At a Glance
- Tasks: Own product design for an innovative AI developer platform from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a groundbreaking AI startup redefining software testing and code review.
- Benefits: Collaborate with founders, work in a dynamic team, and shape the future of tech.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work onsite in San Francisco with a passionate team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how developers interact with AI in software development.
- Qualifications: Senior product designer with a strong portfolio in UX for technical products.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re partnering with an early-stage AI startup building the future of software testing and code review.
They are rethinking quality assurance from first principles—using AI to help engineering teams ship faster, with more confidence, and fewer failures.
Backed by Accel and an exceptional group of technical founders, they are building deeply technical, AI-native tooling for modern dev teams.
This is not a legacy QA product with AI sprinkled on top; it’s a ground-up rethink of how software is reviewed, tested, and trusted.
They’re hiring a Founding Product Designer to own the design of the product from day one.
You’ll work directly with the founders to turn complex, probabilistic systems into clear, usable, and trustworthy experiences for engineers.
The focus here is clarity over flash, systems over screens, and real product leverage over polish.
This is a rare chance to define how developers understand and interact with AI at the most critical layer of the software lifecycle.
What you’ll do.
Own end-to-end product design for a developer platform, from early concepts through shipped product.
Design workflows and interfaces that help engineers understand, trust, and act on AI-generated insights.
Partner with founders and engineering to shape product direction and execution.
Translate complex technical systems into intuitive, human-centered experiences.
Plan and conduct user research with engineers and early customers to inform decisions.
Build and evolve the core product design system as the company scales.
Collaborate with an external design agency to extend the visual identity across product and web.
What we’re looking for.
A senior product designer with experience owning complex products end-to-end.
Strong portfolio demonstrating thoughtful UX for technical, data-heavy, or B2B products (developer tools a plus).
High bar for clarity, usability, and systems thinking, able to simplify complexity without flattening it.
Comfort operating in ambiguity with minimal process and high ownership.
Strong communication skills and enthusiasm for working directly with founders and engineers.
Excited to work in person with a small, highly technical team.
Bonus points.
Experience at an early-stage startup or as a founding designer.
Background in developer tools, infrastructure, or ML‑adjacent products.
Familiarity with rapid prototyping tools (v0, Lovable, etc.).
Interest in brand systems and product narrative, not just interface design.
About The Team.
You’ll join a small, rigorous, and intellectually curious team of engineers and researchers who care deeply about craft, correctness, and first‑principles thinking.
The culture is low‑ego, high‑standards, and highly collaborative, with a strong belief that great tools can meaningfully change how software is built.
Location.
Onsite: San Francisco, CA Visa Sponsorship - NO Apply #J-18808-Ljbffr
Founding Designer employer: Humankind
At Humankind, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture where creativity thrives. As a Founding Product Designer, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape the future of our AI-native developer platform while working closely with visionary founders. We offer competitive benefits, a commitment to employee growth, and a dynamic environment that encourages you to push boundaries and make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Founding Designer
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
In the world of UX/UI design, your portfolio speaks volumes! Make sure it's packed with your best work and showcases your process, not just the final product. We want to see how you tackle design challenges, so consider adding case studies that reflect your thought process and user-centric approach.
✨Get Involved in Design Communities
Jump into local or online design meetups and workshops! Places like UXPA or local design events can be goldmines for networking and learning. Plus, mingling with fellow designers can introduce you to potential job openings that might not be listed elsewhere.
✨Tailor Your Applications
When you find a role that excites you, like the one at Humankind for a Founding Designer, make your application count! Highlight specific projects and skills that directly relate to the job description. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who fit into their specific team, so show them you’re the one!
✨Leverage Social Media
Don't underestimate the power of social media in finding a UX/UI design job! Follow design leaders on platforms like Twitter or Instagram, share your work, and engage in conversations. It’s a great way to get noticed by recruiters and even catch wind of openings at companies like Humankind before they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Founding Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Design Process:When you're applying for a UX/UI Design role like Founding Designer at Humankind, make sure to include examples that clearly highlight your design process. We want to see not just the final product but also the journey that led you there—wireframes, user personas, and iterations demonstrate your thought process and user-centric approach!
Tailor Your Portfolio:A tailor-made portfolio is crucial for a full-time design role! Curate your best projects that align with the kind of work Humankind does. We suggest including 3-5 case studies that showcase a variety of skills such as wireframing, prototyping, and user testing to really make your application pop.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just be a summary of your CV. Use it to express why you’re excited about UX/UI Design and what draws you specifically to Humankind. Mention any relevant experience, tools you’re proficient in (like Sketch or Figma), and how you can contribute to their projects.
Highlight Collaboration Skills:In the world of UX/UI Design, teamwork is crucial. Make sure to highlight any past experiences where you worked in cross-functional teams. Illustrate how you communicated design decisions and listened to feedback, as this will resonate well with the culture at Humankind.
How to prepare for a job interview at Humankind
✨Show Off Your Portfolio
When you're gunning for a full-time UX/UI design role, your portfolio is your best friend! Make sure you've got a solid selection of your work, showcasing not just the final designs, but the process behind them—think wireframes, user flows, and any user research you've conducted. During the interview with Humankind, be prepared to discuss your design decisions and how they solve specific user problems.
✨Prepare for Design Challenges
Expect to face some practical design tasks during your interview. Humankind might ask you to tackle a quick design challenge or critique an existing interface. Brush up on your problem-solving skills and try to articulate your thought process as you work through these scenarios. Showing how you approach a design problem is just as important as the final output!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with the tools commonly used in the industry—figma, Adobe XD, or Sketch should be second nature to you. Be ready to discuss your preferred tools during the interview and how they've shaped your design process at previous positions. This knowledge could give you an edge at Humankind!
✨Show Passion for User Experience
In a full-time UX/UI design role, having a genuine passion for improving user interactions can set you apart. Be prepared to share instances when you went above and beyond to ensure a great user experience in your previous projects. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a designer, but a user advocate, which is exactly what Humankind is looking for.
