Design Engineer, Design Intelligence

The Role at Block

At Block, we're building the foundation for a new generation of design intelligence. This involves creating systems and tools that empower individuals to transform ideas into tangible, usable products with enhanced clarity, speed, and confidence. This crucial work operates at the intersection of design, engineering, and AI, aiming to make high-quality craft more accessible, collaborative, and scalable across teams.

Our primary focus is on translating design intent into flexible, programmable systems. Within these systems, tools and intelligent agents facilitate exploration, streamline daily workflows, and unlock unprecedented creative possibilities. We firmly believe that advanced design capabilities should not be limited to specialized professionals or proprietary tools; instead, they should be something more people can engage with, learn from, and collectively build upon.

At Block, AI is integrated as a fundamental component of the creative process, rather than an afterthought. Members of this team are inherently curious about how emerging technologies redefine work methodologies. They thoughtfully explore these shifts, balancing experimentation with a deep commitment to user experience, team collaboration, and long-term impact. We highly value clear thinking, a strong awareness of systems, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, understanding that true progress stems from shared momentum, not isolated achievements.

This role is ideal for builders who thrive on continuous learning, responsible experimentation, and actively shaping novel design × AI patterns that can evolve and expand across Block over time.

You Will

• Design, build, and evolve AI-assisted tools that support designers and developers in their everyday work.
• Translate design intent and brand expression into flexible, programmable systems and agents.
• Prototype and explore new interface patterns, including generative, agent-driven, and multimodal experiences.
• Build extensible infrastructure—such as plugins, automation tools, and workflows—that can be adopted and adapted by many teams.
• Work closely with design and engineering partners to shape how design, engineering, and AI come together at Block.

You Have

We do not anticipate a perfect background or a singular “correct” career path. We are primarily interested in individuals who have demonstrated a strong ability to build, learn deeply, and persevere, especially when faced with challenges. If you also possess experience in any of the following areas, it will be considered a significant advantage:

• Experience shipping software or tools that effectively solve real problems, gained in professional, academic, or independent contexts.
• Hands-on experience in design engineering, design systems, creative tooling, or similar hybrid roles.
• Comfort working with modern front-end technologies.
• Exposure to AI or ML systems, such as working with APIs, LLMs, or agent-based tools, at any level of depth.
• Familiarity with UI and product workflow tools commonly used by designers and engineers.
• Examples of building tools or systems that empower others to create, increase efficiency, or enhance collaboration.
• Experience collaborating with creative partners such as art directors, motion designers, audio designers, or illustrators.
• Involvement in open-source, generative, automation-driven, or agentic projects.
• Exploration of multimodal interfaces like voice, vision, gesture, or AI-driven interactions.
• Experience building for mobile platforms, including iOS, utilizing modern development practices.

Full-time Employee Benefits Include The Following

• Healthcare coverage (Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance)
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account
• Retirement Plans including company match
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Wellness programs, including access to mental health, 1:1 financial planners, and a monthly wellness allowance
• Paid parental and caregiving leave
• Paid time off (including 12 paid holidays)
• Paid sick leave (1 hour per 26 hours worked (max 80 hours per calendar year to the extent legally permissible) for non-exempt employees and covered by our Flexible Time Off policy for exempt employees)
• Learning and Development resources
• Paid Life insurance, AD&D, and disability benefits

These benefits are further detailed in Block's policies. The Design Engineer, Design Intelligence role is also eligible to participate in Block's equity plan, subject to the terms of applicable plans and policies, and may be eligible for a sign-on bonus. Pay and benefits are subject to change at any time, consistent with the terms of any applicable compensation or benefit plans.

Block utilizes a market-based approach to compensation, and pay may vary based on your location. U.S. locations are categorized into one of four zones according to a cost of labor index for that geographic area. The successful candidate’s starting pay will be determined by job-related skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and current market conditions. These salary ranges may be adjusted in the future.

For information on a location’s zone designation, please refer to the provided resource. If a specific location of interest is not listed, please consult with a recruiter for further details.

Zone A: $217,800—$326,800 USD

Zone B: $207,000—$310,400 USD

Zone C: $196,100—$294,100 USD

Zone D: $185,200—$277,800 USD

Application Guidelines

Candidates are permitted to submit up to 9 active applications within a 60-day period. Reapplications for the same role are accepted 90 days after a previous application has been reviewed.

Use of AI in Our Hiring Process

Block may utilize automated AI tools to evaluate job applications, aiming for efficiency and consistency. These tools adhere to local regulations, including bias audits, and all personal data is handled in strict accordance with state and local privacy laws. For any questions regarding Block's hiring practices or data usage, please contact us via the provided channel.

About Block

Every benefit Block offers is thoughtfully designed with one overarching goal: to empower you to achieve the best work of your career while simultaneously building the life you desire. Remote work options, comprehensive medical insurance, flexible time off, robust retirement savings plans, and modern family planning resources are just a few examples of our extensive offerings. Explore our full range of benefits on Block's dedicated benefits page.

Block, Inc. (NYSE: XYZ) is a technology company dedicated to increasing access to the global economy. Each of our distinct brands unlocks different facets of the economy for a broader audience. Square provides commerce and financial services to sellers. Cash App offers an intuitive platform for spending, sending, and storing money. Afterpay is transforming how customers manage their spending over time. TIDAL is a music platform designed to empower artists as entrepreneurs. Bitkey is a user-friendly self-custody wallet specifically built for bitcoin. Proto comprises a suite of bitcoin mining products and services. Collectively, Block is committed to fostering a financial system that is open and accessible to everyone.

Key skills/competency

• Design Engineering
• AI/ML Systems
• Front-end Technologies
• Design Systems
• Creative Tooling
• Generative AI
• Multimodal Interfaces
• Plugin Development
• Automation Tools
• UI/UX Workflow