Thurgood is a career-building and networking platform dedicated to the skilled workers of today and tomorrow. We are on a mission to revolutionize the way skilled tradespeople connect with opportunity. Our platform showcases and connects skilled talent with businesses while celebrating and rewarding personal development and craftsmanship. Thurgood is VC-backed, Austin-based, and looking to take a big swing at an enormous problem.
Job TitleLead Product Designer
Job DescriptionWe are seeking an entrepreneurial Product Designer as we build out our founding team. The ideal candidate will be primarily an excellent UI/UX designer, but loves to do the "full stack" from research and user interviewing, to helping with early marketing collateral and brand direction.
This position is based in Austin, TX. We are flexible about working location, but aim to build an in-person, high-energy culture in our founding stages. If that's exciting to you, too, let us know.
ResponsibilitiesOwn (and drastically improve) the founder-built Figma, the agency-built brand guide, and the early UX research that has informed our pilots.
Conduct user research and usability testing to guide design decisions.
Build polished, simple, and effective designs for our target user.
Iterate based on feedback and data.
Over time, grow the design discipline and team.
Strong portfolio showcasing design skills and past projects, especially mobile-first, consumer, and/or social products.
Experience working at scaled internet companies.
Experience and excitement for data-driven product development.
Bonus points for affinity for blue-collar labor, either hands-on experience or prior work with this persona.
Competitive base salary
Equity / stock options
Up to 100% paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision insurance
Flexible PTO
Skills Required
- Strong portfolio showcasing design skills and past projects, especially mobile-first, consumer, and/or social products
- Experience working at scaled internet companies
- Experience and excitement for data-driven product development
- Affinity for blue-collar labor through hands-on experience or prior work with this persona
What We Do
Thurgood is a career-building and networking platform for skilled tradespeople. It helps students and jobseekers showcase real work, skills, certifications, and projects while connecting directly with employers. Schools and workforce programs can track student engagement, employer activity, career readiness, and outcomes. Its verified skills graph turns hands-on experience into structured, searchable signals, helping employers discover trade-ready talent and make hiring more evidence-based.








