Product Designer

About Beacon AI

Beacon AI is a dynamic team of aviators, engineers, and operators dedicated to building an AI platform aimed at enhancing aviation safety, efficiency, and capability. Supported by leading investors, the company holds numerous Department of Defense contracts and collaborates with major airlines to deliver critical systems. The organization operates with lean teams that take full ownership, ship quickly, and foster rapid learning, innovating how humans collaborate with AI in aviation.

Role Overview

The Product Designer at Beacon AI will develop how pilots engage with AI in the cockpit, focusing on clarity, speed, and precision essential for safety. This role offers a unique opportunity to sculpt a new product in one of the most impactful technological fields.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full product design workflow for Beacon AI’s pilot assistant, from initial research and discovery through wireframes, prototypes, and specifications for engineering.
• Engage in user research and usability testing with pilots and aviation experts to understand operational workflows, mental models, and critical safety needs.
• Convert complex AI outputs and alerts into clear, actionable, and intuitive interfaces suited for intense cockpit environments.
• Develop and sustain a scalable design system to enhance product consistency and development efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams, applying strong product insights to iteratively deliver refined user experiences.
• Support brand and visual identity development as needed to assist marketing and web teams.

Qualifications

• Experience as a primary or founding designer who has led end-to-end design processes, rapidly moving from ideas to delivery without a large design team structure.
• Strong instincts in product design, with the ability to shift seamlessly between research, strategy, and high-fidelity design execution.
• Advanced proficiency in Figma and capability to manage a comprehensive design system independently.
• A mindset that questions "why" before focusing on presentation, challenging briefs that don’t address correct problems.
• Thrives in facing complexity and ambiguity with curiosity rather than hesitation.
• Keen interest or background in aviation, aerospace, or industries where safety is paramount.

Preferred but Not Required

• Over three years of product design experience especially involving complex, data-intense, or safety-critical areas such as aviation, aerospace, defense, medical devices, or enterprise software.
• Experience designing AI-powered products with an emphasis on making machine-derived insights reliable and user-friendly.
• Knowledge of motion design, micro-interactions, or basic coding in HTML and CSS is advantageous.

Location & Work Arrangement

This position is hybrid based in San Carlos, California, requiring onsite presence at least three days a week, with the flexibility for remote work on other days.

Employee Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare covering 100% of employee medical premium costs and 25% for dependents.
• Generous time off including three weeks of paid vacation and over 13 paid company holidays annually.
• Monthly stipends for phone and wellness expenses.
• 401(k) retirement plan offered; although currently without employer match, improvements are planned.

Additional Terms

Employment is restricted to U.S. Persons due to export control laws. This includes U.S. citizens, Green Card holders, lawful permanent residents, or those granted asylum/refugee status. Visa sponsorship or transfers are not available. All work must be performed within the United States.

Beacon AI is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind, adhering to all applicable federal, state, and local laws.