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Design Engineer

About Us

Parallel is building the most intelligent way to query the web, with and for AIs.  We are developing powerful retrieval, ranking, and reasoning systems to enable the next wave of agents, AI-native apps, human + AI workflows that require large-scale web intelligence. We’ve raised $30M in funding by Khosla Ventures, First Round Capital, Index Ventures (and many others).

As our first Design Engineer, you’ll shape the user experience of our products, driving both strategy and execution across design systems, user interfaces, and workflows. You’ll work closely with engineering, product, and GTM teams to define how customers interact with our platform and ensure a seamless, intuitive experience. This is a high-impact role where you’ll set the foundation for design at Parallel, owning everything from branding, UX research to UI design.

In this role, you will:

  • Own the end-to-end user experience. Lead design across landing pages, brand, and in-product UI, ensuring consistency, clarity, and quality from first touch to power use.

  • Accelerate the buildout of our core product. Partner closely with engineering to scale high-quality, performant interfaces that support real-world workflows and technical depth.

  • Prototype new applications and experiences. Rapidly explore ideas through code with a bias toward experimentation and speed.

  • Push the boundaries of interaction. Rethink how we explore, navigate, and manipulate information on the web. Blend strong front-end engineering with HCI instincts to invent new interaction patterns for the web.

  • Scale our design system. Build and maintain a robust component library and interaction patterns that scale across products enabling fast iteration and long-term consistency.

  • Design with data. Use user feedback, and experimentation to iterate and refine interfaces with precision and care.

Who You Are:

  • Thrive in a dynamic, 0-1 startup environment.

  • Experienced in designing for developer tools, AI, or enterprise products.

  • Proficient in Figma, Sketch, or similar design tools, with a strong grasp of front-end technologies (React, CSS, etc.).

  • Passionate about usability, accessibility, and creating seamless user experiences.

  • A proactive problem solver who thrives on cross-functional collaboration.

  • Value working alongside driven, kind, and creative problem solvers.

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree in Design, HCI, or a related field.

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Average salary estimate

$100000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$80000K
$120000K

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What You Should Know About Design Engineer, Parallel

Are you ready to step into an exciting role as a Design Engineer at Parallel, located in the vibrant heart of Palo Alto? We are on a mission to revolutionize the way queries are executed on the web, leveraging the power of AI. As our very first Design Engineer, you will have the unique opportunity to define the user experience across our innovative platform, applying your skills to both strategy and execution. You'll collaborate closely with teams in engineering, product development, and go-to-market efforts, ensuring our users enjoy a seamless and intuitive journey from their first interaction to becoming power users. Your responsibilities will include everything from designing brand identities and conducting user research to crafting intuitive user interfaces. Whether it’s leading design across landing pages or prototyping new applications, your creative input will be crucial in accelerating the development of our core products. By blending your strong HCI instincts with front-end engineering, you'll help us explore fresh interaction patterns on the web. At Parallel, we truly believe that design is at the heart of creating a powerful user experience, and as such, you will play a fundamental role in building a robust design system that encourages fast iteration and consistency. If you are someone who thrives in a dynamic startup environment, is passionate about usability, and eager to tackle challenges collaboratively, this is a perfect fit for you. Join us as we shape the future of AI-native applications together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Design Engineer Role at Parallel
What are the primary responsibilities of the Design Engineer at Parallel?

As a Design Engineer at Parallel, your main responsibilities will include leading the end-to-end user experience, collaborating with engineering teams to build high-quality product interfaces, prototyping new applications, and scaling our design system to allow for fast iteration. You will also be tasked with conducting UX research to ensure our designs are informed by real-user feedback.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Design Engineer position at Parallel?

To apply for the Design Engineer role at Parallel, you should hold a bachelor’s degree in Design, HCI, or a related field. It's essential to be proficient in design tools like Figma or Sketch and have a strong grasp of front-end technologies such as React and CSS. Additionally, experience in designing for developer tools, AI, or enterprise products is highly beneficial.

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What skills are important for a Design Engineer at Parallel?

Key skills for a Design Engineer at Parallel include a solid understanding of usability and accessibility, proficiency in design software, strong front-end engineering capabilities, and a proactive problem-solving attitude. Additionally, the ability to collaborate cross-functionally with teams will be vital to your success in shaping the user experience.

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How does Parallel define a successful user experience for its products?

At Parallel, a successful user experience is defined by clarity, consistency, and intuitive design. The goal is to ensure that users can navigate our platform seamlessly, with the design enhancing their ability to accomplish tasks efficiently, whether they are newcomers or power users of our system.

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Is there room for growth in the Design Engineer position at Parallel?

Absolutely! The Design Engineer position at Parallel is pivotal, meaning there is significant room for growth as you will be setting the foundation for design at the company. You'll have opportunities to lead initiatives, refine design systems, and spearhead innovative solutions, allowing you to play a key role in the company's evolution.

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Common Interview Questions for Design Engineer
Can you describe your design process as a Design Engineer?

When explaining your design process, focus on your user-centered approach. Mention how you research user needs, devise prototypes and wireframes, and test your designs based on feedback. Highlight the importance of collaboration with engineering teams to ensure feasibility and a smooth implementation.

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How do you ensure usability and accessibility in your designs?

To ensure usability and accessibility, I incorporate best practices from the start of the design process. This includes conducting user testing to gather feedback, adhering to accessibility standards, and ensuring that designs are responsive and adaptable across different devices to enhance the user experience for everyone.

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What are your methods for gathering user feedback?

I employ various methods to gather user feedback, such as surveys, usability testing, and A/B testing. By analyzing this data, I can iteratively improve designs to meet user needs more effectively and make informed decisions regarding design choices.

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Can you give an example of a complex design problem you have solved?

Certainly! In a previous project, I encountered a complex issue where users struggled to navigate the interface efficiently. I realized that the information was not presented clearly. By restructuring the layout and employing clearer labeling and UI patterns, I enhanced the navigation flow significantly, resulting in positive user feedback.

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What tools do you prefer for design and prototyping?

I typically prefer tools like Figma and Sketch for design due to their collaborative features, and I use prototyping tools like InVision when I need to demonstrate interaction flows. I feel these tools enable me to maximize creativity while ensuring alignment with team members.

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How do you stay updated with design trends and technologies?

I stay informed by following design blogs, participating in online courses, attending webinars, and engaging in design communities. This continuous learning helps me to integrate the latest trends and technologies into my work as a Design Engineer.

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How do you prioritize tasks and manage projects?

I prioritize tasks by evaluating their impact and urgency, often using agile methodologies to break projects down into manageable sprints. Effective communication with team members ensures that deadlines are met while maintaining the quality across all deliverables.

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What do you believe makes a great user experience?

A great user experience is characterized by simplicity, responsiveness, and emotional engagement. It should feel intuitive, making users feel comfortable and confident in their tasks. Ensuring that all user interactions are smooth and enjoyable is my ultimate goal as a Design Engineer.

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How do you handle constructive criticism of your designs?

I view constructive criticism as an opportunity for growth. When receiving feedback, I focus on understanding the rationale behind it and use it to iterate on my designs. My goal is always to enhance the user experience regardless of where the feedback is coming from.

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What role does collaboration play in your design process?

Collaboration is crucial to my design process. By working closely with engineering, product, and marketing teams, I ensure that my designs not only meet aesthetic standards but also technical feasibility and business goals. A multidisciplinary approach always yields the most effective outcomes.

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DATE POSTED
April 2, 2025

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