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Design Lead Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Structural Digital Design Lead

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$135K/yr

In the role of Structural Digital Design Lead, we'll count on you to: * Work for a specific discipline, with minimal direction from the Architect/Engineer, or other technical professional * Be ...

Structural Digital Design Lead

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$135K/yr

In the role of Structural Digital Design Lead, we'll count on you to: * Work for a specific discipline, with minimal direction from the Architect/Engineer, or other technical professional * Be ...

$18 - $21.75/hr

As a Tool Install Associate Design Lead , you will play a key role in bringing complex manufacturing environments to life by supporting the development of tool installation design packages for some ...

As Design Project Manager, you will own a portfolio of major projects from kickoff through closeout ... Lead a portfolio of multiple active projects simultaneously, serving as the primary point of ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Phoenix, AZ

$75K - $102K/yr

... design lead on new product development programs Experience creating design layouts in NX Experience working with global workforce Experience managing workflow and leading others in project team ...

Mineral Processing Leader

Tucson, AZ

$89K - $115K/yr

Lead or contribute to projects as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team * Serve as the technical authority on mineral processing and extractive metallurgy design and operation * Drive process ...

Mineral Processing Leader

Phoenix, AZ

$97K - $126K/yr

Lead or contribute to projects as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team * Serve as the technical authority on mineral processing and extractive metallurgy design and operation * Drive process ...

Mineral Processing Leader

Tucson, AZ

$89K - $115K/yr

Lead or contribute to projects as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team * Serve as the technical authority on mineral processing and extractive metallurgy design and operation * Drive process ...

Mineral Processing Leader

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$97K - $126K/yr

Lead or contribute to projects as part of a multidisciplinary engineering team * Serve as the technical authority on mineral processing and extractive metallurgy design and operation * Drive process ...

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Design Lead information

See Arizona salary details

$36

$56

$76

How much do design lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for design lead in Arizona is $56.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.46 and $67.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a design lead earn?

A design lead's average salary varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. Senior design leads with extensive experience and strong leadership skills can earn higher compensation, especially in competitive markets or tech industries.

How does a Design Lead typically balance hands-on design work with team leadership responsibilities?

As a Design Lead, you'll often split your time between guiding and mentoring your team, setting the creative direction, and contributing directly to high-priority projects. While your leadership duties—such as conducting design reviews, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with business goals—will take up a significant portion of your schedule, most organizations still expect you to remain actively involved in the design process. This balance requires strong organizational skills and the ability to delegate effectively, ensuring both team growth and high-quality deliverables.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Lead, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Lead, you need a solid background in design principles, user experience (UX), and visual communication, typically supported by a degree in design or a related field. Proficiency with industry-standard tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and knowledge of project management systems is crucial. Strong leadership, collaboration, and communication skills help you guide teams and articulate design vision effectively. These skills ensure projects are delivered with high-quality design, aligned with business goals, and foster innovation within teams.

What is the difference between Design Lead vs UX Designer?

AspectDesign LeadUX Designer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Design, Graphic Design, or related fields; experience in leadership rolesBachelor's or Master's in Human-Computer Interaction, Psychology, or related fields; portfolio showcasing UX projects
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams, collaborates with product managers and developers, oversees project directionFocuses on user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing within product teams
Industry UsageCommonly found in tech, advertising, and design agenciesPrimarily in tech companies, startups, and digital product firms

The main difference is that a Design Lead oversees the entire design process and team, providing strategic direction, while a UX Designer concentrates on creating user-centered experiences through research and design. Both roles require strong design skills, but the Design Lead has broader responsibilities and leadership duties.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, roles such as senior art director, creative director, or multimedia director often earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience and leadership responsibilities. These positions typically require strong design skills, project management, and proficiency with industry tools like Adobe Creative Suite or video editing software.

What is the role of a design lead?

A design lead is responsible for guiding the visual and user experience aspects of a project, overseeing design teams, and ensuring that design standards and goals are met. They collaborate with product managers, developers, and stakeholders to create cohesive and effective designs, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma. Strong leadership, communication, and design skills are essential for this role.

What is a Design Lead?

A Design Lead is a senior professional responsible for guiding the creative direction and execution of design projects within an organization. They oversee design teams, collaborate with stakeholders, and ensure that visual and user experience standards are met. Design Leads often mentor junior designers, manage project timelines, and help align design strategies with business goals. Their role blends creative leadership with project management to deliver effective and innovative design solutions.

What is a lead designer?

A lead designer is a senior role responsible for guiding the overall design vision, managing design teams, and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure cohesive and effective visual and user experience solutions. They often have strong skills in design tools, project management, and communication, and may oversee multiple projects or product features.
Infographic showing various Design Lead job openings in Arizona as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,786 per year, or $56.1 per hour.
Structural Digital Design Lead

Structural Digital Design Lead

HDR

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 442 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
In the role of Structural Digital Design Lead, we'll count on you to:
  • Work for a specific discipline, with minimal direction from the Architect/Engineer, or other technical professional
  • Be responsible for their discipline model and will generate the BIM elements, based on the Level of Development (LOD) outlined in the Digital Delivery Plan (DDP) and project scope
  • Create and maintain the discipline model, systems, content, and overall digital delivery output for that discipline
  • To be skilled with the software used to produce the designs identified in the Digital Delivery requirements
  • Have an advanced understanding of architectural/engineering documentation, plan presentation for the specific discipline design, and how it interacts with other discipline models
  • Accurately model BIM elements in the correct special constraints of the modeling environment, using the current 3D software
  • Prepare detailed drawings, layouts, & diagrams of the design within the project scope, schedule, and budget, using the current 3D software
  • Maintain the discipline model including project information, coordinates, scales, orientations, scope boundaries, match-lines, views, and sheets
  • Produce discipline specific documentation with accurate annotations on all modeling output
  • Monitor, improve, and maintain company standards and model health. Coordinate the design with other discipline models through Design Reviews and 3D Coordination processes
  • Execute all Digital Delivery requirements identified on the project

Preferred Qualification
  • Previous experience preparing structural drawings
  • Experience with REVIT
  • Interest/experience in industrial/high tech structural drawings
  • Experience working in multi-disciplinary engineering firm

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Technical degree or a combination of education and related industry experience
  • A minimum of 5 years related industry experience
  • Advanced skillset of 3D design software and document management infrastructure
  • Advanced skillset of 3D Coordination tool
  • Competency of Microsoft Office products and communication tools
  • Advanced understanding of engineering or architectural concepts
  • Knowledge of industry standards and practices, along with discipline codes and specifications
  • Excellent communication skills, attention to detail and organizational traits are essential

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917