Product Designer (UX)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (UX)

Company: Bjak

Location: New York, New York, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / UX Design

Date Posted: 2026-05-19

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

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and lead end-to-end user experiences for a proactive AI chat application, focusing on bringing intelligence to everyday conversations, errands, and workflows.

• Develop core user flows and interaction models that simplify advanced AI capabilities, ensuring a natural, intuitive, and trustworthy user experience.

• Collaborate closely with product, engineering, and Machine Learning (ML) teams in a fast-paced, early-stage environment to rapidly prototype, test, and ship innovative AI-driven features for both web and mobile platforms.

• Contribute to the definition and evolution of the company's design system to ensure speed, consistency, and scalability across all product surfaces.

• Advocate for user-centric design principles while balancing product velocity and technical constraints, with a focus on achieving high reliability for long-running workflows and real-world task completion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is for a Product Designer with a UX focus, specifically for an AI chat app. The emphasis is on designing complex AI interactions for everyday users, requiring a blend of core UX skills and an understanding of AI-driven product challenges. The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a balance between remote work and in-office collaboration, likely in New York.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design process for one or more AI product surfaces, from initial concept and problem definition through to production-ready assets.

• Design intuitive and engaging core user flows that translate complex AI functionalities into simple, natural, and highly usable interactions for a broad user base.

• Create comprehensive design artifacts, including wireframes, detailed user flows, interactive prototypes, and high-fidelity UI mockups for both web and mobile applications.

• Rapidly prototype and iterate on novel interaction models, with a particular focus on how users interact with and build trust in AI-driven features and intelligent systems.

• Conduct rigorous usability testing sessions, analyze qualitative and quantitative feedback, and synthesize insights to drive informed product decisions and refine user journeys.

• Define, maintain, and evolve the company's design system to ensure a consistent, scalable, and efficient design language across the product suite.

• Act as a strong advocate for the user experience, effectively communicating design rationale and user needs to cross-functional teams, including engineering and ML.

• Collaborate closely with product managers and engineers to explore design challenges, validate concepts, and ensure swift iteration and timely delivery of features.

• Balance user experience goals with product velocity, technical feasibility, and business objectives in a high-ownership, early-stage environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: These responsibilities highlight a need for a designer who can manage projects independently, from ideation to implementation, and contribute strategically to product direction, especially in the nascent field of AI-driven consumer applications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field; or equivalent practical experience.

Experience: 2-5 years of proven experience in product design, UX design, or a similar role, with a strong portfolio showcasing successful web and mobile product launches.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end product design, from concept to execution.

• Strong proficiency with design and rapid prototyping tools, especially Figma.

• Solid understanding of core interaction design principles, information architecture, visual hierarchy, and robust visual design systems.

• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with engineering, product management, and ML teams in fast-paced, agile environments.

• Comfort and skill in designing with incomplete inputs and adapting to evolving requirements.

• Exceptional ability to simplify complex workflows and technical concepts into clear, intuitive, and user-friendly experiences.

• Demonstrated willingness and ability to take ownership of projects from initial problem definition through to shipped solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience designing AI-powered products, intelligent systems, or data-heavy applications.

• Familiarity with conducting usability testing and applying qualitative research methodologies to inform design.

• Experience working on "zero-to-one" products or within early-stage startup teams.

• Keen interest in emerging UX patterns and best practices for AI, automation, and intelligent conversational interfaces.

• Experience contributing to or establishing a design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests a mid-level role, requiring demonstrable ownership and the ability to work independently, rather than solely executing tasks assigned by senior designers. Proficiency in Figma is explicitly stated as a requirement.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design projects, with a clear emphasis on web and mobile applications.

• Detailed case studies that illustrate your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your design decisions on user experience and business outcomes.

• Examples demonstrating your ability to simplify complex workflows and design intuitive interactions for sophisticated features, ideally including AI or data-intensive products.

• Visualizations of user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity UI designs, showcasing your mastery of design tools like Figma.

Process Documentation:

• Case studies should clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, user research findings, iterative design solutions, and the final outcomes.

• Demonstrate how you have used design to solve specific user pain points or achieve product goals, preferably with measurable results or user feedback.

• Showcase your ability to create and maintain design systems or contribute to their evolution, ensuring consistency and scalability.

• Include examples of how you have conducted or utilized usability testing and qualitative research to inform design iterations and product direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, especially in an AI-focused startup, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just aesthetic skill but also strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to handle complex, evolving requirements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Product Designer (UX) with 2-5 years of experience in New York City, the estimated annual salary range is typically between $100,000 and $140,000. This range accounts for the competitive market in New York, the demand for skilled UX professionals, and the early-stage, high-impact nature of the role.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Stock options or equity in a fast-growing startup.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and holidays.

• Professional development opportunities, including conference attendance and training.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

• Flexible hybrid work arrangement.

• Opportunity to work with cutting-edge AI technology.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered due to the hybrid work arrangement. Core working hours will likely be established to facilitate team collaboration, with opportunities for asynchronous work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimations are based on industry benchmarks for mid-level Product Designers in New York City, considering the tech startup environment and the specialized nature of AI product design. Benefits are typical for early-stage tech companies aiming to attract top talent.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology (AI, Software Development, Mobile Applications)

Company Size: Small (likely <50 employees, given the early-stage description)

Founded: The founding date of Bjak is not explicitly provided, but the description suggests an early-stage company focused on building a novel AI product.

Team Structure:

• A small, high-talent density team with a hands-on approach to product development.

• Cross-functional collaboration is central, with designers working closely with product managers, engineers, and ML specialists.

• Decision-making is collective, fostering a collaborative and open environment.

Methodology:

• Rapid iteration and speed are prioritized, balanced with the delivery of high-quality work.

• Collective decision-making processes are employed, encouraging diverse perspectives.

• A focus on learning and continuous improvement is embedded in the team's workflow.

• Emphasis on bringing structure and judgment to execute independently on ambitious goals.

Company Website: https://bjak.my/en/about-us

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is described as lean, fast-paced, and highly collaborative, typical of early-stage tech startups aiming to disrupt markets with innovative technology like AI.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer (UX) with significant ownership and potential for impact. It represents an opportunity to be a foundational member of the design team, influencing product direction from its inception.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Head of Product, Head of Design, or a senior product lead. Close collaboration with engineering and ML leadership is expected.

Operations Impact: The designer will have a direct and substantial impact on the core user experience of an AI-driven product. Their work will shape user adoption, engagement, and trust in AI technology, directly influencing the product's success and market positioning.

Growth Opportunities:

• Opportunity to grow into a senior or lead design role as the company scales.

• Deep specialization in AI/ML UX patterns and best practices.

• Potential to influence and build out the design function and team.

• Develop expertise in "zero-to-one" product development and early-stage startup environments.

• Gain exposure to cutting-edge AI technologies and their application in consumer products.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential beyond typical mid-level responsibilities, especially given the early-stage nature of the company and the innovative product focus.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The "Hybrid" work arrangement suggests a combination of remote work and in-office collaboration. The company likely maintains an office space in New York City for team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and focused collaborative work.

Office Location(s): New York, New York, United States. Specific office address details would be provided upon further engagement.

Workspace Context:

• A dynamic and collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and rapid iteration.

• Access to modern design tools and technology, including Figma and rapid prototyping software.

• Opportunities for spontaneous and structured collaboration with product, engineering, and ML teams.

• A culture that encourages open communication, knowledge sharing, and collective problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week) with flexibility. The hybrid model allows for remote days, with specific in-office days likely coordinated for team synergy and collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model implies a need for self-discipline and effective remote communication skills, alongside the ability to engage constructively in in-office collaborative sessions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application Review: Candidates are assessed based on their resume and portfolio.

• Technical Screen/Hiring Manager Interview: An initial conversation to assess fit, experience, and understanding of the role's core requirements. This may involve a portfolio walkthrough.

• Design Challenge/Case Study Presentation: Candidates might be given a design problem to solve or asked to present a detailed case study from their portfolio, focusing on their process and impact. This is where deep dives into AI UX challenges may occur.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with engineering and product team members to evaluate collaboration skills and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a founder or senior leadership to assess cultural fit and long-term potential. The company aims for 3-4 interviews total.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on AI/Complex Workflows: Highlight projects where you tackled complex problems, simplified intricate processes, or designed for AI-driven features. Clearly articulate the "why" behind your design decisions.

• Showcase Your Process: Detail your methodology, from research and ideation to iteration and final solution. Use wireframes, user flows, and prototypes to illustrate your journey.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, include metrics or qualitative feedback that demonstrate the success and impact of your designs. For AI products, this might involve engagement, task completion rates, or user trust indicators.

• Figma Proficiency: Be prepared to discuss your Figma workflows and any custom components or design system elements you've created or utilized.

• Storytelling: Present your projects as compelling narratives that highlight the challenges, your unique approach, and the positive outcomes.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand AI UX: Research current trends and challenges in AI product design, particularly for conversational interfaces and workflow automation.

• Simplify Complexity: Practice breaking down complex problems into manageable parts and designing intuitive solutions.

• Cross-functional Communication: Prepare to articulate design decisions clearly and concisely to non-designers, emphasizing trade-offs and rationale.

• Early-Stage Mindset: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing for ambiguity and evolving requirements in a startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes efficiency and transparency, with a focus on assessing practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and fit within a fast-moving, collaborative team. The portfolio is a critical component throughout.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Explicitly required for wireframing, prototyping, UI design, and collaboration.

• Rapid Prototyping Tools: Proficiency expected, likely integrated within Figma or complementary tools for high-fidelity interactive prototypes.

• Design System Tools: Experience with creating, managing, or contributing to design systems.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the Product Designer role, but an understanding of how design integrates with user journeys managed by CRM or automation tools can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary focus is on design and prototyping tools, with Figma being the cornerstone. Awareness of how design impacts user engagement metrics tracked by analytics tools is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: Deep commitment to understanding and advocating for user needs and experiences.

• Innovation & Proactiveness: Driving intelligence and value through AI, anticipating user needs, and building proactive features.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Working together across disciplines, making collective decisions, and maintaining open communication.

• Speed & Agility: Rapid iteration, quick decision-making, and efficient execution to achieve product goals.

• Ownership & Accountability: Taking responsibility for projects from start to finish and delivering high-quality outcomes.

• Reliability: Ensuring AI systems are dependable and deliver consistent value for long-running workflows.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, with designers working hand-in-hand with product, engineering, and ML teams.

• Emphasis on collective problem-solving and shared decision-making to leverage diverse expertise.

• Regular feedback loops and iterative design processes are integral to how the team operates.

• Open to experimentation and learning from both successes and failures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture values a blend of individual drive and collective intelligence, essential for building a complex AI product in a startup environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Designing intuitive user experiences for complex, potentially non-deterministic AI behaviors.

• Building user trust and predictability in an AI-driven product that handles real-world tasks.

• Balancing rapid development cycles with the need for high reliability and polished UX.

• Translating cutting-edge ML capabilities into simple, accessible user interfaces.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Immersion in the rapidly evolving field of AI UX design.

• Opportunity to specialize in designing for intelligent systems, automation, and conversational AI.

• Potential to shape product strategy and influence the company's design direction.

• Access to mentorship from experienced individuals in product, engineering, and ML.

• Hands-on experience with "zero-to-one" product development and scaling a tech product.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to pioneering AI products, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill development in a cutting-edge domain.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• AI UX Design: "How would you approach designing the user experience for an AI assistant that manages complex, multi-step workflows, ensuring reliability and user trust?" (Prepare to discuss concepts like transparency, error handling, feedback mechanisms, and progressive disclosure.)

• Simplifying Complexity: "Describe a time you had to simplify a highly complex technical feature or workflow into an intuitive user experience. What was your process?" (Focus on your problem-solving methodology, user research, and iterative design approach.)

• Collaboration in AI: "How do you collaborate with ML engineers and product managers when designing AI features, especially when dealing with uncertainty in model behavior?" (Emphasize communication strategies, iterative testing, and managing expectations.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Startup Environment: "What attracts you to an early-stage startup like Bjak, and how do you handle ambiguity and rapid change?" (Highlight your adaptability, ownership mindset, and passion for building from the ground up.)

• Design System Philosophy: "What are your thoughts on the importance of a design system, and how would you contribute to or evolve one in a fast-moving environment?" (Discuss principles of consistency, scalability, and efficiency.)

• Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your designs, particularly for AI-driven features? What metrics would you track?" (Prepare to discuss user engagement, task completion, satisfaction scores, and potentially AI-specific metrics.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, the process, the solution, and the outcomes. Use visuals effectively to guide the viewer.

• Highlight AI/Complexity: If you have relevant AI or complex workflow projects, make them prominent. Explain the unique challenges and how you addressed them.

• Demonstrate Figma Skills: Be ready to show specific examples of your Figma work, including prototyping, component usage, and design system contributions.

• Tell a Story: Engage your interviewers with a narrative that showcases your passion for design and problem-solving. Be enthusiastic and articulate your design rationale clearly.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of UX principles applied to the unique challenges of AI product design, alongside the ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer (UX) position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashbyhq.com.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest projects that best showcase your end-to-end product design process, problem-solving skills, and experience with complex or AI-driven features. Ensure case studies are detailed and visually compelling.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience relevant to UX design, product design, AI products, rapid prototyping, Figma proficiency, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio Presentation: Practice walking through your selected case studies, focusing on your design process, rationale, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss your approach to AI UX and simplifying complex workflows.

• Research Bjak: Understand their mission, the product they are building (proactive AI chat app), and their stated values. Prepare thoughtful questions about the product vision, design challenges, and team 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.