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Design Lead Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Design Lead information

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$35

$54

$74

How much do design lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for design lead in Tennessee is $54.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.31 and $65.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Design Lead jobs in Tennessee? For Design Lead jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Lead jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Design Lead jobs in Tennessee are:
Design Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Lead job openings in Tennessee 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 $113,744 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Stream Design Lead

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc.

Franklin, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Overview
As a Stream Design Lead for Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) in our Nashville, TN office, you'll lead the planning, design, and construction oversight of stream and wetland restoration projects using natural channel design principles. You'll prepare construction drawings and specifications, mentor junior staff on design parameters, fluvial geomorphology, and regulatory standards, and collaborate with clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary project teams to ensure projects meet design and regulatory criteria. You'll also support business development efforts to expand the stream and wetland restoration practice.
At CEC, every team member is personally invested in serving our clients with integrity, delivering results that matter, and growing meaningful careers. As employee-owners, we're accountable not just for our work, but for creating an environment that supports and challenges one another. Our people are our priority - and that's what drives us to dig deeper, collaborate smarter, and build lasting relationships inside and outside of our company.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead the design of stream and wetland restoration projects using natural channel design principles
  • Prepare construction drawings and technical specifications using AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Mentor and provide guidance to junior staff on fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, hydraulics, sediment transport, regulatory standards, and project management
  • Conduct and oversee field work to support design and ensure construction compliance with design criteria
  • Collaborate with clients, contractors, and internal project teams to ensure successful project delivery
  • Support business development and pursue client relationships to grow the stream and wetland restoration practice

Our Nashville office, located in Franklin, TN, is home to a passionate and growing team of professionals. Just minutes from downtown Nashville, Franklin offers small-town charm with easy access to all that Nashville has to offer. Known for top-rated schools and welcoming neighborhoods, the area is a great place to grow both personally and professionally. From outdoor adventures and live music to professional sports and world-class dining, Middle Tennessee offers something for everyone.
Qualifications
  • 6+ years of relevant civil or environmental engineering experience
  • Bachelor of Science or Master of Science in Civil Engineering or a related engineering field
  • Professional Engineering Licensure in Tennessee or ability to obtain a Tennessee license
  • Design natural channels and wetlands, including restoration projects
  • Proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Lead design teams to produce final engineering designs and specifications, author design reports, and prepare permit applications
  • Review engineering drawings and provide detailed technical feedback
  • Conduct stream and wetland construction inspections and provide on-site oversight
Preferred Capabilities
  • Rosgen Level 1-4 certification
  • Proficiency with MicroStation and ArcGIS for mapping and design support
  • Experience with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, or similar hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software
  • Knowledge of Sections 401 and 404 of the Clean Water Act and permitting experience with State and Federal regulatory agencies
  • Experience performing Tennessee Stream Quantification Tool (SQT) assessments

About Us
We have experts! CEC is consistently ranked as a Top 500 Design Firm and Top 200 Environmental Firm by Engineering News-Record. We are looking for people who enjoy using their education and experience to solve difficult technical problems and work on interesting projects. You can accomplish this while working with a team of professionals who are equally motivated to provide high levels of service to our clients and to teach you along the way.
We have support! We have a variety of Employee Resource Groups, including CEC Community - focused on giving back to the communities in which we work; CEC Ignite - focused on helping professionals early in their careers to develop their pathway; CEC iDEA - focused on inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance; and CEC Women - focused on creating internal and external opportunities for women to network and leverage professional experience!
We care about our people! People and Culture are two of the five elements of our strategic plan. When you care about your people, they will want to grow a career with you - that is our goal. CEC offers you a small-firm work environment with large-firm opportunities. Not only will we help you develop professionally, but we will also provide an opportunity to become an owner of the firm and share in its success.
CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work-life balance.
CEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.
THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS
If CEC has not expressly requested recruiting services or contractually engaged with you for recruiting services on a specific position, any resumes or candidate profiles sent to CEC shall be considered unsolicited. Therefore, any such submissions will be considered property of CEC, with no associated fees due to your firm.

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