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Design Lead Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Stellantis

System Design Lead

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

* System design lead (SDL) acts as leader for individual propulsion system programs ensuring consistency and targets achievement for FE/CO2, capability, performance, drivability, NVH, supported by the ...

Trilon Group

Senior Roadway Design Lead

Detroit, MI · On-site

$58 - $65/hr

Senior Roadway Design Lead Department: Transportation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Detroit, MI Reporting To: Susan Tebbe Compensation: $58.00 - $65.00 / hour Description The Mannik & Smith ...

Stellantis

System Design Lead

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Lead risk management and issue resolution with internal counterparts, expertise network and ... General knowledge of commercial CAD packages including NX and Teamcenter.

Stellantis

System Design Lead

Auburn Hills, MI · Hybrid

Lead risk management and issue resolution with internal counterparts, expertise network and ... Thorough knowledge of vehicle & propulsion system design processes. * Thorough knowledge in the ...

Stellantis

System Design Lead

Auburn Hills, MI · Hybrid

* System design lead (SDL) acts as leader for individual propulsion system programs ensuring consistency and targets achievement for FE/CO2, capability, performance, drivability, NVH, supported by the ...

Trilon

Senior Roadway Design Lead

Detroit, MI · On-site

$58 - $65/hr

Lead hands-on roadway modeling and design efforts utilizing OpenRoads Designer (ORD) as the primary roadway design resource and subject matter expert. * Prepare and review roadway plans, profiles ...

Stellantis

Wiring Harness Design Lead

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$151K - $158K/yr

The Development Lead (DL) will be responsible for the development of the Power and Signal distribution for NAFTA vehicle applications. The role includes the coordination and implementation of design ...

HDR

Mechanical BIM Design Lead

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Lead a team of multi-disciplinary designers and CAD staff on detailed design projects. * Train and mentor BIM staff in detailing and plans production. * Direct preparation of drawings by other BIM ...

HDR

Mechanical BIM Design Lead

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

Lead a team of multi-disciplinary designers and CAD staff on detailed design projects. * Train and mentor BIM staff in detailing and plans production. * Direct preparation of drawings by other BIM ...

Stellantis

Wiring Harness Design Lead

Auburn Hills, MI

$151K - $158K/yr

The Development Lead (DL) will be responsible for the development of the Power and Signal distribution for NAFTA vehicle applications. The role includes the coordination and implementation of design ...

Stellantis

UX Motion Design Lead

Auburn Hills, MI

$104K - $136K/yr

We are integrated with the interior and exterior design studios, and work collaboratively with product planning, brand teams, software teams, HMI, engineering, and outside suppliers through all ...

Stellantis

UX Motion Design Lead

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

We are integrated with the interior and exterior design studios, and work collaboratively with product planning, brand teams, software teams, HMI, engineering, and outside suppliers through all ...

Waltonen

Design Leader

Warren, MI · On-site

$102K - $134K/yr

Previous experience in a Design Lead role in a manufacturing environment * Automotive, defense or aerospace industry experience is a plus * Familiarity as a Designer utilizing CAD software is ...

Waltonen

Design Leader

Warren, MI · On-site

$102K - $134K/yr

Previous experience in a Design Lead role in a manufacturing environment * Automotive, defense or aerospace industry experience is a plus * Familiarity as a Designer utilizing CAD software is ...

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All JobsDesign Lead JobsDesign Lead Jobs in Michigan

Design Lead information

See Michigan salary details

$34

$52

$71

How much do design lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for design lead in Michigan is $52.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.62 and $62.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 are popular job titles related to Design Lead jobs in Michigan?

For Design Lead jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Lead jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Lead jobs in Michigan are:

Design Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Lead job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,230 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

System Design Lead

Stellantis

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Stellantis rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 131 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

13th of 44 rated automakers

Job description


  • System design lead (SDL) acts as leader for individual propulsion system programs ensuring consistency and targets achievement for FE/CO2, capability, performance, drivability, NVH, supported by the virtual system engineering functional teams.
  • Drive propulsion system development across HEV, PHEV, REPB, and ICE platforms.
  • Drive & support activities to finalize architecture decisions for global products.
  • Support activities to improve operational efficiency by streamlining SDL workflows and program governance processes.
  • Partner with propulsion chief engineers, sub-systems, vehicle and planning teams to balance tradeoffs between FE, performance, drivability/capability and thermal requirements to meet critical propulsion system and vehicle functional requirements.
  • SDL is accountable for providing propulsion system engineering performance scorecards/health report at key gates and reviews according to PSDP process.
  • SDL is responsible to Lead the requirements engineering team members to develop requirements documents across program milestones with focus on vehicle functional objectives and sub-system functional requirements.
  • SDL is responsible for leading the implementation of technical solutions, recommendations and roadmap inputs for various propulsion system programs.
  • Lead risk management and issue resolution with internal counterparts, expertise network and supplier team.
  • SDL is accountable to develop and ensure implementation of global technical and departmental processes to improve overall operational efficiency.

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related fields.
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in product development (preferably in the automotive area) simulating ICE (internal combustion engine) hybrid and/or electrified propulsion systems.
  • Thorough knowledge of Microsoft office products.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Thorough knowledge of vehicle Propulsion Systems including transmissions, axles, drivelines, batteries, and electric motors.
  • Thorough knowledge of commercial simulation/coding SW including, but not limited to: MATLAB /Simulink, GT Suite or AMESim.
  • Thorough knowledge of vehicle & propulsion system design processes.
  • Thorough knowledge in the disciplines of hybrid control strategies or energy management optimization.
  • Thorough knowledge in the disciplines of fluid dynamics and heat transfer.
  • Thorough knowledge of vehicle functional requirements such as Fuel Economy, Emissions, System Power, NVH, Drivability, and Capability.
  • General knowledge of commercial CAD packages including NX and Teamcenter.

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