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Design Director Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Design Drafter Program Summary Kord, a wholly owned subsidiary of KBR, is a leader in advanced defense solutions with a strong focus on directed energy and high energy laser (HEL) technologies. Our ...

DIRECT HIRE POSITION WITH BENEFITS AND RELOCATION The tool design and documentation engineer will lead the design and documentation of new tooling programs. The engineer will also manage all tool ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Decatur, AL

$71K - $96K/yr

Do you thrive in an environment where you can wear multiple hats, work on a variety of projects, and make a direct impact on the products being built? We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to ...

Graphic Design Intern

Opelika, AL · On-site

$13 - $17.25/hr

Direct mentorship from experienced graphic designers. Primary Job Responsibilities: * Assist in ... Support the management of daily design requests and help prioritize projects to meet deadlines

New

... direct all third-party relationships with architects, engineers, etc. Provide extensive and rapid-fire knowledge of FF&E vendors and resources to the team Qualifications: Bachelor's degree from a ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Program Summary Kord, a wholly owned subsidiary of KBR, is a leader in advanced defense solutions with a strong focus on directed energy and high energy laser (HEL ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Director information

See Alabama salary details

$33.5K

$123.1K

$220.3K

How much do design director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for design director in Alabama is $123,054.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $99,200.00 and $147,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design director do?

A Design Director leads and oversees the creative vision and direction of design projects within an organization. They manage design teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure that all visual outputs align with the company's brand and objectives. Design Directors are responsible for setting design standards, mentoring team members, and ensuring the quality and consistency of creative work across various platforms. Their role often includes strategic planning, project management, and communication with clients or upper management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design director?

To thrive as a Design Director, you need deep expertise in design principles, visual communication, and leadership, often supported by a degree in design or a related field and significant industry experience. Mastery of design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management tools is essential, along with experience in overseeing brand and creative strategy. Exceptional communication, creative vision, and team leadership skills distinguish top performers in this role. These capabilities are crucial for delivering cohesive design solutions, inspiring creative teams, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.

How does a design director typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive project success?

As a Design Director, you will regularly work with product managers, engineers, marketing teams, and other stakeholders to ensure that design solutions align with business goals and user needs. This role often involves leading design reviews, facilitating brainstorming sessions, and providing clear feedback to your team. Effective communication and the ability to advocate for design principles are essential, as you'll need to balance creative vision with practical constraints. Being proactive in building relationships across departments helps streamline workflows and fosters a collaborative environment that leads to successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Design Director vs Art Director?

AspectDesign DirectorArt Director
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall design strategy, manages multiple projects, and leads design teamsFocuses on visual style, aesthetics, and execution of specific projects or campaigns
Required SkillsLeadership, strategic planning, broad design expertiseVisual creativity, technical skills, attention to detail
Work EnvironmentTypically in corporate, agency, or large studio settingsOften in advertising, media, or entertainment industries
Common UsageUsed when referring to senior design leadership rolesUsed for roles focused on visual and artistic direction

The main difference between a Design Director and an Art Director lies in scope and focus. A Design Director oversees overall design strategy and manages teams across multiple projects, while an Art Director concentrates on the visual style and execution of specific projects. Both roles require strong design skills, but the Design Director's responsibilities are broader and more strategic.

Is it hard to become a design director?

Becoming a design director typically requires extensive experience in design, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record of managing projects and teams. Many professionals advance to this role after years of working in design roles such as senior designer or art director, often developing expertise in design tools and strategic thinking. The path can be competitive and may involve gaining relevant certifications or advanced education in design or management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Alabama are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Director jobs in Alabama?

For Design Director jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Alabama are hiring for Design Director jobs?

Cities in Alabama with the most Design Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Director job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,054 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Design Drafter

KBR, Inc.

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


KBR rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

141st of 452 rated engineering


Job description

Title:
Design Drafter
Program Summary
Kord, a wholly owned subsidiary of KBR, is a leader in advanced defense solutions with a strong focus on directed energy and high energy laser (HEL) technologies. Our HEL programs support the U.S. Department of Defense in developing, integrating, testing, and fielding cutting-edge laser weapon systems that enhance national security and deliver decisive battlefield advantages. These efforts require deep technical expertise in mechanical engineering, systems integration, and real-time performance of laser subsystems under demanding operational conditions.
DESCRIPTION:
The Design Drafter will play a critical role in the design, development, and integration of integrated systems that support our High Energy Laser weapon platforms. Drafts and prepares detail drawings of unusual, complex, or original design, working with design originators. Creates designs from verbal or written instructions. Performs unusually difficult assignments requiring considerable initiative, resourcefulness, and drafting expertise. Ensures that anticipated problems in manufacture, assembly, installation, and operation are resolved by the drawings produced. Collaborate with systems engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and program leadership.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Exercises independent judgment in selecting and interpreting data based on a knowledge of the design intent.
• Interpret general designs prepared by others to complete details.
• May provide advice and guidance to or supervise lower level drafters.
• May serve as a coordinator and planner for large and complex drafting projects.
• Liaise with engineers to gather product and structural requirements and designs
• Calculate dimensions, weight limitations and requirements in materials
• Describe production methods step-by-step (including equipment and software types to be used)
• Create detailed designs with computer-aided design (CAD) software
• Design diagrams and layouts to illustrate workflow
• Prepare and review rough sketches and review them along with the engineering team
• Identify potential operational issues and redesign products to improve functionality
• Ensure final designs comply with regulations and quality standards
• Create manuals that describe existing products' operation, features and maintenance
• Other duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
• High School Diploma and at least 6+ years relevant drafting experience
• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance
• Extensive working experience with SolidWorks computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Associates Degree
• 10+ years relevant drafting experience
• Demonstrated experience with Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing and ASME drafting standards
• Ability to navigate and interpret engineering drawings, schematics, and interface requirements.
• Strong analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose complex system behaviors.
• Good math skills
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent communication skills for interacting with engineers, program management, and government customers.
• Able and willing to work in an agile development environment.
• Able to work both independently and in a team environment
• Able to clearly communicate, express, and understand complex information.
• Able to work in an active development lab environment
• Ability to contribute to mechanical design problem solving independently
• Additional certification from the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) is a plus.
KBR Benefits
KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.
Belong, Connect and Grow at KBR
At KBR, we are passionate about our people and our Zero Harm culture. These inform all that we do and are at the heart of our commitment to, and ongoing journey toward being a People First company. That commitment is central to our team of team's philosophy and fosters an environment where everyone can Belong, Connect and Grow. We Deliver - Together.
KBR is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, veteran status, genetic information, union status and/or beliefs, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

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About KBR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At KBR, we partner with government and industry clients to provide purposeful and comprehensive solutions with an emphasis on efficiency and safety. With a full portfolio of services, proprietary technologies and expertise, our employees are ready to handle projects and missions from planning and design to sustainability and maintenance. Whether at the bottom of the ocean or in outer space, our clients trust us to deliver the impossible on a daily basis.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Houston, TX, US

Year founded

1998