At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead user experience design for innovative advertising tech solutions.
- Company: Join Pencil, a trailblazer in AI-driven advertising technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with the chance to drive projects from concept to execution.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping bespoke solutions for diverse clients.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in product design, strong portfolio, and proficiency in Figma.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
At Pencil, we are driving innovation in advertising technology through our state-of-the-art SaaS product, which harnesses Generative AI to redefine content creation. Our mission is to make AI the default in advertising without replacing creative people. To achieve this, we need to make sure that our technology isn’t just in the hands of big brands - we need to try to help small businesses and creative individuals too.
We’re hiring a Product Designer to take full ownership of the user experience within our Custom Engineering pod, the team responsible for building bespoke, high-impact solutions on top of our core marketing OS. You will lead design from strategy to execution, working closely with Product and Engineering to shape specialized features and tailored workflows that help power-users and enterprise clients leverage our AI. This role is ideal for someone who wants real responsibility, values speed and execution, and thrives in an environment where you drive your own specialized projects from end to end. You won’t just push pixels - you’ll help define what custom capabilities we build and why, with a primary focus on delivering scalable, adaptable workflows and seamless integrations.
Requirements
- 5+ years of experience designing digital products, ideally within SaaS, platform products, or integration-heavy environments.
- A strong portfolio demonstrating the ability to simplify complex systems, workflows, or technical concepts into clear user experiences.
- Experience working on integrations, APIs, or products that connect with external systems is highly valued.
- Strong systems thinking, with the ability to see patterns across different problems and design reusable solutions.
- Comfortable working in ambiguous, client-driven environments where requirements evolve and constraints are real.
- Proven ability to collaborate closely with engineers, with an understanding of technical constraints and system design.
- Ability to balance speed and quality, delivering pragmatic solutions without losing sight of long-term consistency.
- Highly proficient in Figma, using it to communicate flows, edge cases, and interaction details clearly.
- Use AI tools to rapidly create high-fidelity prototypes that simulate real product behavior, enabling faster validation of complex workflows and integration scenarios before engineering implementation.
- Strong communication skills, able to explain design decisions to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
This role is for you if…
- You enjoy turning complex, technical problems into simple, elegant user experiences.
- You are comfortable working close to the metal, where design decisions are shaped by real system constraints.
- You like variety in your work and can handle multiple parallel projects without losing clarity.
- You think beyond one-off solutions and look for patterns that can scale across the product.
- You are excited by the challenge of making a product fit seamlessly into large, messy enterprise ecosystems.
- You care about building things that last, not just shipping quick fixes.
Product Designer - Custom Engineering employer: Pencil
At Pencil, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to take ownership of their projects and drive meaningful change in the advertising technology landscape. As a Product Designer, you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge Generative AI tools in a collaborative environment that values creativity and strategic thinking, all while contributing to solutions that support both large enterprises and small businesses. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer a range of professional development opportunities to help you thrive in your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Designer - Custom Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects that demonstrate your ability to simplify complex systems. We want to see how you think and design, so make sure it’s easy to navigate and visually appealing.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common design challenges and questions. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable explaining your design decisions and thought processes. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission of making AI accessible for everyone.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Designer - Custom Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Portfolio:Make sure to include a strong portfolio that highlights your ability to simplify complex systems into user-friendly designs. We want to see how you've tackled challenges in the past, especially in SaaS or integration-heavy environments.
Tailor Your Application:When applying, tailor your application to reflect our mission at Pencil. Show us how your experience aligns with our goal of making AI accessible for everyone, not just big brands. Personal touches can really make you stand out!
Communicate Clearly:Your written application should demonstrate your strong communication skills. Explain your design decisions clearly, as if you're talking to both technical and non-technical folks. This will show us you can bridge the gap between teams.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pencil
✨Showcase Your Portfolio
Make sure to bring a strong portfolio that highlights your experience in designing digital products, especially within SaaS environments. Focus on projects where you've simplified complex systems into clear user experiences, as this aligns perfectly with what the company is looking for.
✨Understand the Product and Its Users
Before the interview, take some time to research Pencil's product and its target audience. Think about how you can enhance the user experience for both small businesses and creative individuals. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also invested in the company's mission.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Be ready to discuss your experience with integrations, APIs, and how you've collaborated with engineers in the past. Highlight your understanding of technical constraints and system design, as this will demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a client-driven environment.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining your design decisions in a way that both technical and non-technical stakeholders can understand. Clear communication is key, so think about how you can articulate your thought process and the rationale behind your designs during the interview.
