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Founder Product Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Receive product briefs and PRDs from the Founder/Product Manager and become an active ideation ... designing and engineering physical consumer products, taken from concept to mass production

Receive product briefs and PRDs from the Founder/Product Manager and become an active ideation ... designing and engineering physical consumer products, taken from concept to mass production

Salary: $175k - $250k Product Designer r.Potential | SF Bay Area | 3 days/week in person About r ... Everyone on the team from the founder down ships code. We move fast and hold a high craft bar. You ...

Work in a tight feedback loop with our lead designer and our founder to align on what "great" looks like, then ship. * Partner closely with engineering to get your work into production and iterate ...

Product Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$160K - $225K/yr

... Ferdowsi (co-founder of Dropbox), Katie Stanton (former VP Global Media, Twitter), and CEOs of ... About The Role We're looking for a Product Designer to help shape the core Luminai product ...

Product Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$120K - $250K/yr

As a Product Designer at Profound, you will work on our core data visualization and content ... You can just do things Note from our co-founder In the evolving landscape of product development ...

You might know us from our founder and CEO, Dave Ramsey, who's given no-nonsense money advice on ... As a Product Designer, you'll create intuitive digital experiences that help people make confident ...

Tara Pichumani - Co-Founder & CEO Former Head of Platform at Merge. Launched 7 unified API products ... Core Design Challenges We are looking for a UX-leaning Product Designer who is obsessed with user ...

We're looking for a Product Designer to define how operators, investigators, and enterprise teams ... Founder Partnership: Work closely with leadership on product strategy, customer workflows, and ...

Product Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Garry Tan / YC + Founder of one of the most successful quant funds, BoxGroup (Plaid, Ramp, Stripe), top-tier angels. About the Role We're looking for a product designer to help design, build, and ...

Product Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $220K/yr

Hi I'm Aidan, founder of Maple. At Maple, we're building AI agents that work for restaurants. These ... About the Role At Maple, we're looking for a Senior/Staff Product Designer ready to shape the ...

Product Designer & Builder

New York, NY · On-site +1

$140K - $210K/yr

... founder and head of design) and collaborate closely with Calvin Ku (product designer), Dan ... Schlosser (co-founder and head of product), Tiffany Yue (product manager), and Ali Aas (creative ...

New

Role We're looking for a product designer to join us inventing a new way to do science ... You'll work with our founder (who's also a designer) to build novel research tools that will ...

This role partners closely with the Founder/Creative Director to build product and process, helping ... The Designer will also work directly with Planning and Merchandising to shape frame assortment ...

Product Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$175K - $275K/yr

We're hiring a Product Designer to craft the interfaces and experiences that power Antimetal ... Founder Interview: Talk with one of our founders in more detail about the role. * Product thinking ...

Product Designer

Miami, FL · On-site

$35K - $125K/yr

About the Role We're looking for a product-minded designer who has shaped how people connect ... Prior startup or founder experience * Comfort with wallets, dashboards, or dApps * Brand or ...

Staff Product Designer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$215K - $240K/yr

As a Staff Product Designer at Mudflap, you'll own major mobile and web initiatives, blending ... You'll work directly with our Head of Product (co-founder) and executive team to shape product ...

Product Designer

New York, NY · On-site

$150K - $180K/yr

Product Designer $150k - $180k • meaningful equity About Novig Novig is building America's #1 ... You'll work directly with the VP of Design, founder, and core product team, shaping the product end ...

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Founder Product Designer information

See salary details

$50K

$144.4K

$206K

How much do founder product designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for founder product designer in the United States is $144,360.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $131,000.00 and $155,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does the role of a Founder Product Designer typically interact with engineering and business teams in an early-stage startup?

As a Founder Product Designer in an early-stage startup, you’ll closely collaborate with both engineering and business teams to translate product vision into tangible user experiences. You'll often participate in strategic discussions, prioritize feature development based on user feedback and business goals, and work hands-on with engineers to iterate quickly on prototypes and product releases. The environment is highly cross-functional and fast-paced, requiring adaptability, proactive communication, and a willingness to wear multiple hats. This close collaboration ensures that design decisions align with technical feasibility and market needs, and often offers opportunities for significant influence on the overall product direction.

What is the highest salary for a product designer?

The highest salaries for product designers can reach over $150,000 annually, especially for senior or lead roles in large companies or tech hubs. Factors such as experience, skills in tools like Figma or Sketch, and the company's size influence compensation levels.

Can a UX designer make 300k?

A UX designer can potentially earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with senior roles, extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-paying industries or companies. Achieving this level often requires advanced expertise, leadership responsibilities, or working as a freelance consultant or in a managerial position.

What are Founder Product Designers?

Founder Product Designers are professionals who play a dual role in startups or new ventures, acting both as the founder and the lead designer of a product. They are responsible for shaping the product vision, user experience, and design strategy from the ground up. This role requires a blend of entrepreneurial skills, creativity, and a deep understanding of user needs. Founder Product Designers often oversee everything from initial concept and prototyping to user testing and final product launch. Their unique position allows them to directly influence both the business and design aspects of a company.

Are Y Combinator jobs well-paid?

Y Combinator-backed startup roles, including positions like founder product designer, often offer competitive salaries, equity, and benefits, but compensation varies widely depending on the company's stage and funding. Early-stage startups may prioritize equity over high salaries, while later-stage companies tend to pay more. Overall, compensation is influenced by the company's financial health, location, and role responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Founder Product Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Founder Product Designer, you need a strong background in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, proficiency in prototyping, and a solid understanding of product strategy, often supported by a degree in design or related field. Expertise with design tools like Figma, Sketch, Adobe Creative Suite, and familiarity with agile product development frameworks are typically required. Vision, entrepreneurial mindset, strong communication, and collaboration skills help set exceptional candidates apart. These capabilities are crucial for creating innovative products that align with business goals and deliver real value to users in a startup environment.

What is a founding product designer?

A founding product designer is a key team member involved in shaping the initial design and user experience of a product or startup. They often work closely with founders and engineers, contributing to product strategy, creating prototypes, and establishing design standards during the early stages of development.

What is the difference between Founder Product Designer vs Product Designer?

AspectFounder Product DesignerProduct Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, design experience, entrepreneurial mindsetPortfolio, design experience, possibly relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentStartups, early-stage companies, entrepreneurial settingsTech companies, agencies, established organizations
Employer & IndustryFounders, startups, innovative industriesCompanies across various industries, product teams

The main difference is that a Founder Product Designer often works in startup environments, combining design skills with entrepreneurial responsibilities, while a Product Designer typically focuses solely on product design within established companies. The Founder Product Designer may also be involved in business strategy and product vision, whereas the Product Designer concentrates on user experience and interface design.

More about Founder Product Designer jobs
What cities are hiring for Founder Product Designer jobs? Cities with the most Founder Product Designer job openings:
What states have the most Founder Product Designer jobs? States with the most job openings for Founder Product Designer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Founder Product Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,360 per year, or $69.4 per hour.
Industrial Product Designer & Engineer

Industrial Product Designer & Engineer

MagMod

Tucson, AZ

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

About MagMod

At MagMod, we don't just make photography accessories-we strive to make photography fast, easy, and awesome through innovative products that speak for themselves.

Founded in 2013 and fueled by a passionate global photography community, MagMod has grown into a premium brand trusted by tens of thousands of photographers in 100+ countries. Our products work seamlessly, are minimalist in form and function, and pack a serious punch of utility and elegance-because making cool stuff that solves real problems is fun as hell and the only way we know how to roll.

Striving for excellence is part of our DNA-both in our products, in our company culture, and in how we solve problems at every level.

Striving for excellence is part of our DNA-in our products, our culture, and how we solve problems at every level. We are now entering a new chapter of growth, with a recently launched modular light stand system (MagStand) and an ambitious product roadmap ahead. We need a skilled, driven designer and engineer to help us execute it.

The Opportunity

MagMod is looking for a hands-on Industrial Product Designer & Engineer to work directly alongside our Founder as a core member of our product development team. This is not a management or strategy role-it is a craft role for someone who loves the work itself: designing, building, testing, iterating, and delivering.

You will be given a Product Requirements Document (PRD) with a clear product vision. Your job is to bring it to life-from ideation and CAD through prototyping, refinement, and a complete manufacturing-ready package. You will be the primary executor of design and engineering for every product we build.

If you are energized by moving fast, obsess over the details that make a product go from good to great, and want to see your work in the hands of photographers around the world-this role was built for you.

What You'll Own
  • The full design and engineering lifecycle for every current and future MagMod product-from concept through golden sample.

  • All CAD work: concept models, MVPs, design candidates, and production-ready assemblies.

  • Prototype builds, physical testing, and structured evaluation against PRD requirements.

  • Complete manufacturing packages delivered to our factory partners.

  • Design asset management, version control, and change documentation across the product pipeline.

    Key Duties and Responsibilities:Concept Development & Ideation
    • Receive product briefs and PRDs from the Founder/Product Manager and become an active ideation partner on how to solve defined requirements
    • Propose and explore multiple design directions with a priority on innovation, simplicity, ease of use, and manufacturing pragmatism
    • Identify MVP solutions that validate the core concept quickly and efficiently, achieving ~80% of requirements before full refinement
    CAD Design & Engineering
    • Create all CAD models from concept sketch through production-ready assemblies using Fusion 360 or SolidWorks and maintain clean, organized, parametric models that are structured for efficient iteration and handoff
    • Design for manufacturability (DFM) in injection-molded plastics, die-cast metals, and other common consumer goods manufacturing processes
    • Produce complete 2D engineering drawings with GD&T callouts, tolerances, and material specifications suitable for factory production
    Prototyping & Testing
    • Create prototypes at every stage of development using 3D printing, CNC machining, and other appropriate methods-either in-house or from external partners
    • Test all prototypes against PRD requirements for form, fit, function, durability, and ease of use
    • Drive iteration cycles efficiently, with a bias toward speed and pragmatic problem-solving
    Design Documentation & Asset Management
    • Maintain a disciplined design changelog that provides full traceability from concept through golden sample
    • Document all design decisions, test results, and PRD compliance at each stage of the development pipeline
    • Manage design files with rigorous naming conventions and version control so every asset is organized, findable, and clearly staged
    • Prepare manufacturing asset packages for factory handoff, including CAD files, 2D drawings, tolerances, material callouts, surface finish specs, and QC documentation
    Collaboration & Process
    • Work closely and daily with the Founder to align on product requirements, iterate on design decisions, and move projects forward with speed and precision
    • Contribute to improving our product development workflow-identifying bottlenecks, proposing process improvements, and building repeatable practices that increase iteration speed and efficiency
    • Collaborate with external engineering resources as needed, getting up to speed on in-progress projects and providing continuity as we build internal capability
    Required Skills & Experience
    • 5+ years of hands-on experience designing and engineering physical consumer products, taken from concept to mass production
    • Demonstrated portfolio of 2-3+ successful consumer product launches, showing the full arc from concept through production handoff
    • Expert-level CAD proficiency in Fusion 360 (preferred) or SolidWorks, including parametric modeling, surface design, and assembly management
    • Strong DFM knowledge across injection molding, CNC machining, and consumer goods manufacturing processes in plastics and metals
    • High proficiency in rapid prototyping methods including FDM/SLA 3D printing, CNC machining, and hands-on model-making
    • Ability to read and produce detailed 2D engineering drawings with GD&T, tolerances, and material callouts to factory-ready standard
    • Precise, detail-oriented working style with strong documentation habits-you maintain organized files, clear changelogs, and accurate records without being asked
    • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, small-team environment where you own your work end-to-end with minimal hand-holding
    • Strong communication skills and the ability to work in close daily collaboration with a founder who moves fast and has high standards
    • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Design Engineering, or equivalent demonstrated experience
    Preferred Skills
    • Experience with Fusion 360 simulation tools, including FEA stress testing and generative design
    • Knowledge of materials science, including engineering plastics, metals, and eco-friendly polymer alternatives
    • Familiarity with working alongside or handing off to Asian manufacturing partners
    • Experience with consumer photography, outdoor, or lifestyle product categories
    • Familiarity with modular or accessory product ecosystems where shared parts and interoperability are design constraints
    • Proficiency in 3D rendering software (e.g., KeyShot) for concept visualization and stakeholder review
    Who You Are

    You are a designer and engineer by craft, not by title. You are energized by the act of making-by the satisfaction of a prototype that finally hits the spec, a CAD model that is clean and right, a product that ships and works exactly as intended.

    You move fast, and you move precisely-those things are not in conflict for you. You push back when you have a better answer, and you take ownership without being reminded. You thrive in ambiguity because you know how to navigate from a problem to a solution with your own hands and your own judgment.

    You are not looking for a role where someone else tells you exactly how to do the work. You are looking for a role where someone gives you a clear problem worth solving-and then trusts you to solve it excellently.

    Small company. Big products. Real craft. If that sounds like where you belong, we'd love to hear from you.

    How to Apply

    Complete our online job listing form to submit your resume. Include a brief note about why this role fits you, and share a portfolio or work samples that demonstrate your product development process-not just the finished product, but the journey from brief to production.

    We are specifically interested in examples that show: CAD work, prototype iterations, DFM decisions, and how you documented and managed changes along the way.

    Applications without portfolio examples will not be considered.

    Employment Type: FULL_TIME