Staff Product Designer, Enterprise

Scale AI
Full-timeβ€’$234k-292k/year (USD)β€’San Francisco, United States

πŸ“ Job Overview

Job Title: Staff Product Designer, Enterprise

Company: Scale AI

Location: New York, NY / San Francisco, CA

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design / GTM Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-09

Experience Level: Mid-Senior Level (5-10 years)

Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Role Summary

  • Lead end-to-end product design for Scale's rapidly growing 'AI for Enterprise Data' business unit, encompassing 0-1 initiatives and established product enhancements.

  • Drive user experience strategy and execution for complex enterprise-grade AI applications, including those for insurance, document processing, and data analytics.

  • Collaborate closely with Product Management, Engineering, Data Science, and Operations teams to translate business needs and user insights into intuitive and effective design solutions.

  • Act as the founding designer for the business unit, advocating for user-centric design principles and contributing to the evolution of the company-wide design system.

  • Operate effectively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment with rapid timelines, requiring strong prioritization and execution skills.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: While the title is "Product Designer," the emphasis on "Enterprise Data," "AI," collaboration with "Operations team members," and the need to "solve product and business challenges" strongly indicates a role deeply intertwined with Go-To-Market (GTM) operations and the strategic deployment of enterprise software. The "Founding Designer" aspect implies a critical role in shaping the operational and user-facing aspects of new business initiatives.

πŸ“ˆ Primary Responsibilities

  • Design comprehensive user flows, wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes for sophisticated desktop web applications.

  • Partner with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and Operations team members to collaboratively address product and business challenges, ensuring alignment with GTM strategies.

  • Serve as the primary advocate for the user within the AI for Enterprise Data business unit, ensuring designs meet enterprise client needs and operational workflows.

  • Prioritize and execute design tasks efficiently in a dynamic, fast-paced environment characterized by rapid timelines, significant scope, and inherent ambiguity.

  • Contribute to the development and refinement of the company-wide design system, ensuring consistency and scalability across all enterprise products.

  • Proactively identify product gaps and opportunities, rallying support and driving consensus for proposed design solutions that enhance operational efficiency and customer value.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a deep engagement with the entire product lifecycle and cross-functional collaboration, crucial for GTM success. The emphasis on "Operations team members" and "solving product and business challenges" points towards a need for the designer to understand and influence the operational aspects of product deployment and customer success.

πŸŽ“ Skills & Qualifications

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

Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in product design, with a significant focus on leading end-to-end design for B2B and enterprise web applications.

Required Skills:

  • Proven experience leading end-to-end design processes for complex B2B and enterprise-level web applications.

  • Extremely high proficiency in Figma, with a demonstrated ability for rapid execution and iteration.

  • Experience designing dashboards, data visualization components, domain-specific editors, and intricate forms for enterprise use cases.

  • Solid understanding of front-end development processes and constraints for web interfaces, enabling effective collaboration with engineering teams.

  • Strong communication and collaboration skills, including experience conducting customer-facing meetings and presenting design solutions.

  • A compelling portfolio showcasing a diversity of product design projects, with a strong emphasis on enterprise solutions and problem-solving. Preferred Skills:

  • Exposure to or understanding of artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and related technical concepts.

  • Experience contributing to or maintaining company-wide design systems.

  • Familiarity with user research methodologies and their integration into the design process.

  • Experience in fast-paced, high-growth startup environments.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level aligns with a "Staff" or "Senior" individual contributor role, implying a need for strategic thinking and leadership in design execution. The emphasis on Figma and rapid execution suggests a hands-on role, but the collaboration with PMs, Engineers, Data Scientists, and Operations implies a need for strong strategic and communication skills beyond pure execution.

πŸ“Š Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

  • Demonstrate end-to-end design ownership for at least two significant B2B or enterprise web applications, from initial concept to launch.

  • Showcase case studies that detail the problem, your design process, key decisions, and the measurable impact of your solutions, particularly in areas like operational efficiency or data-driven insights.

  • Include examples of designing complex dashboards, data visualization, and domain-specific editors, highlighting how these features supported user workflows and business objectives.

  • Present prototypes created in Figma, demonstrating interaction design capabilities and the ability to convey complex user flows effectively.

  • Highlight contributions to or creation of design systems, illustrating an understanding of scalability, consistency, and component-based design. Process Documentation:

  • Document your approach to user research and how it informed design decisions for enterprise clients.

  • Detail your collaboration process with product managers, engineers, and operations teams, emphasizing how you managed feedback and iteration cycles.

  • Showcase how you translated ambiguous requirements or business challenges into concrete design solutions.

  • Illustrate your approach to testing and iterating on designs, particularly for complex enterprise workflows.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: For a "Staff" level designer, especially a "Founding Designer," the portfolio needs to go beyond just visual output. It must demonstrate strategic thinking, leadership in design execution, and the ability to drive impact in complex enterprise environments, often involving operational improvements. The emphasis on "AI for Enterprise Data" implies a need to showcase an understanding of complex data interactions and potentially AI-driven workflows.

πŸ’΅ Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $233,600 - $292,000 USD per year (for San Francisco, New York, Seattle)

Benefits:

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.

  • Retirement benefits.

  • Learning and development stipend for professional growth and skill enhancement.

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO).

  • Commuter stipend for on-site employees.

  • Equity compensation (subject to Board of Director approval).

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with flexibility expected given the fast-paced nature of a growing enterprise AI business unit.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is for specific Tier 1 locations. It's important to note that the actual salary will be determined based on factors such as work location, skills, experience, qualifications, and interview performance. The inclusion of equity compensation and a learning stipend are significant benefits for senior-level roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏒 Company Culture

Industry: Artificial Intelligence, Data Services, Enterprise Software. Scale AI operates at the intersection of cutting-edge AI technology and practical enterprise applications, aiming to accelerate AI deployment for large organizations across various sectors like insurance and document processing.

Company Size: Scale AI is a growth-stage company, indicated by its rapid expansion and the nature of this role as a "Founding Designer" for a specific business unit. This suggests an environment that is dynamic, innovative, and potentially resource-constrained, requiring adaptability and initiative.

Founded: Scale AI was founded with a mission to develop reliable AI systems for critical decision-making. This foundational purpose drives its focus on quality, accuracy, and real-world impact.

Team Structure:

  • The AI for Enterprise Data business unit is rapidly growing, implying a dynamic and evolving team structure.

  • As the founding designer, this role will be pivotal in shaping the design function within this unit.

  • Close collaboration is expected with Product Management, Engineering, Data Science, and Operations, indicating a cross-functional and matrixed team environment.

  • Reporting lines are not explicitly stated but are likely to be within a broader Product or Design organization. Methodology:

  • Data-driven decision-making is core to Scale AI's mission, particularly in the AI space. Designers are expected to leverage data and user insights to inform their work.

  • Agile development methodologies are likely employed, given the fast-paced environment and rapid timelines mentioned.

  • A focus on iterative design and continuous improvement will be crucial for evolving products in the enterprise AI space.

Company Website: https://scale.com/

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "Founding Designer" role suggests that the candidate will have a significant opportunity to influence the team's design processes and culture from the ground up within the AI for Enterprise Data unit, while still adhering to broader company standards.

πŸ“ˆ Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a "Staff" level, signifying a senior individual contributor role. It requires deep expertise, the ability to operate with significant autonomy, and a strategic approach to design challenges within the enterprise AI domain. The "Founding Designer" aspect implies leadership in establishing design practices for a new business unit.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly detailed, this role likely reports into a Head of Design, VP of Product, or a similar senior leadership position within the product organization. Close collaboration with Product Managers and Engineering leads within the AI for Enterprise Data unit is a given.

Operations Impact: The designer's work will directly influence the usability, adoption, and effectiveness of AI products for large enterprises. This includes optimizing user workflows, enhancing data comprehension through visualization, and ultimately contributing to the successful deployment and scaling of AI solutions, directly impacting the company's GTM success and revenue generation for enterprise clients.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Design Leadership: Opportunity to grow into a Design Lead or Manager role as the business unit expands, potentially building and mentoring a design team.

  • Specialization: Deepen expertise in AI/ML product design, data visualization, and enterprise software design, becoming a go-to expert within the company and industry.

  • Strategic Influence: Play a key role in shaping product strategy and roadmap for the AI for Enterprise Data unit, influencing business direction.

  • Cross-functional Development: Gain extensive experience collaborating with highly technical teams (Data Science, Engineering) and business stakeholders, broadening strategic and operational understanding.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The "Staff" and "Founding Designer" designation implies a high level of autonomy and strategic input, offering significant growth potential beyond typical product design roles, particularly in areas of operational impact and business strategy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site in either New York or San Francisco, indicating a traditional office-based work environment. This facilitates in-person collaboration, brainstorming, and team building, which can be particularly beneficial for complex design challenges and rapid iteration.

Office Location(s):

  • New York, NY

  • San Francisco, CA

Both locations offer vibrant tech hubs with excellent amenities and accessibility.

Workspace Context:

  • A collaborative office space is expected, fostering interaction with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and Operations team members.

  • Access to modern design tools and technology, with a strong emphasis on Figma, will be provided.

  • Opportunities for direct engagement with enterprise clients and internal stakeholders to gather feedback and present design solutions.

Work Schedule: A standard full-time work schedule is anticipated, with the understanding that the fast-paced nature of a growing enterprise AI business unit may require flexibility and occasional extended hours to meet project deadlines and client needs.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement suggests a preference for highly collaborative work and direct team interaction, which is common for roles involving complex problem-solving and rapid iteration in enterprise software development.

πŸ“„ Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

  • Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and portfolio. Prepare to articulate your design philosophy and highlight relevant enterprise/B2B experience.

  • Design Challenge/Case Study: You may be given a design problem to solve or asked to present a deep dive into a past project from your portfolio. Focus on demonstrating your end-to-end process, problem-solving skills, and quantifiable impact.

  • Team Interviews: Interviews with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and potentially other designers. Be ready to discuss your collaboration style, how you handle ambiguity, and your technical understanding.

  • Hiring Manager/Leadership Interview: A discussion about your strategic thinking, leadership potential, and cultural fit. This is where you can showcase your vision as a "founding designer."

Portfolio Review Tips:

  • Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your strongest enterprise/B2B projects that best showcase your skills in Figma, user flows, wireframing, prototyping, and data visualization.

  • Tell a Story: For each project, clearly outline the problem, your role, the design process, key challenges, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., improved efficiency, adoption rates, user satisfaction). Quantify impact wherever possible.

  • Highlight Ambiguity & Speed: If possible, include a project that demonstrates your ability to navigate ambiguity and deliver results under tight deadlines, as this is a key requirement.

  • Showcase Collaboration: Explain how you worked with cross-functional teams, including operations, product, and engineering, and how you incorporated their feedback.

  • Visual Clarity & Polish: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. High-fidelity mockups and interactive prototypes are essential.

Challenge Preparation:

  • Understand the Context: If given a challenge, ensure you fully grasp the business problem and the target user within an enterprise AI context.

  • Focus on Process: Demonstrate your structured approach to problem-solving, even if you don't reach a final polished design within the allotted time.

  • Articulate Trade-offs: Be prepared to discuss design decisions, trade-offs, and potential future iterations.

  • Practice Presentation: Rehearse presenting your findings and design rationale concisely and effectively.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: Given the "Staff" and "Founding Designer" nature of this role, expect the interview process to be rigorous, focusing on strategic thinking, leadership potential, and the ability to drive impact in a complex, fast-paced environment. The portfolio is critical and should highlight not just design execution but also problem-solving and business acumen.

πŸ›  Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

  • Figma: Extensively used for user flows, wireframing, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototyping. High proficiency is a mandatory requirement.

  • Design System Tools: Likely leveraging tools for component management and design system maintenance.

Analytics & Reporting:

  • While not a direct analytics role, an understanding of how design impacts key performance indicators (KPIs) for enterprise products is crucial. Familiarity with dashboarding and data visualization tools is beneficial for understanding the output of enterprise applications.

  • Experience interpreting analytics dashboards to understand user behavior and product performance. CRM & Automation:

  • Familiarity with enterprise software environments where CRM and automation tools are prevalent. Understanding how design integrates with these systems to support operational workflows.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "extremely high proficiency in Figma" is a critical technical skill for this role. While other tools are not specified, a strong understanding of how design interfaces with broader enterprise systems (CRM, automation, data pipelines) is implied by the context of "AI for Enterprise Data."

πŸ‘₯ Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

  • User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and advocating for the enterprise user's needs and workflows, even within complex AI systems.

  • Data-Driven Impact: Leveraging data to inform design decisions and demonstrate the measurable impact of design on business objectives and operational efficiency.

  • Collaboration & Ownership: A proactive, collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams, taking ownership of design challenges from inception to resolution.

  • Adaptability & Speed: Embracing a fast-paced, iterative environment, comfortable with ambiguity, and capable of rapid execution to meet evolving business needs.

  • Innovation: A passion for pushing the boundaries of AI and enterprise software design to create impactful solutions.

Collaboration Style:

  • Cross-functional Integration: Expect to work hand-in-hand with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and Operations teams, fostering a culture of shared ownership and mutual respect.

  • Feedback-Rich Environment: A willingness to give and receive constructive feedback is essential for rapid iteration and continuous improvement.

  • Transparent Communication: Open and clear communication regarding design decisions, trade-offs, and progress is paramount, especially in a growing business unit.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Founding Designer" suggests that the candidate will play a role in shaping this culture within their specific business unit, while aligning with Scale AI's broader values.

⚑ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

  • Navigating Ambiguity: As a "founding designer" for a new business unit, there will be significant ambiguity in product direction, requirements, and team structure. Developing strategies to thrive in this environment is key.

  • Complex Enterprise Workflows: Designing for enterprise clients involves understanding intricate business processes, diverse user roles, and demanding technical requirements, often related to data processing and AI model deployment.

  • Rapid Iteration & High Stakes: The fast-paced environment demands quick decision-making and execution, with the potential for significant business impact on each design iteration.

  • Balancing Design System & Innovation: Contributing to the company-wide design system while also driving innovation for new products requires careful balancing of consistency and creative exploration.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

  • Deep AI/ML Domain Expertise: Gain profound insights into the practical application of AI and ML in enterprise settings, a rapidly growing and high-demand field.

  • Strategic Product Influence: Opportunities to shape product strategy and roadmap for a critical business unit, contributing directly to company growth.

  • Leadership Development: Potential to lead design initiatives, mentor junior designers, and influence design direction within the enterprise AI space.

  • Cutting-Edge Technology: Work with advanced technologies and collaborate with leading experts in the AI industry.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are inherent to a "Staff" and "Founding Designer" role in a high-growth tech company focused on cutting-edge AI for enterprise clients. These challenges also represent significant opportunities for professional development and impact.

πŸ’‘ Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

  • "How would you approach designing an end-to-end user experience for a new enterprise AI tool focused on [specific domain, e.g., insurance claims processing] from scratch?" (Focus on your process, user research, and iterative approach).

  • "Describe a time you had to design for a complex, ambiguous problem with limited information. How did you proceed, and what was the outcome?" (Highlight your ability to handle ambiguity and drive clarity).

  • "How do you ensure your designs for enterprise applications are scalable, maintainable, and align with existing design systems while also innovating?" (Discuss your approach to design systems and balancing consistency with new features).

  • "Walk us through a project from your portfolio where your design directly solved a significant business problem or improved operational efficiency for an enterprise client." (Prepare a concise, impact-driven case study). Company & Culture Questions:

  • "What interests you about Scale AI and specifically our AI for Enterprise Data business unit?" (Research Scale AI's mission, products, and recent news).

  • "How do you envision collaborating with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, and Operations teams in a fast-paced startup environment?" (Emphasize your collaborative style and understanding of cross-functional dynamics).

  • "As the founding designer for this unit, what would be your immediate priorities and how would you establish design best practices?" (Showcase your leadership and strategic thinking). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

  • Structure is Key: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your role and responsibilities, the design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), key decisions and rationale, challenges faced, and the final outcome with measurable results.

  • Figma Expertise: Be prepared to showcase your Figma skills, potentially walking through a file or demonstrating complex interactions.

  • Focus on Impact: Quantify the impact of your designs whenever possible. Use metrics related to user adoption, task completion rates, efficiency gains, or client satisfaction.

  • Communicate Your 'Why': Clearly articulate the reasoning behind your design choices and how they addressed the user and business needs.

  • Be Ready for Q&A: Anticipate questions about your process, decisions, and how you would handle specific scenarios relevant to enterprise AI design.

πŸ“ Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely assess not only design craft but also strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, ability to operate in ambiguity, and leadership potential, especially given the "Staff" and "Founding Designer" aspects.

πŸ“Œ Application Steps

To apply for this Staff Product Designer position:

  • Submit your application through the provided link on the Greenhouse job portal.

  • Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight 2-3 of your most relevant enterprise/B2B design projects. Emphasize end-to-end ownership, complex problem-solving, and demonstrable impact, particularly with Figma expertise.

  • Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your experience in enterprise web applications, B2B design, Figma proficiency, and collaboration with technical teams. Quantify achievements where possible.

  • Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies, focusing on your process, decision-making, and the measurable outcomes of your work. Prepare to discuss your approach to ambiguity and collaboration.

  • Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Scale AI's mission, products, and the AI for Enterprise Data business unit. Understand their market position and the challenges their enterprise clients face.

⚠️ 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

Candidates must have extensive experience leading end-to-end B2B and enterprise web application design with high proficiency in Figma. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment are essential.