Principal Product Designer, Design Systems

About the role

At Kin, we are on a mission to create a seamless platform for homeowners, and the Principal Product Designer for Design Systems will play a pivotal role in realizing this vision. This position is focused on advancing our design system into a unified, scalable framework that guarantees every product exudes the Kin identity. It's an exciting opportunity to influence the way we craft and deliver consistent, top-notch experiences throughout our ecosystem.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Evaluate current design components and user interfaces to pinpoint inconsistencies and enhancement opportunities, developing a data-driven strategy for system integration.
• Spearhead the design token architecture for elements such as color, typography, spacing, and motion, establishing these tokens as the authoritative source for both design and development teams.
• Ensure alignment between design and code by collaborating with engineering teams to create a streamlined process from design tokens to implemented and documented components.
• Introduce innovative components and design patterns to the system strategically as Kin ventures into new product domains.
• Formulate and enforce a comprehensive model for contributions and governance of the design system, which includes version control, change logs, and quality benchmarks, supplemented by automated checks to maintain system integrity.
• Develop a centralized reference for Kin's design patterns, replacing various scattered tools with a cohesive solution.
• Advocate for accessibility within the design system, leveraging automated testing and AI technologies to proactively tackle compliance challenges.
• Work closely with Product, Engineering, and domain-specific designers to ensure that the design system serves as the most efficient route to a consistent and on-brand user experience.

Requirements

• A solid track record of overseeing a design system from its initial evaluation through to its architecture and widespread implementation, treating the system as a product in its own right.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in visual and product design, with a substantial focus on design systems.
• In-depth knowledge of token architecture (including primitive, semantic, and component tokens) and advanced skills in Figma, particularly with variables, libraries, and modes.
• Proven experience using AI tools such as Cursor and Claude Code to enhance workflows, automate documentation, and streamline the design-to-code process.
• Ability to influence and guide teams across a decentralized organization without relying on formal authority structures.
• Comfort in navigating ambiguous environments and constructing frameworks from scratch.

Nice to have

• Experience in sectors such as insurance, fintech, or other complex, regulated industries.
• Familiarity with the design-to-code toolchain, including Storybook/Chromatic, token transformers like Style Dictionary, and the integration of tokens with front-end frameworks such as Angular or Rails.
• Capability to read or contribute to component code.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in Figma (including Variables, Libraries, Modes)
• Experienced with AI tools (e.g., Cursor, Claude Code)
• Knowledgeable in token architecture (primitive, semantic, component)

Practical notes

• Applications will be accepted until July 24, 2026.
• This position is eligible for participation in the Kin Leadership Incentive Plan.
• Benefits commence on the first day of the month following your start date.
• Remote positions are available in select states across the United States. For technical roles in Canada, only candidates residing in Ontario will be considered.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of design at Kin, ensuring that our products not only meet but exceed the expectations of our users. If you are passionate about design systems and eager to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply and join our innovative team.

About the company

Kin makes life simpler, more affordable, and better for homeowners - especially in the places where climate risks, rising costs, and outdated systems make it harder. We start with smarter homeowners insurance and expand to everything homeowners need to thrive.