Senior Product Designer

Instinct Science
Full-time$120k-150k/year (USD)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer

Company: Instinct Science

Location: Doylestown, Pennsylvania, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-06-26

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Fully Remote (US-based)

🚀 Role Summary

  • Drive the end-to-end design process for complex features and workflows within Instinct Science's veterinary platform, ensuring an intuitive and scalable user experience.

  • Translate deep user insights and product requirements into tangible design artifacts, including flows, layouts, and interactive prototypes.

  • Foster strong cross-functional partnerships with Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders to champion user-centered design principles throughout the product development lifecycle.

  • Contribute significantly to the evolution and maintenance of the company's design system, ensuring consistency and efficiency across all product touchpoints.

  • Shape and protect the visual language of the software, ensuring a cohesive and professional aesthetic that resonates with veterinary professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a need for strong leadership in design strategy and execution, as well as the ability to mentor or guide junior designers if applicable. The focus on "veterinary innovation" and "how veterinary teams actually work" suggests a need for domain empathy and the ability to design for specialized professional workflows.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead the design vision and execution for significant features and complex user workflows across Instinct Science's integrated platform (Instinct EMR, Clinician's Brief, Plumb's, ScribbleVet).

  • Conduct and leverage user research, including interviews, usability testing, and analysis of user behavior, to inform design decisions and identify key pain points.

  • Collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineering teams from the initial stages of discovery and ideation through to the final implementation and launch of features.

  • Develop comprehensive design documentation, including user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes (using Figma or similar tools), and high-fidelity mockups to clearly articulate design solutions.

  • Actively contribute to the enhancement and governance of the company's design system, ensuring adherence to standards while identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation.

  • Advocate for and implement user-centered design best practices across all product development initiatives, ensuring the voice of the user is central to decision-making.

  • Analyze existing product functionalities and user stories to identify areas for iterative improvement, enhancing usability, efficiency, and overall user satisfaction.

  • Define and refine the user experience for critical workflows, ensuring they are intuitive, efficient, and align with the operational realities of veterinary professionals.

  • Protect and evolve the software's visual language, maintaining brand consistency and aesthetic quality across all user interfaces.

  • Effectively communicate design rationale, user insights, and proposed solutions to a diverse range of stakeholders, including product leadership, engineering teams, and potentially external partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of strategic design leadership and hands-on execution. The mention of specific products within the Instinct Science ecosystem (EMR, Clinician's Brief, Plumb's, ScribbleVet) suggests the designer will work across a diverse set of applications, requiring adaptability and a broad understanding of user needs within veterinary practice and professional development.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for senior-level product design roles and would be a strong asset.

Experience: Minimum of 4+ years of professional experience in SaaS-based product design, with a strong preference for candidates with prior experience within the healthcare technology sector, particularly veterinary tech.

Required Skills:

  • Proven expertise in leading the design of complex features and user workflows within SaaS products.

  • Demonstrated experience in translating user research and product requirements into wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity designs using tools like Figma.

  • Strong understanding and practical application of user-centered design methodologies, including user research techniques and usability testing.

  • Proficient in creating and maintaining design systems, libraries, and style guides to ensure product consistency and scalability.

  • Ability to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Engineers, and other stakeholders, throughout the product development lifecycle.

  • Experience in analyzing current product landscapes, identifying pain points, and proposing iterative solutions.

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design decisions and rationale clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

  • Openness to receiving and incorporating critical feedback, demonstrating a commitment to collaborative improvement.

  • A strong portfolio showcasing relevant SaaS product design work, emphasizing problem-solving, user empathy, and impactful design solutions. Preferred Skills:

  • Prior experience specifically within the veterinary or broader animal health technology space.

  • Familiarity with veterinary practice management software (EMR/EHR) or clinical decision support tools.

  • Experience in evolving and protecting a software's visual language and overall aesthetic.

  • A track record of driving innovation and iterative improvements in product design.

  • Understanding of the unique workflows and challenges faced by veterinary professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a portfolio is critical. Candidates should prepare to showcase projects that demonstrate their ability to handle complex problem-solving, user empathy, and impactful design outcomes within a SaaS context. Highlighting experience in healthcare tech or similar regulated/specialized industries will be a significant advantage.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • A comprehensive design portfolio is a mandatory requirement, accessible via a provided link during the application process.

  • Showcase a minimum of 4+ years of SaaS product design work, with specific examples of contributions to healthcare tech or similar complex domains.

  • Projects should clearly demonstrate the end-to-end design process, from initial user research and problem definition to final UI implementation and iteration.

  • Highlight case studies that illustrate your ability to translate complex user needs and business requirements into intuitive and effective user experiences.

  • Include examples of how you've contributed to or utilized design systems, demonstrating an understanding of consistency, scalability, and maintainability.

  • Present interactive prototypes or detailed mockups that clearly articulate user flows and interaction design. Process Documentation:

  • Demonstrate a strong grasp of user research methodologies, including how you plan, execute, and synthesize findings to drive design decisions.

  • Provide examples of your wireframing and prototyping processes, showcasing your tool proficiency (e.g., Figma) and how these artifacts inform development.

  • Illustrate your approach to iterative design, including how you incorporate feedback and user testing results to refine solutions.

  • Explain your process for collaborating with product managers and engineers, highlighting how you ensure alignment and effective communication throughout the development cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is not just a collection of work but a demonstration of process. Candidates should prepare to discuss their design thinking, problem-solving approach, and how they measure the success of their designs. Emphasis on SaaS and healthcare tech experience within the portfolio is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year.

This range is determined based on the stated compensation provided in the job description and reflects the industry standards for a Senior Product Designer role in the US, considering the specified experience level and the fully remote nature of the position.

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.

  • 401K retirement plan with a company match.

  • Owner-like flexibility in work schedule and time-off policies.

  • Dedicated time for innovation and "Flow State Fridays" to encourage focused creative work.

  • A generous stipend for professional development, well-being, or other personal needs.

  • All-expense-paid team gatherings throughout the year, including an annual retreat, fostering team cohesion and culture.

Working Hours: Full-time, with an implied standard of 40 hours per week. The company emphasizes "owner-like flexibility," suggesting a results-oriented approach rather than strict adherence to traditional hours, allowing for adaptable scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly provided. The benefits package is robust, with a strong emphasis on flexibility, employee well-being, and team building, which are attractive perks for remote professionals. The mention of "Flow State Fridays" and "owner-like flexibility" highlights a culture that values deep work and autonomy.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically focused on the Veterinary sector, offering a suite of integrated software and resources for veterinary professionals. This includes practice management (EMR), continuing education (Clinician's Brief), clinical decision support (Standards of Care & Plumb's), and AI scribing tools (ScribbleVet).

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the company operates multiple distinct product lines and offers comprehensive benefits, suggesting a mid-sized to large startup or a well-established company within its niche. The "move fast because our mission matters" and "customer-centered" values point towards a dynamic and growth-oriented environment.

Founded: The company has a history through its established tools (serving industries for decades), indicating a blend of established credibility and forward-looking innovation with new platforms like ScribbleVet.

Team Structure:

  • The Product Design team likely operates within a Product & Engineering structure, collaborating closely with Product Managers and Engineers.

  • Designers are expected to partner with PMs and Engineers from early discovery through to shipped product, indicating a highly integrated and collaborative workflow.

  • The company values cross-functional collaboration, with designers expected to work with various internal stakeholders to shape feature requirements. Methodology:

  • User-centered design is a core methodology, with an emphasis on understanding how veterinary teams actually work.

  • The company values a fast-paced environment ("We move fast because our mission matters") and customer focus ("we put customers at the center of every decision").

  • A strong emphasis is placed on kindness and high standards in internal interactions ("we treat each other with kindness and high standards").

  • Iteration and innovation are key drivers for product development.

Company Website: https://www.instinct.vet/

📝 Enhancement Note: Instinct Science presents itself as a unified ecosystem for veterinary professionals. The culture is described as compassionate, fast-paced, customer-centric, and values high standards and kindness. This blend suggests a professional yet supportive environment, ideal for a Senior Product Designer focused on creating impactful solutions within a specialized industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is a Senior Product Designer, signifying a mid-to-senior level position. It requires independent leadership in designing complex features, contributing to strategic design decisions, and upholding design standards. The role involves translating high-level product strategy and user needs into detailed, functional user experiences.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Product Design, Design Lead, or Director of Product. They will collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineering teams, forming a triad responsible for product development.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's work directly impacts the usability, efficiency, and adoption of Instinct Science's entire suite of products. By creating intuitive and scalable interfaces, they will enhance the daily workflows of veterinary professionals, reduce errors, improve patient care outcomes, and contribute to customer retention and satisfaction, ultimately driving revenue and market leadership for the company.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Lead Product Designer or Design Manager role, overseeing a team of designers and influencing the overall design strategy.

  • Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in veterinary technology or specific product areas within the Instinct Science ecosystem.

  • Cross-functional Impact: Develop broader product management and engineering collaboration skills, potentially leading to product strategy roles or technical leadership.

  • Mentorship: Opportunity to mentor junior designers, contributing to the growth of the design team and establishing best practices.

  • Innovation: Contribute to the development of new AI-powered features and cutting-edge veterinary technology solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a Senior role, this position offers significant opportunities for impact and career advancement within a specialized and growing tech niche. The emphasis on innovation and the diverse product portfolio provide a fertile ground for skill development and leadership growth.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote role, offering professionals the flexibility to work from their chosen location within the United States.

Office Location(s): While the company headquarters may be in Doylestown, PA, this role is remote, meaning the designer can work from anywhere in the US. However, for tax and administrative purposes, candidates may need to reside in specific states or regions.

Workspace Context:

  • The remote nature necessitates strong self-discipline and effective virtual collaboration tools.

  • Expect a digitally connected workspace where communication relies heavily on platforms like Slack, Zoom, and project management tools.

  • The company fosters a supportive and collaborative virtual environment, encouraging interaction through virtual meetings, team events, and open communication channels.

  • Access to necessary design software (Figma) and collaboration platforms will be provided or expected.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time (40 hours/week) but emphasizes "owner-like flexibility." This suggests a focus on achieving objectives and delivering high-quality work rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule. Candidates can likely structure their days to optimize productivity, accommodating different time zones within the US and personal needs, provided they remain available for key meetings and collaborative sessions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The fully remote aspect is a key feature. Candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous communication and proactive engagement in a virtual team setting. The "owner-like flexibility" indicates a trust-based culture that values output and results.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A review of your application, resume, and critically, your design portfolio link. Ensure your portfolio clearly demonstrates your qualifications and experience.

  • Portfolio Deep Dive/Design Exercise: Expect a discussion focused on your portfolio projects. You may be asked to walk through specific case studies, explaining your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. A practical design challenge or exercise might be assigned to assess your skills in real-time.

  • Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers and Engineers to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to integrate design within a development workflow.

  • Hiring Manager/Leadership Interview: A final interview to discuss your experience, career aspirations, cultural fit with Instinct Science's U.C.A.R.E. values, and overall suitability for the Senior Product Designer role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Highlight SaaS & Healthcare Tech: Prioritize projects that showcase your experience in SaaS product design, especially within healthcare or similar regulated/complex industries.

  • Emphasize Process: Clearly articulate your design process for each project: problem identification, user research, ideation, prototyping, testing, and iteration. Use visuals to support your narrative.

  • Quantify Impact: Where possible, include metrics or qualitative outcomes that demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved user engagement, reduced task completion time, positive user feedback).

  • Showcase Figma Expertise: Ensure your portfolio includes examples that highlight your proficiency with Figma or similar advanced design and prototyping tools.

  • Tell a Story: Frame your portfolio pieces as case studies that tell a compelling story about the problem you solved, your approach, and the results achieved.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Design Thinking: Be prepared to discuss your approach to problem-solving, user empathy, and iterative design.

  • Tool Proficiency: Familiarize yourself with Figma's advanced features and be ready to demonstrate your skills if a live exercise is given.

  • Collaboration Scenarios: Think about how you handle feedback, disagreements, and collaboration with engineers and product managers.

  • Company Research: Understand Instinct Science's mission, products, and U.C.A.R.E. values. Be ready to explain why you are a good fit for their culture and how your skills can contribute to their success in the veterinary tech space.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is paramount. Candidates should curate their portfolio to directly address the requirements of this role, emphasizing SaaS, healthcare tech, and complex workflow design. Be ready to discuss your process in detail and articulate the impact of your work.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Expert-level proficiency is explicitly required for wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design. This will be the core tool for delivering design artifacts.

  • Design Systems Tools: Experience with creating, maintaining, and utilizing design systems, libraries, and style guides is essential for ensuring consistency and scalability.

  • Prototyping Tools: Beyond Figma, familiarity with other prototyping tools may be beneficial, though Figma is the stated primary requirement.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not explicitly listed as a required tool for the designer, understanding how user behavior is tracked and analyzed (e.g., via analytics platforms like Google Analytics, Mixpanel, or Amplitude) will be crucial for informing design decisions and measuring impact. Designers should be able to interpret data to identify pain points and opportunities. CRM & Automation:

  • Not directly applicable to the Senior Product Designer role's core responsibilities, but an understanding of how user data is managed within CRM systems (like Salesforce, HubSpot) and how automation impacts user journeys could provide valuable context.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is highlighted as the primary design tool. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate advanced proficiency. While direct experience with analytics or CRM tools isn't a stated requirement, a data-informed approach to design and an understanding of the broader tech stack are always advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • U.C.A.R.E. Values: This is the guiding principle for Instinct Science's culture.

    • Move Fast Because Our Mission Matters: Implies a sense of urgency, dedication, and passion for the company's mission in veterinary innovation. For a designer, this means being agile, efficient, and focused on impactful solutions.
    • Customers at the Center: Emphasizes a deep commitment to understanding and serving the needs of veterinary professionals. Designers must champion user-centered design and advocate for the user's perspective.
    • Kindness and High Standards: A commitment to treating colleagues and customers with respect while maintaining excellence in work. Designers should collaborate respectfully and strive for high-quality design outcomes.
  • Compassion: A foundational belief that guides all interactions and decisions, both internally and externally.

  • Transparency, Openness, Honesty, Empathy: These are core tenets of how the company operates, suggesting an environment where clear communication and genuine understanding are valued.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to partner closely with Product Managers and Engineers from early discovery through to shipped product. This requires strong communication, negotiation, and a collaborative mindset.

  • User Advocacy: A key aspect of the designer's role is to advocate for user-centered design practices within the team and across the organization.

  • Iterative and Innovative: The culture supports continuous improvement and the exploration of new ideas, encouraging designers to be proactive in proposing and testing solutions.

  • Feedback-Oriented: Being "open to critical feedback and committed to collaborative work" suggests a culture where constructive criticism is welcomed as a means of improving work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The U.C.A.R.E. values provide a clear framework for understanding the company culture. Candidates should be prepared to articulate how their professional approach aligns with these values, particularly "Customers at the Center" and "Kindness and High Standards," and how they can contribute to a fast-paced yet supportive environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Designing for a Specialized Niche: Understanding the unique and often complex workflows of veterinary professionals requires significant empathy, research, and domain-specific learning. This can be a learning curve for designers unfamiliar with healthcare tech.

  • Balancing Speed and Quality: The "move fast" culture, combined with the need for high-quality, user-centric design in a critical industry like healthcare, presents a challenge in maintaining standards while meeting deadlines.

  • Evolving Design System: Contributing to and evolving a design system across multiple integrated products requires careful planning, communication, and a strong understanding of scalability and maintainability.

  • Remote Collaboration: Effectively collaborating and building strong relationships within a fully remote team requires proactive communication, strong self-management, and adept use of virtual collaboration tools.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Domain Expertise: Deepen knowledge in veterinary technology, clinical workflows, and the specific needs of veterinary professionals.

  • Design System Leadership: Gain experience in defining and governing design systems for a multi-product ecosystem, potentially leading to specialized roles in design operations or platform design.

  • Cross-functional Leadership: Enhance skills in collaborating with Product Management and Engineering to influence product strategy and roadmap decisions.

  • AI Integration: Contribute to the design of AI-powered features (like ScribbleVet), staying at the forefront of technological advancements in product design.

  • Mentorship: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, developing leadership and coaching skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in growing tech companies, particularly those in specialized industries. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering pathways for both technical and leadership development within a dynamic company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "Describe a complex feature or workflow you designed for a SaaS product. Walk us through your process, the challenges you faced, and the outcome." (Focus on problem-solving, user research, and impact.)

  • "How do you incorporate user research and feedback into your design process, especially when dealing with tight deadlines or conflicting stakeholder opinions?" (Assess collaboration, user advocacy, and iterative approach.)

  • "How would you approach designing a new feature for a veterinary practice management system, considering the specific needs and workflows of vets and vet techs?" (Test domain empathy, research skills, and practical application.)

  • "Discuss your experience with design systems. How have you contributed to or utilized them, and what are the key principles for effective design system management?" (Evaluate understanding of consistency, scalability, and efficiency.) Company & Culture Questions:

  • "How do Instinct Science's U.C.A.R.E. values resonate with your professional approach, and how would you embody them in this role?" (Assess cultural fit and understanding of company principles.)

  • "Describe a time you had to collaborate closely with Product Managers and Engineers. What was your role, and how did you ensure alignment and successful project delivery?" (Gauge teamwork and cross-functional communication skills.)

  • "How do you measure the success of your design work, and what metrics do you find most important for SaaS products?" (Evaluate data-driven design thinking and focus on impact.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure: Organize your presentation logically, starting with the problem, moving through your process (research, ideation, design, testing), and concluding with the solution and its impact.

  • Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative. Explain why you made certain decisions, not just what you did.

  • Visuals: Use high-quality mockups, wireframes, and prototypes. If possible, show interactive elements or user flow diagrams.

  • Metrics & Impact: Quantify your achievements whenever possible. If direct metrics aren't available, use qualitative feedback or articulate the intended impact clearly.

  • Conciseness: Be mindful of time. Focus on the most relevant projects and aspects of your work that align with the Senior Product Designer role and Instinct Science's needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the design process, user-centricity, and collaborative abilities, all within the context of SaaS and ideally healthcare tech. Be ready to articulate your contributions and their impact with confidence.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Product Designer position at Instinct Science:

  • Submit Your Application: Navigate to the provided application link and complete the online application form.

  • Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a design portfolio that prominently features your experience in SaaS product design, with a strong emphasis on any healthcare tech or complex workflow projects. Ensure it's easily accessible via a link.

  • Tailor Your Resume: Update your resume to highlight your 4+ years of relevant experience, expertise in Figma, user research, design system contributions, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Use keywords from the job description.

  • Prepare Your Narrative: Be ready to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your work. Practice articulating how you embody Instinct Science's U.C.A.R.E. values.

  • Research Instinct Science: Familiarize yourself with Instinct Science's mission, its various products (Instinct EMR, Clinician's Brief, Plumb's, ScribbleVet), and its company culture. Understand their target audience (veterinary professionals) and their commitment to innovation.

⚠️ 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.

Application Requirements

Requires 4+ years of SaaS product design experience, preferably in healthcare tech, and a professional portfolio. Must be an expert in Figma and experienced in user research, testing, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.