About the job
Exa is building a new kind of API for global knowledge and is among the few teams developing a search engine from scratch. The research lab is dedicated to advancing information retrieval technology. Designers here play a key role in shaping both web interfaces and brand experiences, especially for developer-focused products. Strong visual instincts and the ability to elevate every touchpoint are valued.
Role overview
The Creative Design Engineer will help define how users interact with Exa’s products and the overall brand. This position offers significant creative freedom, with designers often leading new initiatives based on their insights. The work is hands-on and fast-moving, covering a wide range of projects. Success in this role depends on adaptability, delivering polished designs, building dynamic prototypes, and creating engaging interactions.
What you will do
- Lead product design across all platforms and user touchpoints.
- Create visual concepts in Figma or similar tools and adapt them for the web.
- Explore and define agent-native experiences, rethinking how autonomous agents influence user interactions with Exa’s products.
- Identify opportunities for growth and develop or refine product workflows and high-fidelity visuals.
Sample projects
- Collaborate with front-end engineers to shape the API playground’s flow, layout, and features.
- Design onboarding, documentation, and debugging experiences that integrate seamlessly with coding workflows.
Requirements
- Proficiency with Figma, Sketch, and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Experience using coding agents for project delivery and design iteration.
- Interest in emerging tools such as coding agents, design libraries, and shaders.
- Strong understanding of UX/UI principles, especially for complex technical products.
- At least 3 years of design experience, with 1-2 years in-house preferred. Ability to bring a unique perspective and sound judgment.
- Comfort working in a high-growth startup environment.
Location and benefits
This is an in-person position based in San Francisco, California. Exa offers visa sponsorship for international candidates (including STEM OPT, OPT, H1B, O1, and E3).
- Premium healthcare: medical, dental, and vision
- Fertility benefits
- Monthly wellness stipend

