Design Engineer

The human-agent interface is still primitive. Most AI tools behave like a brilliant intern behind a curtain. You can ask for anything, but the interface never helps you discover what to ask. I think that has to change.

As a Design Engineer you’ll live where design and code meet. You’ll build the active, visual loops that make agents real collaborators: ways to critique, compare, remember, and adjust in real time. You care about the last 10 percent more than is strictly healthy.

If I kept one role for myself, it would be this one.

What you’d own

• Design and build production interfaces for human-agent collaboration, from interaction model to shipped pixels.
• Prototype fast, then push the strongest ideas all the way to production polish.
• Own the details: motion, typography, hierarchy, the things that separate competent from impeccable.
• Work directly in the real codebase, in the browser, where the product ships.
• Help define the visual and interaction language for tools that don’t have obvious precedents yet.

What I’m looking for

• You already use AI agents and workflows in your day-to-day work. Today, not eventually.
• You haven’t cognitively surrendered to it, though. You delegate to AI when it makes sense, but you think for yourself and stay responsible for everything you ship.
• Extreme agency. You’re a self-starter, and you treat every problem as everyone’s problem.
• You’re fluent in design and front-end code. HTML, CSS, and a modern component framework are second nature.
• You have demonstrably high taste and defend your decisions with reasons, not vibes.
• You’ve shipped real, polished interfaces that people use.
• Ambiguity energizes you. So do problems without a template to copy.

Bonus points

• Experience with WebGL, canvas, or rich real-time interfaces.
• You’ve built your own tools or agents, not just used them off the shelf.

What I offer

• Competitive pay for an early-stage startup, plus meaningful equity. It’s early, and you’ll own a real piece of what we build together.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision.
• In-person in San Francisco preferred, with remote open for the right person.
• Flexible time off. Put in the work, and take the time you need to rest.

How I hire

1. 1A first call with me (I’m Paul) to see if there’s a real fit, both ways.
2. 2A deep-dive on your experience and how you think.
3. 3A paid work sample or working session on a real problem, so we both see how you work under real conditions. No free spec work.
4. 4One more conversation to ask me anything, then references and an offer.

The fine print ›

Renaissance Geek is an equal opportunity employer. I don’t discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

You should be authorized to work in the US. I can’t sponsor visas right now.