Director Product Design

US AI; North Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid time off

401(k) with employer match

Life insurance

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

A forward-thinking digital technology firm in North Bethesda seeks a Director of Product Design. This role requires strong leadership, strategic design expertise, and collaboration across teams to create innovative user-focused products. The ideal candidate has a relevant degree and at least five years of design leadership experience. A competitive salary and benefits package offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in product design leadership.
• Strong portfolio of user-centric design solutions.
• Ability to prioritize and manage timely project delivery.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute design strategy aligned with business goals.
• Lead and mentor a diverse team of designers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams for product development.

Skills

Leadership skills

User-centered design

Design tools proficiency

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Figma

Job description

US AI stands as a forward-thinking digital transformation enterprise, dedicated to enabling individuals to achieve remarkable feats through cutting-edge technology. As a leader in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Self-Healing Infrastructure, we are actively seeking top-tier talent to spearhead the commercialization of groundbreaking products and propel our business to new heights.

If you’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital realm, then this is the place for you. Come work with us, and let’s redefine the future together.

About the Job

As the Director, Product Design, you will play a critical role in shaping the visual and user experience aspects of our company’s products. This leadership position requires a strategic thinker with exceptional design expertise, team management skills, and a deep understanding of user-centered design principles. The Director of Product Design will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including product management, engineering, and marketing to ensure the successful delivery of innovative and user-friendly products that align with our business goals and customer needs.

What You’ll Do

• Design Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive design strategy that aligns with the company’s overall vision and objectives. Drive innovation and differentiation through thoughtful design solutions.
• Team Leadership: Coach a team of talented designers, providing guidance, feedback, and support to foster their professional growth and ensure the delivery of high-quality design work.
• Product Vision: Work closely with product management to define the product vision and roadmap, translating business requirements and user insights into compelling design concepts and experiences.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, engineering, marketing, and UX research to ensure seamless integration of design across all stages of product development.
• User Experience: Advocate for the user, championing user-centered design principles and conducting user research to gain insights into user needs, behaviors, and preferences.
• Design Excellence: Set and maintain high standards for design quality and consistency across all products and platforms. Ensure that designs are intuitive, accessible, and visually appealing.
• Process Improvement: Continuously evaluate and optimize design processes and workflows to increase efficiency, productivity, and collaboration within the design team and across departments.
• Stakeholder Management: Effectively communicate design decisions, rationale, and recommendations to key stakeholders, including executives, to gain buy-in and support for design initiatives.
• Market Analysis: Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in design and user experience to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in human-computer design, marketing, business administration, or a related field required
• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in a team lead role within product design, preferably in a fast-paced tech environment
• Strong portfolio showcasing a track record of delivering innovative and user-centric design solutions

Required Skills / Certifications

• Strong leadership skills are essential for effectively managing and inspiring design teams, setting direction, and driving innovation.
• The ability to develop and execute a comprehensive design strategy aligned with business goals and user needs is crucial for success in this role.
• Deep understanding of user research methodologies, usability principles, and user experience design best practices to create intuitive and user-friendly products.
• Experience in mentoring and managing a team of designers, fostering their professional growth and ensuring collaboration and cohesion within the team.
• Excellent communication skills are essential for effectively conveying design concepts, gaining buy-in from stakeholders, and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch, Figma, or other relevant software to create high-quality design deliverables.
• Basic understanding of front-end development technologies and constraints to collaborate effectively with engineering teams and ensure the feasibility of design solutions.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify design challenges, develop innovative solutions, and iterate based on feedback and user testing.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, manage timelines, and deliver projects on schedule while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Understanding of business metrics, market trends, and competitive landscape to make informed design decisions that drive business outcomes.

Preferred Skills / Certifications

Security Clearance

• You must be able to obtain a security clearance (Secret or higher) – US Citizenship required

Compensation

$125,000-$175,000 per year based on skills, experience

• We offer a comprehensive benefits package, paid time off, life insurance, 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer matching, and opportunities for professional growth and career development.

USAI is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identification, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or any other classification protected by applicable anti-discrimination laws. We prohibit and do not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment.