Fractional Founding Designer

About the Role This is a first-in-seat design role at an early-stage AI recruitment startup — you won't be executing tickets, you'll be setting the visual and interaction language that defines the entire product. With real ownership over the surfaces that matter most, you'll shape what the platform looks and feels like and establish the standards everyone else builds against. What You'll Do Define the product's visual identity, design system, and interaction principles from the ground up. Own end-to-end design across key product surfaces, from initial concept through to polished, production-ready specs. Work directly with founders and engineers to translate product strategy into intuitive user experiences. Establish design standards and documentation that the broader team can build against as the company grows. What We're Looking For Proven experience as a product or UX designer, ideally with early-stage or founding designer experience at a startup. Strong portfolio demonstrating end-to-end product design — from discovery and wireframing through to high-fidelity UI. Ability to operate autonomously, make confident design decisions, and move quickly without sacrificing quality. Experience working in or around AI-powered or marketplace products is a plus. Comfortable working in a fractional capacity (10–20 hours per week) and managing your own time and priorities. Fluency in German or based in the DACH region is advantageous given the primary user base. Location Fully remote. Candidates based in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) are strongly preferred.