Senior Product Designer (Temp-to-Hire)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Product Designer (Temp-to-Hire)

Company: ProRata.ai

Location: Pasadena, California, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design, UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-06-15

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design end-to-end product experiences for complex AI-driven products, focusing on user-centered and trustworthy interfaces.

• Translate intricate AI model behaviors, system feedback, and data outputs into clear, intuitive, and user-friendly interactions.

• Develop and refine user flows, wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visuals to effectively communicate sophisticated ideas with simplicity and clarity.

• Collaborate closely with product management, engineering, marketing, and business stakeholders to define requirements and ensure responsible, user-aligned design outcomes.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a design system, with a specific focus on AI-specific components like chat interfaces and generative data visualizations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is titled "Senior Product Designer," the responsibilities and required experience (5+ years) suggest it could also be categorized under UX/UI Design or Interaction Design, particularly given the emphasis on translating complex AI into user interfaces. The "Temp-to-Hire" aspect indicates an initial evaluation period.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Conceive and execute comprehensive product design solutions, spanning discovery, concept exploration, detailed UI design, and the creation of developer-ready specifications.

• Strategize and design user interactions that demystify AI functionalities, ensuring users understand system feedback, data interpretations, and model behaviors.

• Create detailed user flows, wireframes, interactive prototypes, and polished visual designs that articulate complex concepts with exceptional clarity and ease of use.

• Foster strong partnerships with product, engineering, marketing, and business teams to gather diverse requirements and ensure designs are both user-centric and strategically aligned.

• Document design patterns and actively contribute to the evolution of ProRata.ai's design system, with a particular emphasis on reusable components for AI-specific interfaces.

• Lead or support user research initiatives, usability testing sessions, and iterative design experiments to validate design hypotheses and drive continuous improvement.

• Work hand-in-hand with the engineering team throughout the development lifecycle to ensure high-quality implementation of designs and to refine interactions based on real-world performance and user feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a full-stack design approach, requiring the candidate to manage the entire design process from ideation to implementation, with a strong focus on the unique challenges of designing for AI.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Computer Science, or a related field is often beneficial for understanding underlying technical concepts, though a strong portfolio can often substitute.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in UX/UI design, Product Design, or Interaction Design, with a proven track record of delivering successful digital products.

Required Skills:

• 5+ years of experience in UX/UI, Product Design, or Interaction Design.

• A robust portfolio showcasing end-to-end product design work, experience with systems design, dashboard interfaces, or specifically AI/ML interfaces.

• Demonstrated expertise in building and utilizing Figma design systems and components.

• Familiarity with AI-assisted design tools for prototyping and production, such as Claude Design, Figma Make, and Cursor.

• Deep understanding of core UX principles, design thinking methodologies, and the ability to simplify complex information for diverse audiences.

• High level of craft in visual/UI design, characterized by clean layouts, thoughtful typography, and meticulous attention to detail.

• Proven ability to navigate ambiguity, work autonomously, and collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in building or significantly contributing to comprehensive design systems.

• Foundational knowledge of front-end development concepts, such as HTML/CSS, or direct experience with React.

• Familiarity with data-driven design approaches, including A/B testing and various user research methodologies.

• Proficiency in motion design or advanced prototyping tools like After Effects, Figma, or ProtoPie.

• A strong commitment to advocating for clarity, transparency, accessibility, and ethical design principles, especially within AI interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Preferred Qualifications" highlight a desire for candidates who not only excel in design but also possess an understanding of the technical underpinnings of software development and data-informed decision-making, crucial for a product designer in a tech-focused AI company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, demonstrating a strong capability in end-to-end product design.

• Showcase specific examples of systems design, complex dashboard interfaces, or interfaces designed for AI/ML applications.

• Highlight your contributions to or creation of design systems, particularly within Figma, demonstrating an understanding of component-based design and scalability.

• Include case studies that detail your process, from problem identification and user research through to final UI implementation and impact. Process Documentation:

• Detail your design process, emphasizing how you translate complex requirements (especially AI-related) into tangible design artifacts.

• Provide examples of how you have used Figma for design systems, component libraries, and collaborative workflows.

• Illustrate your approach to user research, usability testing, and iterative design, showing how you gather feedback and refine designs based on data and user insights.

• Explain your collaboration process with engineering and product teams, including how you hand off design specifications and ensure design integrity during development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is critical and must clearly showcase the candidate's ability to handle the unique challenges of designing for AI, including systems thinking and UI design for complex data and interactions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $155,000 USD per year.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

• Comprehensive benefits package (details not specified, but typically includes health, dental, vision insurance).

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.

• Clear pathways for career growth and advancement within the company.

• Potential for equity in a growing AI technology company (implied by "Temp-to-Hire" and "Chance to make a significant impact").

Working Hours: The role is designated as Hybrid, allowing for a combination of remote and on-site work. Specific scheduling will be determined in coordination with the hiring manager, but typically aligns with a standard 40-hour work week with flexibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is provided and falls within typical market rates for a Senior Product Designer in the Pasadena/Los Angeles area, considering the tech industry and the specific requirements of designing for AI. The "Temp-to-Hire" nature suggests benefits might be fully available after the conversion period.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technology, specifically focused on AI-driven products. ProRata.ai operates at the cutting edge of AI development, aiming to make complex AI capabilities accessible and usable.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the presence of a dedicated hiring process, specific role requirements, and a clear compensation structure suggests a growing startup or a well-funded early-stage company, likely between 50-200 employees.

Founded: Information on the founding date is not provided, but the company's focus on AI implies a relatively modern establishment, likely within the last decade.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely operates in a cross-functional manner, embedded within product squads or working closely with dedicated product managers and engineering teams.

• The Senior Product Designer will report to a Design Lead or Head of Product/Design, with direct collaboration across engineering, product management, and potentially marketing or business development teams.

• Collaboration is expected to be highly integrated, with designers playing a key role in defining product strategy and user experience from conception to launch. Methodology:

• Emphasis on user-centered design principles and design thinking to solve complex problems.

• Data-driven decision-making, incorporating user research, usability testing, and potentially A/B testing to validate design choices.

• Agile development methodologies are likely employed, requiring designers to adapt to evolving requirements and work iteratively.

• A focus on building scalable design systems and reusable components to ensure consistency and efficiency across AI products.

Company Website: https://www.prorata.ai/

📝 Enhancement Note: ProRata.ai's focus on AI positions it in a rapidly evolving and highly competitive tech landscape. The company culture is likely fast-paced, innovative, and collaborative, with a strong emphasis on technical expertise and user-centric problem-solving.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Product Designer, indicating a mid-to-senior level of expertise. It requires a high degree of autonomy, strategic thinking, and the ability to mentor or guide junior designers if the team grows. The responsibilities extend beyond pure execution to strategic input on product direction.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Head of Design, or a Director of Product. They will work closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads within specific product teams.

Operations Impact: The Senior Product Designer's work will directly influence the usability, adoption, and perceived trustworthiness of ProRata.ai's AI products. Effective design is critical for translating complex AI capabilities into tangible business value, impacting user engagement, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, revenue and market position.

Growth Opportunities:

• Design Leadership: Potential to grow into a Design Lead or Manager role as the company scales, overseeing strategy and team development.

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI/ML interface design, generative AI interaction patterns, or ethical AI design, becoming a subject matter expert.

• Cross-Functional Leadership: Take on more strategic product development roles, influencing roadmap decisions and product vision beyond design execution.

• System Ownership: Lead the evolution and expansion of the company's design system, particularly for AI-specific components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Temp-to-Hire" nature also presents an opportunity for the candidate to assess the company's growth trajectory and culture before committing long-term, while the company assesses the candidate's fit and performance.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, allowing for a mix of remote and on-site collaboration. This offers flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person teamwork and ideation, especially crucial for complex design challenges.

Office Location(s): Pasadena, California. This location is known for its strong tech and research community, particularly in aerospace and technology, providing a rich ecosystem for innovation.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed to foster collaboration among designers, product managers, and engineers, likely with open-plan areas and dedicated meeting rooms for focused work and brainstorming.

• Access to up-to-date design tools and technology, including Figma and potentially AI-assisted design tools, is expected.

• Opportunities for regular interaction with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and effective communication throughout the product development lifecycle.

Work Schedule: The specific schedule will be determined with the manager, but a standard 40-hour work week is typical for full-time roles. The hybrid model allows for flexibility in managing work hours and location, balancing individual productivity needs with team collaboration requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key feature, suggesting the company values both focused individual work and in-person collaboration. Pasadena's tech hub status adds to the appeal for professionals in the AI and tech sectors.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios. Be prepared to articulate your key projects and design philosophy.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A deeper dive into your portfolio, focusing on specific case studies. Expect questions about your design process, decision-making, and how you handle complex problems, especially those involving AI. This may include a design exercise.

• Cross-Functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers and Engineering Leads to assess collaboration skills, communication style, and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: Likely with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Product, CTO) to discuss strategic alignment, cultural fit, and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your most impactful projects, ideally showcasing end-to-end design processes for complex digital products.

• For AI-related projects, clearly articulate the problem, your design approach to simplifying complexity, user research findings, and the measurable impact.

• Structure your case studies using a clear narrative: Problem, Your Role, Process, Solution, and Results. Quantify impact whenever possible.

• Be ready to discuss your experience with Figma design systems and any AI-specific design challenges you've encountered.

• Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible (e.g., via a link) and professionally presented. Challenge Preparation: