Sr. Product Designer
π Job Overview
Job Title: Sr. Product Designer
Company: arrivia
Location: Scottsdale, AZ; Austin, TX; Charlotte, NC; Salt Lake City, UT
Job Type: FULL_TIME
Category: Product Design / UX/UI Design
Date Posted: 2026-06-05T15:53:12.293
Experience Level: 5-10 Years
Remote Status: On-site
π Role Summary
-
Design and craft high-quality, consumer-grade interfaces and user journeys for web-based travel products, focusing on search, discovery, comparison, and decision-making flows.
-
Leverage AI tools (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Figma AI) as a core craft and creative force multiplier to accelerate design exploration, content generation, and edge case handling.
-
Collaborate closely within autonomous product pods (PMs, Engineers) and sync with the broader design team to ensure consistency, evolve patterns, and share learnings.
-
Utilize and contribute to an existing design system, thinking in systems to scale designs intelligently across multiple white-labeled product variants and brands.
-
Act as a data-informed judgment caller, using user analytics and customer feedback to guide design decisions while also trusting experience and intuition.
π Enhancement Note: This role emphasizes a "builder's mindset" with a strong emphasis on rapid iteration, learning from production, and a hands-on approach to design and potentially front-end development, indicating a need for candidates who are comfortable with ambiguity and direct impact. The explicit mention of AI as a "creative force multiplier" and "core craft" signifies a critical requirement for candidates proficient in leveraging AI tools within their design workflow.
π Primary Responsibilities
-
Drive the end-to-end design process for consumer-facing web travel products, from initial concept and user journey mapping to production-ready interfaces.
-
Maintain a high standard of visual and interaction craft, obsessing over details like typography, color, spacing, iconography, and animations to create cohesive and trustworthy experiences.
-
Interpret user behavior through analytics and customer feedback, translating insights into actionable design decisions and refinements.
-
Actively participate in and contribute to the evolution of the company's design system, ensuring scalability and consistency across various product lines and brands.
-
Partner closely with product managers and engineers within product pods, fostering continuous collaboration and rapid iteration loops to ship features efficiently.
-
Conduct or collaborate on user research sessions and leverage behavioral data to stay connected to traveler needs and validate design solutions.
-
Embrace ambiguity and a fast-paced production environment, demonstrating a willingness to learn from live product performance and adapt designs accordingly.
-
Proactively explore and integrate new AI tools and techniques into the design workflow to enhance both the speed and quality of design output.
π Enhancement Note: The responsibility to "Move fluently across search, discovery, comparison, and decision-making flows" suggests a need for a designer experienced in complex user journeys and conversion-focused design within the travel industry. The emphasis on "shipping in tight loops" and a "builder's mindset" implies a lean, agile approach where designers are expected to be highly productive and adaptable.
π Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelorβs degree in Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or equivalent professional experience.
Experience: 4-8 years of product design experience specifically for consumer-facing web applications.
Required Skills:
-
Deep proficiency in Figma or similar tools for interaction and visual design.
-
Strong command of typography, color theory, visual hierarchy, and layout principles across responsive breakpoints.
-
Demonstrated experience in leveraging AI tools (e.g., Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Figma AI features, Stitch, MagicPatterns) for design exploration, content generation, and edge case handling.
-
Ability to interpret user research findings and behavioral analytics to inform design decisions.
-
Proven experience collaborating closely with engineering and product management teams in an agile environment.
-
Understanding of design systems principles and experience working with or contributing to them.
-
Excellent communication and presentation skills to articulate design rationale and solutions effectively. Preferred Skills:
-
Frontend development skills (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) to facilitate closer collaboration with engineers.
-
Experience designing for the travel industry or complex consumer journey mapping.
-
Familiarity with white-labeling strategies and designing for multiple brands.
-
Experience leading light-weight discovery or user research initiatives.
-
A strong portfolio showcasing impactful consumer-facing web product designs.
π Enhancement Note: The requirement for "regular, hands-on use of AI tools" is a critical differentiator. Candidates should be prepared to showcase specific examples of how they've used AI to augment their design process, not just as a theoretical concept. The preference for frontend skills highlights a desire for designers who can bridge the gap between design and development more effectively.
π Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
-
Showcase at least 2-3 detailed case studies of consumer-facing web applications designed for complex user journeys (e.g., search, discovery, comparison, booking).
-
Clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, the AI tools and techniques used, and the iterative steps taken.
-
Demonstrate a strong understanding of visual design principles, interaction design patterns, and responsive design across various breakpoints.
-
Include examples of how you've leveraged user data, analytics, or research to inform your design decisions and measure success.
-
Highlight contributions to or the creation of design systems, illustrating scalability and component-based design thinking. Process Documentation:
-
For each case study, outline your approach to user research, journey mapping, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity design.
-
Detail your collaboration process with product managers, engineers, and other stakeholders, emphasizing feedback loops and iterative development.
-
Explain how you used AI tools to accelerate specific phases of the design process (e.g., ideation, content creation, exploring variations).
-
Document your approach to design system adoption or contribution, including how you ensure consistency and scalability.
π Enhancement Note: Given the emphasis on AI and a "builder's mindset," portfolios should ideally include examples of rapid prototyping, A/B testing outcomes (if applicable), or designs that have been iterated upon based on production learnings, rather than solely static mockups. The "AI is your creative force multiplier" point suggests that applicants should be prepared to discuss specific AI tools and their impact on workflow efficiency and design outcomes in their portfolio.
π΅ Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for a Sr. Product Designer with 4-8 years of experience in major tech hubs like Scottsdale, Austin, Charlotte, and Salt Lake City, the estimated salary range is $110,000 - $150,000 per year. This range can vary based on specific experience, skills, and the final negotiations.
Benefits:
-
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
-
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and company holidays.
-
Retirement savings plan with company match (e.g., 401(k)).
-
Opportunities for professional development, including training, conferences, and access to learning resources.
-
Potential for performance-based bonuses.
-
Employee assistance program for well-being support.
-
Travel discounts or perks, aligning with the company's industry.
Working Hours: Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week. While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team and pod coordination and business needs.
π Enhancement Note: The estimated salary range is based on aggregated data from reputable compensation platforms (e.g., Glassdoor, LinkedIn Salary, Salary.com) for Senior Product Designer roles in the specified US locations, factoring in the company's industry (travel loyalty/technology) and the stated experience level. The benefits listed are standard for a company of arrivia's implied size and industry, with specific details to be confirmed during the hiring process.
π― Team & Company Context
π’ Company Culture
Industry: Travel-powered loyalty solutions, technology, and AI. arrivia operates at the intersection of travel, loyalty programs, and advanced technology, aiming to redefine consumer travel experiences through an intelligent operating system.
Company Size: The specific size of arrivia is not provided, but the mention of a "global organization" and "investing in Agentic AI and next-gen booking technology" suggests a mid-to-large-sized company with significant resources and a forward-thinking approach. For operations professionals, this often translates to structured processes but also opportunities for impact within specialized teams.
Founded: Information on the founding date of arrivia is not provided. However, the company's focus on evolving technology like "Agentic AI" and "next-gen booking technology" implies a company that values innovation and is likely investing in modernizing its operations and product offerings.
Team Structure:
-
The design team operates with a "pod autonomy, team sync" model, meaning designers are embedded within cross-functional product pods (Product Managers, Engineers) but also connect with a broader design team.
-
This structure fosters focused work within pods while maintaining design consistency and knowledge sharing across the company.
-
Designers will likely report to a Design Lead or Head of Design, with direct collaboration lines to Product Managers and Engineering Leads within their assigned pod. Methodology:
-
Data-driven decision-making: Emphasis on using analytics, customer feedback, and behavioral data to inform design choices.
-
Agile & iterative development: "Ship in tight loops," "builder's mindset," and rapid iteration are key.
-
AI integration: Proactive use of AI tools as a core part of the design workflow.
-
Systematic design: Leveraging and evolving design systems for scalability and consistency.
Company Website: arrivia.com
π Enhancement Note: The "pod autonomy, team sync" model is common in tech companies focused on rapid product development. For operations professionals, understanding this structure is key to knowing where they fit in, how decisions are made, and how to best collaborate with design and engineering teams. The company's investment in AI suggests a dynamic environment where process improvements and tool adoption are likely ongoing.
π Career & Growth Analysis
Operations Career Level: This Senior Product Designer role sits at an experienced individual contributor level. It implies a level of autonomy in design execution, the ability to mentor junior designers, and significant influence over product direction within their assigned pod. The focus is on delivering high-impact design solutions and contributing to the evolution of design practices and systems.
Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead within a dedicated design team. They will work closely within a cross-functional product pod, reporting operationally to the pod's leads (e.g., Product Manager, Engineering Lead) for day-to-day project work and deliverables.
Operations Impact: The Sr. Product Designer directly impacts the company's success by creating intuitive, engaging, and effective user experiences for arrivia's travel-powered loyalty products. Their work influences customer acquisition, retention, satisfaction, and ultimately, the revenue generated through these loyalty programs. By contributing to a scalable design system and leveraging AI, they also impact operational efficiency and the speed of product development.
Growth Opportunities:
-
Design Leadership: Potential to move into Lead or Principal Designer roles, taking on more strategic product ownership or managing larger design initiatives.
-
Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like AI-driven design, user research, or design systems architecture.
-
Cross-functional Mobility: Opportunity to transition into Product Management or UX Research roles, leveraging their deep understanding of user needs and product development.
-
Skill Expansion: Continuous learning in emerging AI design tools and methodologies, keeping abreast of industry advancements.
π Enhancement Note: The role's emphasis on AI and a "builder's mindset" suggests that growth opportunities may also involve leading initiatives related to AI integration in design or developing new operational processes for AI-assisted design workflows.
π Work Environment
Office Type: The role is specified as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This suggests opportunities for in-person collaboration, spontaneous ideation, and direct mentorship.
Office Location(s): The position is available in multiple locations:
-
Scottsdale, AZ (85254)
-
Austin, TX
-
Charlotte, NC
-
Salt Lake City, UT Workspace Context:
-
Collaborative Environment: The "pod autonomy, team sync" model implies a highly collaborative atmosphere where designers work closely with product managers and engineers on a daily basis.
-
Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools like Figma, alongside AI platforms such as Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini, will be integral. The company is investing in "Agentic AI" and "next-gen booking technology," suggesting a tech-forward environment.
-
Team Interaction: Regular design team syncs and potential for in-person brainstorming sessions will facilitate knowledge sharing and foster a strong design community within the company.
Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected for this full-time, on-site role. While core hours will likely be maintained for team coordination, there may be some flexibility in daily start/end times, pending team agreements and business needs.
π Enhancement Note: The "on-site" requirement, coupled with multiple location options, suggests a company with established physical offices that values in-person collaboration. For operations candidates, this means understanding the dynamics of office-based teamwork and how to maximize in-person interactions for efficiency and idea generation.
π Application & Portfolio Review Process
Interview Process:
-
Initial Screening: A brief call with a recruiter to assess general fit, experience alignment, and logistical details.
-
Portfolio Review & Design Challenge: A session where candidates present their portfolio, highlighting key case studies and discussing their design process, particularly their use of AI tools and approach to complex user journeys. This may be followed by a take-home design challenge or an in-person/virtual whiteboard exercise focused on a specific problem.
-
Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Product Managers, Engineers, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration skills, technical understanding, and cultural fit.
-
Hiring Manager Interview: A final discussion with the hiring manager to evaluate overall fit, strategic thinking, and long-term potential.
Portfolio Review Tips:
-
Show, Don't Just Tell: Use strong visuals and clear narratives to walk through your design process.
-
Highlight AI Integration: Explicitly detail how you used AI tools (e.g., for ideation, content generation, exploring variants) and the impact it had on your workflow and outcomes. Provide concrete examples.
-
Focus on Impact: Quantify your achievements where possible (e.g., "improved conversion by X%," "reduced user task completion time by Y%").
-
Address the "Builder's Mindset": Showcase projects where you demonstrated rapid iteration, learned from production, or showed adaptability.
-
Tailor to the Role: Emphasize experience with consumer-facing web applications, complex user journeys, and design systems.
Challenge Preparation:
-
Understand the Context: If given a design challenge, thoroughly research arrivia, their products, and the travel loyalty industry.
-
Think Out Loud: During live exercises, articulate your thought process, assumptions, and trade-offs.
-
Focus on Process: Demonstrate a structured approach to problem-solving, even if you don't reach a "perfect" solution.
-
AI Application: Consider how you might apply AI tools to solve the challenge presented during the interview.
π Enhancement Note: The emphasis on AI and a "builder's mindset" means interviewers will likely probe deeply into how candidates practically apply AI in their workflow and how they handle real-world production constraints and learnings. Be ready to discuss specific tools and workflows.
π Tools & Technology Stack
Primary Tools:
-
Figma: The core tool for interaction and visual design, wireframing, prototyping, and collaboration. Proficiency is essential.
-
AI Design Tools: A critical requirement. This includes generative AI platforms like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and potentially specialized AI features within Figma or other tools like Stitch or MagicPatterns for content generation, variation exploration, and edge case handling.
Analytics & Reporting:
-
User Analytics Platforms: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and track design impact.
-
Customer Feedback Tools: Experience working with feedback from surveys, NPS scores, or direct customer input.
CRM & Automation:
- While not directly a designer's tool, understanding how designs integrate with CRM systems or automated workflows could be beneficial. Experience with tools that facilitate seamless handoffs to engineering (e.g., Zeplin, Avocode) is also valuable.
π Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Stitch, and MagicPatterns indicates that candidates are expected to be proficient and innovative in their use of these technologies. This is not just a "nice-to-have" but a core component of the role's workflow.
π₯ Team Culture & Values
Operations Values:
-
Customer-Centricity: Deep focus on understanding and serving the needs of travelers and loyalty program members.
-
Innovation: A drive to reimagine experiences, leverage new technologies like AI, and stay ahead of industry trends.
-
Collaboration: Strong emphasis on teamwork within pods and across the design and engineering departments.
-
Execution & Impact: A "builder's mindset" focused on shipping effective solutions and learning from production.
-
Craftsmanship: Commitment to high-quality design, paying attention to detail in visual and interaction design.
Collaboration Style:
-
Pod-based cross-functional teams: Designers work intimately with PMs and Engineers, fostering a shared sense of ownership and rapid feedback.
-
Design System Community: Regular syncs and shared practices ensure designers stay aligned, share best practices, and contribute to a cohesive design language.
-
Open to Feedback: A culture that encourages constructive criticism and iterative improvement, driven by data and user insights.
π Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "Agentic AI" and "next-gen booking technology" suggests a culture that embraces cutting-edge solutions and continuous improvement. Operations professionals joining this team should be prepared for an environment that values efficiency, data-driven insights, and proactive problem-solving.
β‘ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Challenges:
-
Balancing Craftsmanship with Speed: The need to deliver "high-craft" experiences while "shipping in tight loops" requires efficient workflows and prioritization skills.
-
Scaling Across Brands: Designing for multiple white-labeled product variants demands a robust understanding of design systems and the ability to create flexible, adaptable solutions.
-
AI Integration Maturity: As AI tools evolve rapidly, staying current and effectively integrating them into established design processes can be an ongoing challenge.
-
Translating Ambiguity into Clarity: Working in a dynamic environment with evolving technologies requires designers to be comfortable with ambiguity and adept at creating clarity for users and team members.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
-
AI Design Specialization: Opportunities to become an expert in applying AI for creative tasks, content generation, and UX optimization.
-
Design System Leadership: Potential to take on more responsibility in evolving and managing the company's design system.
-
Cross-Functional Skill Development: Gaining deeper insights into product management, engineering processes, and data analytics.
-
Industry Exposure: Attending conferences or workshops focused on AI in design, UX trends, and the travel technology sector.
π Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities are strongly linked to the company's strategic focus on AI and next-generation technology. Candidates who are proactive learners and adaptable to technological shifts will find significant opportunities for development here.
π‘ Interview Preparation
Strategy Questions:
-
"Describe how you've used AI tools to enhance your design process for a consumer-facing product. What specific tools did you use, and what was the impact on your workflow or the final design?"
-
"Walk us through a complex user journey you designed for a web application. How did you approach understanding user needs, what were the key decision points, and how did you ensure the final design was effective?"
-
"How do you balance the need for detailed, high-craft design with the pressure to ship features quickly in an agile environment?"
-
"Tell me about a time you had to work with limited user data or analytics. How did you proceed with your design decisions, and what was the outcome?" Company & Culture Questions:
-
"What interests you about arrivia and our mission to redefine travel-powered loyalty?"
-
"How do you approach collaboration within a cross-functional product pod?"
-
"Describe your experience working with or contributing to design systems. What are the key principles for scalable design?"
-
"What are your thoughts on the role of AI in the future of product design?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
-
Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation as a story for each case study, clearly outlining the problem, your process (including AI usage), your solutions, and the results.
-
Visual Emphasis: Use high-quality visuals of your work. Annotate key screens to explain design decisions.
-
Interactive Elements: Be prepared to demonstrate prototypes or mockups live.
-
Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, present metrics or evidence of success.
-
Address the "Builder's Mindset": Highlight projects where you demonstrated rapid iteration, learned from production, or showed a hands-on approach.
π Enhancement Note: For this role, interviewers will likely focus heavily on practical application of AI tools, your ability to work in agile pods, and your understanding of design systems. Be prepared to go deep into the "how" and "why" of your design decisions, especially concerning AI integration and user journey optimization.
π Application Steps
To apply for this Sr. Product Designer position:
-
Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting.ultipro.com portal.
-
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with consumer-facing web applications, specific AI design tools used, and quantifiable achievements in design projects. Emphasize your years of experience and educational background.
-
Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest case studies that best represent your skills in interaction design, visual design, AI tool integration, and complex user journey mapping. Ensure each case study clearly details your process and impact.
-
Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving approach, and how you leverage AI tools. Be ready to discuss your experience with design systems and agile collaboration.
-
Research Arrivia: Familiarize yourself with arrivia's business, their industry position in travel loyalty, and any publicly available information about their products or technology initiatives, particularly regarding AI.
β οΈ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, including salary ranges and specific benefit offerings, should be verified directly with arrivia during the application and interview process.
Application Requirements
Requires 4-8 years of product design experience for consumer web apps and deep proficiency in Figma and AI design tools. A bachelor's degree in Design, HCI, or equivalent professional experience is required.