About Thorin

Today's enterprise software is better than ever, but most organizations still run on conversations rather than systems.

Critical work lives across Slack, email, meetings, documents, and people's heads. Existing tools depend on humans to manually update records, push projects forward, and make sure important work doesn't fall through the cracks.

We believe AI should do more.

Thorin is building proactive, long-horizon AI agents that continuously understand what is happening across an organization and help teams execute over weeks, months, and years. Rather than waiting for prompts, Thorin develops a living understanding of how a business actually operates.

Born out of 8VC's Build program and backed by one of Silicon Valley's strongest venture ecosystems, Thorin is building the operating system for the AI-native enterprise.

About the Role

We are looking for a Founding Product Designer to help define what product design looks like in the age of AI.

This is not a traditional product design role. We are looking for someone who thinks like a builder, not just a designer.

You will be our first design hire and help establish how product, engineering, and design work together. You'll partner directly with founders, product leaders, and engineers to shape product strategy, define user experiences, prototype ideas, and help build the systems our customers use every day.

We're looking for someone who is excited by ambiguity and energized by building from first principles. You'll help define the product while helping define the design function itself.

As AI changes how software is built, we believe design is evolving as well. We want someone who embraces that future—someone curious about AI-native workflows, rapid prototyping, and new ways of collaborating across product and engineering.

This role leads primarily through execution, influence, and product judgment rather than hierarchy.

What You'll Do

• Design AI-native product experiences from concept through implementation.

• Partner closely with Product and Engineering to define customer problems before designing solutions.

• Prototype, test, and iterate rapidly with customers and internal teams.

• Help establish design systems, interaction patterns, and product standards.

• Contribute to product strategy, roadmap discussions, and long-term product vision.

• Build trust with engineers through close collaboration and shared ownership.

• Support company-wide design needs including recruiting, sales, marketing, and brand as the company scales.

• Help build the foundation of the design organization as Thorin grows.

What We Are Looking For

• You have experience designing Ai-powered products in startup or zero-to-one environments.

• You think like a product builder, not simply a UX designer.

• You enjoy solving ambiguous problems from first principles.

• You are comfortable partnering deeply with engineers and product managers.

• You have exceptional product judgment and know how to simplify complex workflows.

• You are curious about AI and excited by how it is changing product development.

• You move quickly, iterate often, and value learning over perfection.

• You care deeply about customer outcomes rather than polished deliverables.

• You are excited to help build both a product and a company.

Nice to Have

• Frontend implementation experience (React, HTML/CSS, or modern prototyping tools).

• Experience using AI to prototype, generate ideas, critique designs, or accelerate product development.

• Previous founder, founding employee, or early-stage startup experience.

Who This Role Is Not For

• Designers who prefer highly defined requirements before getting started.

• Designers who primarily focus on visual polish over product outcomes.

• People looking for a narrowly scoped design role.

• Individuals who prefer handing designs to engineering rather than building alongside them.

• People uncomfortable with ambiguity, rapid iteration, or changing priorities.

Benefits & Perks

Health & Wellness

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage

• $200/month wellness stipend

• 401(k)

Commuting & Office Life

• $300/month transportation stipend

• $500/month development tool budget

• Prime office location at Market Street & 3rd in San Francisco

• Office setup support for the tools and equipment you need

Food & Community

• $25/day lunch stipend

• $35/day snacks and incidental office expenses

• Weekly team dinners and social events

Building Together

• Be our founding designer and help define the future of AI-native product design.

• Work side-by-side with founders and an exceptional early team.

• High ownership and direct impact from day one.

• Backed by 8VC and one of the strongest venture ecosystems in Silicon Valley.

Compensation

The expected base salary range for this role is $165,000–$235,000, plus meaningful equity and benefits.

Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, demonstrated product judgment, and expected scope. As a founding member of the team, equity will be an important part of the overall compensation package.