Founding Product Designer

Who is Recruiting from Scratch :

Recruiting from Scratch is a specialized talent firm dedicated to helping companies build exceptional teams. We partner closely with our clients to deeply understand their needs, then connect them with top-tier candidates who are not only highly skilled but also the right fit for the company's culture and vision. Our mission is simple : place the best people in the right roles to drive long-term success for both clients and candidates.

Title of Role : Founding Product Designer

Location : San Francisco, CA (Hybrid, 3 days / week in-office)

Company Stage of Funding : Seed / Series A (venture-backed, ~$5M raised)

Office Type : Hybrid (in-person collaboration with flexibility)

Salary : $150,000 - $200,000 base, plus equity

Company Description

We are partnering with a fast-growing AI startup on a mission to redefine how people connect-with themselves and with others. Backed by top-tier investors (including founders and early executives from iconic tech companies), this team is building the most emotionally intelligent AI product on Earth.

With a small but mighty group of ~7 employees, the company is scaling quickly and looking to bring on a Founding Product Designer who will own the end-to-end product design vision. This is a rare opportunity to join a startup at the ground floor and shape both the product and brand experience in a transformative space.

What You Will Do

• Design with Impact : Own UX / UI across mobile and web, delivering seamless, emotionally resonant experiences.
• Shape the Brand : Establish a cohesive, elevated visual identity across product, marketing, and web.
• Prototype & Iterate : Create wireframes, high-fidelity mockups, and interactive prototypes while shipping pixel-perfect designs at speed.
• Lead with Empathy : Leverage research and behavioral insights to design solutions that feel personal, intuitive, and emotionally intelligent.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally : Partner closely with engineering, product, and marketing to take ideas from concept to launch.

Ideal Candidate Background

Preferred

Compensation and Benefits

This role offers a rare chance to be a founding team member at an early-stage AI company during a moment of hypergrowth. You'll have the opportunity to set the creative direction, build products that matter, and grow with a team that is passionate about shaping a more emotionally connected world.