AI Design Engineer

Upside is a software consultancy built by engineers, for engineers. We partner with global companies to solve real, complex technical challenges. We're deep into Applied AI and R&D, building both production-grade platforms for clients and our own open-source tools like Enthusiast (Agentic AI framework).

We operate in a Forward-Deployed model. We don't sit behind a wall of specs or wait for the tickets. We get into the trenches with the client, identify the actual challenges, and take full ownership of the solution. Our teams are small (3–9 people), autonomous, and cross-functional.

We're looking for a Design Engineer who understands how their work gets built after it's been handed off. If you're curious about how modern frontend works, how components translate from Figma to code, or how AI-generated UI is changing the boundary between design and implementation, you'll find a lot of room to grow in that direction here.

What it means for you

You'll work at the intersection of design and AI - shaping how people experience intelligent systems, not just polishing interfaces. You'll partner directly with engineers and client stakeholders from day one, translating complex AI-driven workflows into products that feel intuitive and purposeful. Your design decisions will ship into production systems used by real users at scale.

This isn't a role where design is an afterthought. At Upside, it's part of how we win.

Role Overview

As an AI UX/UI Designer, you'll own the end-to-end design process across client projects and internal products - from early discovery and wireframes through to high-fidelity UI and handoff. You'll bring a user-centric lens to AI-powered products where the interaction patterns are often novel and the stakes are high. We're looking for someone who is as comfortable in a workshop with a client's product team as they are pushing pixels.

What you can expect

Design ownership: Lead UX and UI work across web and mobile products, from concept to production-ready handoff.

• AI product design: Design interaction patterns for AI-driven features - conversational interfaces, agentic workflows, intelligent dashboards - where conventional design playbooks don't always apply.

• Discovery & research: Run design workshops and user research sessions with clients to ground decisions in real user needs.

• Stakeholder communication: Present and defend design decisions clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Cross-functional collaboration: Work closely with engineers and product leads in small, autonomous teams - understanding technical constraints without being limited by them.

• Open-source contribution: Contribute to internal design systems and open-source initiatives.

Over time, we see this role evolving toward someone who can sit in a room with engineers and speak both languages fluently - making design decisions that are not only visually and experientially strong, but grounded in how they'll actually behave in production. If that intersection genuinely excites you, we want to hear from you.

AI product sensibility: You've thought seriously about how AI changes user expectations and interaction design - and you're excited by the design challenges it creates.

Tooling: Proficient in Figma; comfortable using AI design tools to accelerate your process.

Discovery skills: Experience running or contributing to client workshops, research sessions, or design sprints.

Communication: Able to present work confidently and have a constructive conversation around it with engineers, clients, and founders.

English: Fluent (C1) for direct client collaboration.

Nice to have: motion and animation design experience; familiarity with design systems at scale; experience designing voice or conversational interfaces.

Value Proposition

• Built for the long run  We hire for the company, not just a project - looking for passion driven designers who want to grow with Upside over time

• Small teams, real accountability. 3-9 people per engagement. We're small by design. That means your decisions carry weight and you are visible.

• Mission-critical work: We handle complex  projects that move the needle for international brands. Our clients are scaling companies, established international brands, and large institutions. The systems you build will be under real load, with real stakes.

• Real Ownership: You take part in the decision making process on design and implementation..You’re empowered to take initiative, experiment, and drive solutions that create real impact.

• No Micromanagement: We trust you to own your work and deliver outcomes - no unnecessary oversight.  

• Collaborative R&D: Contribute to targeted Open-source projects and internal AI research.

• Growth through challenges: Complex problems and direct client exposure means you’ll grow by action.

• Applied AI as a first-class discipline. We don't bolt AI onto projects as an afterthought. You'll identify where it genuinely moves the needle and lead the implementation - on client work and on our own open-source tooling.

• The tools you want, without the approval process. If something makes you faster or sharper, we want you to use it.

Compensation & Location

Location: On-site in Kraków; Hybrid; or remote from anywhere in Poland with regular team on-sites.

Salary: 12 000 - 15 000  PLN net + VAT

If you'd like to understand more about how we work or read about the recruitment process in detail, feel free to explore our handbook. If something important to you isn't mentioned - share your thoughts with us at [email protected].