Staff Product Designer, Design Systems

About the role

We are seeking a Staff Product Designer, Design Systems to join our dynamic team. This role is pivotal in shaping our design system strategy and ensuring its scalability across web and mobile platforms.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end strategy, architecture, and evolution of BetterUp’s design system, ensuring it scales across web and mobile product surfaces
• Define and drive AI-powered workflows for design system implementation—including AI-assisted component generation, code translation, and automated quality checks
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive component library with clear documentation, usage guidelines, and contribution standards that enable product teams to move faster
• Partner closely with Engineering, Product, and Brand to ensure the design system reflects both technical feasibility and brand integrity
• Lead the evaluation and integration of cutting-edge AI design tools (e.g., Figma AI, generative design plugins, code-to-design bridges) into the design system workflow
• Build governance frameworks and best practices for responsible, consistent use of AI in design processes across the organization
• Mentor and coach designers across the organization on design systems thinking, AI-augmented workflows, and craft excellence
• Anticipate industry shifts in design tooling and AI capabilities, positioning BetterUp to adopt them ahead of competitors
• Drive measurable improvements in design-to-development handoff speed, component reuse rates, and cross-platform consistency
• Serve as a trusted advisor to Design and Product leadership on design system strategy, AI capabilities, and long-term technical direction

Requirements

• Extraordinary visual design taste—a rigorous, opinionated eye for typography, color, spacing, and detail that sets the quality bar for every surface of the product
• 7+ years of product design experience, with at least 3 years focused on design systems at scale
• Deep expertise in building and scaling design systems across web and mobile platforms, including token architectures, component APIs, and documentation frameworks
• Demonstrated experience integrating AI tools into design and development workflows (e.g., AI-assisted prototyping, generative design, automated component generation)
• Expert-level proficiency with Figma (including Figma Variables, Auto Layout, and component architecture), with experience evaluating and adopting emerging AI-powered design tools
• Strong understanding of front-end technologies (HTML, CSS, React or similar frameworks) and how design systems bridge design and engineering
• Track record of leading cross-functional initiatives that span multiple teams and disciplines
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence VP-level leaders and gain buy-in for strategic design system investments
• Portfolio demonstrating systems-level thinking, craft excellence, and impact at scale

Qualifications

• Experience with accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design practices baked into system-level components
• Familiarity with design-to-code automation tools and workflows
• Experience with coaching, HR tech, or enterprise SaaS product domains
• Background in external thought leadership through speaking, writing, or open-source contributions in the design systems space

Skills

• AI-native design system tooling
• Open-source contributions in the design systems space

Benefits

• Access to BetterUp coaching; one for you and one for a friend or family member
• A competitive compensation plan with opportunity for advancement
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible paid time off
• Volunteer days to give back
• Learning and Development stipend
• Company-wide Summer & Winter breaks
• Year-round charitable contribution of your choice on behalf of BetterUp
• 401(k) self contribution

Pay

The base salary range for this role is as follows: New York City and San Francisco: $220,000 - $276,000 Austin and Arlington: $198,000 - $248,000

Schedule

Not specified