Principal Designer

Modern Life•New York, NY

23h•$220,000 - $260,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Modern Life is seeking a hands-on senior individual contributor to own design across the company’s product and brand. As the only designer, this person will set design standards, direct specialty contractors, and build the foundation for a future design team. The role is initially focused on delivering high-quality design work rather than people management, with the expectation that the design organization may grow over time. The designer will work across product, brand, and marketing, from research through shipped work. They will establish design quality standards, maintain the Figma library and design system, direct contractors, shape design’s partnership with product and engineering, and prototype using AI-native tools. The work aims to make complex insurance workflows clear and usable for advisors and their clients while connecting design decisions to business priorities. The position is based in NYC, with in-person hybrid work at the SoHo office four days per week. The stated salary range is $220,000–$260,000 per year, with a competitive equity package.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience in digital product design.
A portfolio demonstrating product depth and visual and brand range.
Experience setting design standards across domains, rather than only executing within established standards.
Comfort directing contractors and working without a design leader above you.
Based in NYC and open to working in person at the SoHo office four days per week.

Nice To Haves

Experience with complex B2B, fintech, or insurance workflows.
Prior design leadership experience and a preference for hands-on individual-contributor work.
Experience as a solo designer or on a small team.

Responsibilities

Own design end to end across product, brand, and marketing, from research to shipped work.
Set design quality standards, including the Figma library and design system.
Direct specialty contractors across brand, illustration, graphic design, and UI/UX by scoping, briefing, reviewing, and shipping work.
Shape how design partners with product and engineering, including how user research is conducted.
Prototype quickly with AI-native tools and advance how the company uses them as capabilities evolve.
Make complex insurance workflows clear and usable for advisors and their clients.
Influence product and company direction by tying design decisions to business priorities.
Build practices that a future design team will inherit and help shape that team as the company scales.