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- Tasks: Lead product design from concept to high-fidelity UI, shaping user experience.
- Company: Join a pioneering defence tech company backed by a top VC, focused on AI and autonomy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity options, and a dynamic work environment in Central London.
- Why this job: Be the first Product Designer, influencing design strategy and company direction from day one.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in software design, user research expertise, and startup experience required.
- Other info: Work in the office 3-4 times a week, collaborating with a passionate team.
The predicted salary is between 88000 - 104000 £ per year.
We've partnered with a cutting-edge defence tech company, £7M Seed-backed by a renowned VC, building AI and software to power the autonomous age. Their mission is to revolutionise how organisations work with sensors, robots, and autonomous systems to leverage data for defence and democracy.
As their first Product Designer, you will play a pivotal role in defining the user experience, working hands-on with engineers and customer-facing teams to create intuitive, impactful designs. You’ll have full ownership from day one, with the opportunity to shape both design strategy and company direction as they scale.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead end-to-end product design, from concepts to high-fidelity UI, building and maintaining a design system.
- Conduct user research to identify pain points and inform design decisions.
- Collaborate closely with engineers to ensure seamless integration of design and functionality.
- Partner with Product and Strategy teams to contribute to product vision and direction.
- Define efficient design processes and help build the design team as the company scales.
- 5+ years of experience designing complex software, both for desktop and mobile environments.
- Proven experience in conducting user research and turning insights into actionable design solutions.
- A track record of establishing design processes in a fast-paced, startup environment.
- Experience designing software/hardware for defence, robotics, drones, maps or geospatial.
- Experience leading/building design teams.
They work in the Central London office 3-4 times a week.
Founding Designer employer: Zest Search
Contact Detail:
Zest Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in AI and defence technology. Understanding the industry will not only help you during interviews but also allow you to speak confidently about how your design skills can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience with user research by preparing case studies that highlight how you've turned insights into impactful design solutions. Be ready to discuss these examples in detail during your conversations with us.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the defence tech space, especially those involved in AI and robotics. Engaging with this community can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your approach to building design processes in a startup environment. Highlight specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your readiness to take on the responsibilities of a Founding Designer.
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Founding Designer position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, and think about how your experience aligns with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in product design, user research, and any previous work in fast-paced environments. Make sure to showcase your ability to lead design processes and collaborate with engineering teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only expresses your enthusiasm for the role but also demonstrates your understanding of the company's mission. Mention specific experiences that relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Portfolio: Include a link to your portfolio that features examples of your best work, particularly projects that involved user research and complex software design. Highlight any relevant projects related to defence or autonomous systems if applicable.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zest Search
✨Showcase Your Design Portfolio
Make sure to bring a well-organised portfolio that highlights your best work. Focus on projects that demonstrate your ability to design complex software and how you’ve tackled user research and design processes.
✨Understand the Company’s Mission
Familiarise yourself with the company’s mission to revolutionise defence technology. Be prepared to discuss how your design philosophy aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about your experience with design systems and collaboration with engineers. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've integrated design with functionality in past projects.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As the first Product Designer, you'll be expected to lead design initiatives. Share experiences where you've taken ownership of projects or led teams, showcasing your ability to build and define design processes.
