(Senior) Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: (Senior) Product Designer

Company: autarc

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Permanent employee

Category: Product Design / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-27

Experience Level: 2-5 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and iterate on the core operating system for heat pump installers, directly impacting the company's primary revenue driver and market positioning.

• Drive product discovery through direct customer engagement and user interviews to inform roadmap prioritization and feature development.

• Build and ship rapid prototypes for Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) and AI-driven features, focusing on user feedback and market validation.

• Manage product operations within Linear, ensuring efficient triage, prioritization, and sprint hygiene to maintain development velocity.

• Collaborate closely with experienced Engineers and a dedicated Product Manager to bring new product generations and AI capabilities to market.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is Product Designer, the responsibilities heavily lean into GTM operations by managing product roadmaps, customer engagement for discovery, and direct collaboration with sales and engineering to ship revenue-generating products. This role requires a blend of design expertise and operational execution within a fast-paced startup environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize user interfaces and user experiences for autarc's Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) and core installer OS, with a focus on the heating vertical.

• Conduct user research, interviews, and product discovery sessions to deeply understand customer needs and identify opportunities for innovation.

• Build and iterate on rapid prototypes using Figma and other advanced tools to test new concepts and gather early market feedback.

• Manage the product backlog and development workflow within Linear, including triage, prioritization, and ensuring sprint readiness and hygiene.

• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to translate design concepts into shippable products, ensuring alignment with technical feasibility and business objectives.

• Support product leadership in shaping and prioritizing the product roadmap based on user insights, market trends, and business goals.

• Represent autarc in customer calls, sales meetings, and training sessions, acting as a key liaison between product and external stakeholders.

• Drive the adoption of AI and LLM technologies within the product, aiming to develop an AI voice agent to enhance operational efficiencies for installers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility of "Manage product operations in Linear: triage, prioritisation, sprint hygiene" indicates a strong need for operational rigor and process management, typical of a Sales or GTM Operations role, integrated directly into the product development lifecycle.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: No specific degree mentioned, but a strong portfolio demonstrating product design skills is expected.

Experience: 2-5 years of experience as a Product Designer, preferably within a B2B SaaS environment.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in Product Design, with a strong portfolio showcasing UX and UI expertise.

• Deep proficiency in design tools, particularly Figma, and familiarity with collaborative tools like Lovable and Cursor.

• Experience in conducting user interviews and product discovery to inform design decisions.

• Exposure to or experience working within B2B SaaS product environments.

• Ability to build and ship prototypes rapidly based on user feedback and market needs.

• A strong understanding of or eagerness to work with AI-native tools and AI-first product development.

• Excellent attention to detail in both UX and UI design.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the energy sector or with Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS).

• Familiarity with LLMs and NLP concepts for AI-driven product features.

• Experience managing product backlogs and development workflows in tools like Linear.

• Berlin-based and comfortable with a hybrid work arrangement.

• Native German speaking proficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "AI-native in working with tools to help you run faster and jump higher" and "Desire to work in an AI-first team/company" suggests a need for candidates who are proactive in leveraging new technologies and possess a forward-thinking mindset, aligning with the company's vision for an "agentic OS."

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-5 years of product design experience, with a clear emphasis on UX/UI improvements.

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio of B2B SaaS products, ideally within a startup or rapidly evolving environment.

• Highlight case studies of user discovery, product prototyping, and successful product launches.

• Include examples of how design decisions were informed by user feedback and data.

Process Documentation:

• Present examples of your process for conducting user interviews and product discovery.

• Illustrate your workflow for building and iterating on prototypes from concept to testing.

• Detail your approach to managing product operations, including triage, prioritization, and sprint hygiene in tools like Linear.

• Explain how you collaborate with engineering and product managers to ship features and manage product roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's involvement in "product discovery alongside our teams through direct customer engagement" and managing "product operations in Linear," a portfolio that clearly articulates a structured approach to these operational aspects will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on similar Senior Product Designer roles in Berlin with 2-5 years of experience in B2B SaaS and AI integration, the estimated annual salary range is €55,000 - €75,000. This range accounts for the hybrid work model, the startup environment, and the specific technical requirements.

Benefits:

• Freedom to choose your own equipment (within a budget).

• 26 paid vacation days per year.

• Annual team retreat for bonding and strategic planning.

• Mobility options: choice between Dance or JobRad for transportation.

• Fitness memberships: choice between Classpass or Urban Sports Club.

• Regular team events, lunches, and social activities to foster a strong team culture.

Working Hours: The role is based on a standard 40-hour work week, with flexibility expected due to the hybrid work arrangement and startup environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimate is based on research of Product Designer roles in Berlin, Germany, in the B2B SaaS and technology sector, considering the stated experience level (2-5 years) and the inclusion of advanced skills like AI integration. The benefits package is comprehensive and reflects typical offerings for tech startups in major European cities.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology / Energy / B2B SaaS. autarc operates within the rapidly growing renewable energy sector, focusing on decarbonization through heat pump technology and installer enablement. The company is leveraging AI to create an "agentic OS" for the energy transition workforce.

Company Size: Approximately 40 employees, described as a ~40 person start-up. This size indicates a dynamic, hands-on environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: autarc was founded in Berlin and is a graduate of Y Combinator's S24 batch. This background suggests a strong focus on product-market fit, rapid iteration, and scalable growth.

Team Structure:

• The Engineering & Product department currently comprises around 20 people.

• The broader team includes Sales, Tech, and Operations.

Methodology:

• Product Development: Emphasis on building and shipping fast, iterating on prototypes, and conducting 0-1 product development.

• User-Centricity: Strong focus on product discovery through direct customer engagement and user feedback.

• AI Integration: Commitment to leveraging LLMs and NLP to build advanced features like an AI voice agent.

• Operational Efficiency: Management of product operations is integrated into the development process (e.g., using Linear).

Company Website: [autarc.energy]

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's Y Combinator background and focus on solving a critical climate challenge (building decarbonization) suggest a mission-driven culture with a high degree of innovation and ambition.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "(Senior) Product Designer," indicating potential for both individual contributor growth and leadership within the design function. The 2-5 years of experience requirement suggests an intermediate to senior level, with opportunities to grow into a lead design role as the company scales.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will work closely with Engineers and a Product Manager. They will also report to leadership for roadmap prioritization and potentially interact directly with the CEO (Etienne) during the final interview stage.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer will be instrumental in shaping the company's core product – the "OS for heat pump installers" – which is described as the company's "main money maker." This role directly influences revenue, customer acquisition, and retention by improving the efficiency and usability of the platform. The development of AI features also positions the company for future growth and market leadership.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in UX/UI design within the B2B SaaS and energy tech sectors, with a specific focus on AI-driven product development.

• Leadership Potential: As the company grows, there's potential to move into a Lead Product Designer or Design Manager role, guiding a team and shaping design strategy.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain experience in product discovery, roadmap management, and operational aspects of product development, which are valuable for broader GTM and product leadership roles.

• Industry Impact: Contribute to a mission-driven company focused on solving significant climate challenges, offering a rewarding career path.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role combines core design responsibilities with product operations and strategy elements, offering a unique growth trajectory for designers looking to expand their scope beyond pure design execution.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a hybrid work model, indicating a blend of remote and in-office collaboration. The final interview is on-site, suggesting a physical office presence is important for team cohesion and collaboration.

Office Location(s): The office is located at Invalidenstraße 5, 10115 Berlin, Germany. This is a central location in Berlin, likely offering good accessibility for employees.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The hybrid model and on-site interview suggest a culture that values in-person interaction for key activities like planning sessions, sprint preps, and team building.

• Tools & Technology: Employees have freedom to choose their own equipment within a budget, implying a modern and well-equipped workspace. The role specifically mentions using Figma, Lovable, and Cursor.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct customer engagement, sales meetings, and close collaboration with engineers and product managers are integral to the role. Regular team events and lunches further foster interaction.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is implied, with flexibility expected in a startup environment. The hybrid nature allows for some autonomy in structuring the work week, balancing in-office and remote days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model in Berlin, combined with the emphasis on collaboration and team events, suggests a company that balances flexibility with the need for in-person connection, crucial for fast-paced product development and GTM alignment.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Screening Call: Initial conversation with Louis (Recruiter) to assess basic qualifications and cultural fit.

• Culture Fit Call: Discussion with a Designer to evaluate alignment with the team's working style and values.

• Take-Home Case Study/Exercise: A practical assignment to assess design skills, problem-solving abilities, and approach to product challenges.

• Final On-site Interview: In-depth discussion with Etienne (CEO) and the team, likely covering strategic vision, impact, and team integration.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase B2B SaaS & Startup Experience: Highlight projects that demonstrate your ability to design for complex business workflows and operate effectively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

• Emphasize UX/UI Detail: Provide clear examples of your attention to detail in both user experience flows and visual interface design.

• Detail Product Discovery & Prototyping: Include case studies that clearly articulate your process for user research, identifying needs, and translating them into functional prototypes.

• Demonstrate AI Tool Proficiency: If possible, showcase any projects where you've leveraged AI tools or designed for AI-powered features.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your design work on user engagement, efficiency, or business outcomes.

• Prepare for Process Discussion: Be ready to discuss your process for managing product operations (triage, prioritization) and collaborating with engineering.

Challenge Preparation:

• Case Study Focus: Prepare a case study that mirrors the challenges of designing for a B2B SaaS product in the energy sector, potentially focusing on installer efficiency or HEMS.

• AI Integration: Consider how AI could enhance the product, and be prepared to discuss your approach to integrating AI features responsibly and effectively.

• Collaboration & Communication: Practice articulating your design decisions, rationale, and process clearly and concisely, as you'll be interacting with engineers, product managers, and leadership.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is structured to assess technical skills, cultural fit, and strategic thinking. The take-home case study is a critical component for evaluating practical design and problem-solving capabilities relevant to autarc's product.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design: Figma (core tool), Lovable, Cursor (for collaborative design and AI-assisted workflows).

• Product Management & Operations: Linear (for backlog management, triage, prioritization, sprint hygiene).

• Prototyping: Figma, and other cutting-edge tools as needed for rapid iteration.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly mentioned, a Product Designer in a SaaS environment would typically utilize analytics tools (e.g., Mixpanel, Amplitude, Google Analytics) to track user behavior and product performance. Understanding how to interpret and use data to inform design decisions is crucial.

CRM & Automation: The role involves interaction with sales and customer calls, implying some familiarity with CRM systems and understanding how product design impacts customer acquisition and retention workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of Figma, Lovable, and Cursor highlights a modern, AI-integrated design stack. Proficiency with Linear for product operations is also a key requirement, bridging design with development workflow management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Speed: A strong emphasis on building and shipping fast, iterating quickly, and embracing new technologies like AI.

• Customer-Centricity: Deep engagement with customers to understand needs and drive product discovery.

• Efficiency & Optimization: Desire to create an "agentic OS" that enhances operational efficiency for installers.

• Mission-Driven: A commitment to decarbonizing buildings and simplifying the energy transition.

• Collaboration: Working closely with engineers, product managers, and leadership to achieve shared goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close collaboration between Product Design, Engineering, and Product Management is essential for success.

• Direct Customer Engagement: Product Designers are expected to actively participate in customer calls and sales meetings.

• Agile Development: The mention of sprint hygiene and Linear suggests an agile development methodology.

• Open Communication: The interview process and team events indicate a culture that values open dialogue and team interaction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's Y Combinator background and focus on sustainability suggest a culture that is ambitious, data-driven, and values both innovation and impact.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapid Growth Environment: Adapting to the fast-paced nature of a growing startup, with evolving priorities and product roadmaps.

• AI Integration Complexity: Designing for and integrating AI features (like an AI voice agent) effectively and ethically.

• Balancing Innovation and Core Product: Simultaneously developing new features (AI voice agent) and optimizing the core "money maker" product for installers.

• Hybrid Work Coordination: Ensuring seamless collaboration and communication across a hybrid team.

• B2B SaaS Complexity: Designing intuitive solutions for a professional user base with specific workflows and technical needs.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI and LLM Expertise: Opportunity to become highly proficient in designing for AI-powered products and leveraging advanced AI tooling.

• Product Strategy: Gain hands-on experience in product roadmap prioritization, discovery, and strategic decision-making.

• B2B SaaS Product Lifecycle: Deepen understanding of the end-to-end product development and launch process in a SaaS context.

• Energy Sector Insights: Develop specialized knowledge in the renewable energy and heat pump installer market.

• Leadership Development: Potential to grow into a leadership role within the design team as the company expands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant opportunities for professional growth by tackling complex design challenges in a cutting-edge field, with a direct impact on a critical industry transition.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Product Vision & Strategy: "How would you approach designing an AI voice agent for heat pump installers to improve their operational efficiency?"

• User-Centric Design: "Describe a time you used user interviews to significantly change the direction of a product feature. What was your process for discovery and validation?"

• Problem-Solving & Design Process: "Walk us through a complex UI/UX challenge you faced in a B2B SaaS product. How did you approach it, what tools did you use, and what was the outcome?"

• Operational Rigor: "How do you manage product backlog triage and prioritization in a fast-paced environment like Linear? What are your key principles for sprint hygiene?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about autarc's mission to decarbonize buildings, and how do you see your design skills contributing to that goal?"

• "How do you envision collaborating with engineers and product managers in a hybrid startup environment?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio by case study, clearly outlining the problem, your role, the process (discovery, design, testing), the solution, and the impact (quantified with metrics if possible).

• Highlight B2B & AI: Ensure your case studies showcase your experience with B2B SaaS and any work involving AI tools or concepts.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use mockups, prototypes, and user flow diagrams to visually communicate your design thinking and solutions.

• Discuss Process: Be prepared to articulate your methodology for user discovery, prototyping, and managing product operations within tools like Linear.

• Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for design, the energy transition, and autarc's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss not only your design skills but also your operational mindset, your ability to leverage AI tools, and your proactive approach to product development and customer engagement.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided job link on autarcenergy.jobs.personio.de.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight your 2-5 years of experience in Product Design, specifically focusing on UX/UI for B2B SaaS, your proficiency with Figma, and any experience with AI tools or product discovery.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates achievements related to building prototypes, managing product operations, and collaborating with engineering teams. Use keywords like "Product Design," "UX/UI," "B2B SaaS," "Figma," "Linear," and "AI."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, product discovery methods, and approach to operational tasks. Prepare a compelling case study for the take-home exercise that demonstrates your skills in problem-solving and user-centric design.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research autarc's mission, products, and recent news (e.g., Y Combinator batch). Understand their vision for an "agentic OS" and the energy transition, and be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals.

⚠️ 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.