuine interest in the company's vision and market.)

• "How do you handle feedback, especially when it conflicts with your initial design vision?" (Demonstrate openness, collaboration, and a data-driven approach.)

• "Describe your experience working in a startup environment. How do you adapt to rapid change?" (Highlight flexibility, proactivity, and resilience.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Problem -> Your Role -> Process -> Solution -> Results/Impact.

• Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, prototypes, and diagrams to illustrate your work. Include process artifacts like user flows and wireframes.

• Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most impactful aspects of each project and be prepared to go deeper on specific areas if asked.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data and metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved conversion rates, reduced support tickets, increased user satisfaction scores).

• AI Tool Emphasis: Clearly call out where and how AI tools were used in your projects and what benefit they provided.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate how their design skills directly contribute to Descope's business objectives, particularly in empowering developers and securing digital identities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse platform.

• Customize Your Portfolio: Ensure your online portfolio prominently features 2-3 strong case studies that highlight your end-to-end UX/UI design process, particularly for SaaS or developer-centric products. Emphasize projects where you used AI tools and clearly articulate your design decisions and their impact.

• Optimize Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience in product design, specific skills in Figma and AI tools, and any relevant experience in SaaS or developer tools. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects concisely, focusing on your problem-solving approach, design process, and the outcomes achieved. Be ready to discuss your experience with AI tools and how you collaborate with product and engineering teams.

• Research Descope: Thoroughly understand Descope's product, mission, target audience (developers), and the competitive landscape of identity providers. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company culture.

⚠️ 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.

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