Founding Design Engineer

Ocular AI is the data annotation engine for Generative AI, Computer Vision, and Enterprise AI models. We help companies transform unstructured, multi-modal data into golden datasets to power generative AI, frontier models, and computer vision.

Ocular Foundry is the most intuitive, data-centric, and fastest platform that lets you label, annotate, version, and deploy your data for training models. It also orchestrates your annotation jobs, improving collaboration with members and annotators.

With Ocular Bolt, shift from humans in the loop to experts in the loop to supercharge your data labeling and annotation projects. Our global expert workforce ensures fast, accurate results—no matter the scale or complexity of your data.

About the Role

At Ocular AI, we're passionate about blurring the lines between design and engineering, with an obsessive focus on craftsmanship. We believe ideation, design, and implementation should be seamlessly intertwined to create exceptional user experiences and products that delight. We draw inspiration from design-focused teams such as Vercel, Linear, and Resend.

We're seeking an experienced Design Engineer (designer who codes or engineer who designs) with a refined aesthetic to help transform our website, product, and brand. In this role, you'll take full creative ownership, using your broad design skills and technical expertise to craft high-quality interactions, prototypes, and experiences.

This is a high-agency, high-impact role in an early-stage startup, reporting directly to the founders. You'll have the freedom to experiment, lead design-driven projects, and shape the future of our brand and products.

Requirements

• 2+ years or equivalent demonstrated experience developing software and UI/UX interfaces
• Excellent understanding of Next.js and Vercel, CMS platforms like Contentful, analytics platforms like PostHog, and design tools like Figma and Spline
• Skills and understanding of graphic design (layout, typography, color, illustration)
• Experience collaborating with marketing and design teams
• Open to working in person at our office in SF

Values

• Design-Oriented Thinking: Design isn't just a layer—it's embedded in our DNA. We believe solutions must be functional, user-friendly, and beautiful.
• Raw, Hardcore Intelligence: You have an unrelenting drive to solve tough problems, navigating ambiguity with precision and resourcefulness.
• Founder Mentality: We seek individuals who act like owners, taking initiative without waiting for permission.
• Customer Obsession: Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. You have a deep curiosity to understand their needs, challenges, and desires.
• Humble and Collaborative: We believe the best ideas come from diverse perspectives and open collaboration.

Benefits

• Base salary: $130K to $200K
• Equity: 0.5% to 1%
• 401K
• Health Insurance (Dental + Vision)
• Annual Company Retreats
• Monthly Mental Health Stipend
• Work setup stipend (MacBook Pro, Monitor, & Accessories)

Interview Process

1. Application Review
2. Conversation with Founders (30min)
3. Technical Screen (1hr)
4. Product Design Interview (2hr)
5. Paid Work Trial - Spend a week with our team