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Design Lead Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Design Lead information

See Michigan salary details

$34

$52

$71

How much do design lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 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.

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 Michigan 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 $109,230 per year, or $52.5 per hour.
Senior Roadway Design Lead

Senior Roadway Design Lead

Trilon Group

Detroit, MI • On-site

$58 - $65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

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 Group, Inc. (MSG) is a people focused, award-winning, full-service consulting firm that offers a wide array of services including civil and geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, planning, landscape architecture, agriculture, surveying and construction support. Our talented staff of more than 650+ professionals deliver integrated planning, design, engineering and construction solutions.
MSG is growing our Transportation Team in Michigan and is seeking a Senior Roadway Design Lead to support roadway engineering and transportation infrastructure projects throughout the Detroit Metro region and beyond.
This role is ideal for a technically strong roadway engineer with deep experience in OpenRoads Designer (ORD), roadway modeling, and transportation design.
Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as the technical lead on roadway engineering and transportation design projects for MDOT and local agency clients throughout the Detroit Metro region
  • 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, cross sections, quantities, and design calculations
  • Conduct technical design reviews and support QA/QC efforts on project deliverables
  • Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and multidisciplinary teams to support successful project delivery
  • Mentor junior engineering staff on roadway design standards, modeling workflows, and engineering best practices
  • Contribute quickly to active transportation projects within a fast-paced and growing service line

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering
  • 8-10+ years of transportation engineering experience
  • Strong hands-on experience with OpenRoads Designer (ORD) required
  • Experience with roadway modeling, design production, and transportation project delivery required
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred
  • Experience with MDOT roadway projects and local agency transportation work preferred but not required
  • Ability to mentor junior staff and provide technical leadership
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills
  • Prior project coordination or project management experience is a plus, but not required

Benefits
  • 401(k) w/ company match
  • Health insurance w/ HSA option, Vision, Dental, Life
  • Flexible schedule
  • Paid time off
  • Referral program
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Catalytic Coaching - Employees draft a development plan aimed at improving contributions in their current job and increasing the potential for other opportunities. MSG is all about bringing out the best in people at work!

It is the policy of our company to follow equal employment opportunity procedures in compliance with federal, state and local criteria. We will provide all applicants for employment, and all employees, with equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, arrest record, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military or veteran status, and/or any other protected classes covered by any local, state and federal laws.
The base salary range for this role is indicated in the posting. This range reflects the company's good faith estimate of the compensation for this position at the time of posting. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and geographic location.
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