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Design Lead Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

AKQA

Freelance Design Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Design Lead to support one of the most globally recognized consumer brands in the world, a company with an enormous and deeply loyal customer base whose ...

WSP

Track Engineering Design Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

The Track Engineering Design Lead guides project delivery from planning and design through construction support, testing, commissioning, and long-term maintenance, while also serving as a subject ...

WSP

Track Engineering Design Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$116K - $153K/yr

The Track Engineering Design Lead guides project delivery from planning and design through construction support, testing, commissioning, and longterm maintenance, while also serving as a ...

Rippling

Product Design Lead, Finance

Seattle, WA · On-site

$130.05 - $250/hr

Product Design Lead - Finance Rippling - Seattle, Washington, United States About the company Rippling gives businesses one place to run HR, IT, and Finance. It brings together all of the workforce ...

AKQA

Freelance Design Lead

Seattle, WA · Remote

We are seeking an experienced Freelance Design Lead to support one of the most globally recognized consumer brands in the world, a company with an enormous and deeply loyal customer base whose ...

Ada Infrastructure

Principal, Design Lead

Bellevue, WA · On-site

The Design Lead, North America is responsible for leading the design execution function across Ada's North American development portfolio. This role ensures global design standards are effectively ...

Ada Infrastructure

Principal, Design Lead

Bellevue, WA · On-site

The Design Lead, North Americais responsible forleading the design execution function across Ada's North American development portfolio. This role ensures global design standards are effectively ...

Okta

Digital Design Lead

Bellevue, WA · On-site

About this role We are looking for a passionate Digital Design lead to drive the creative experience on oktane.com with a knack for creating innovative, product storytelling digital experiences. You ...

HDR

Structural BIM Design Lead

Bellevue, WA · On-site

In the role of Structural BIM Design Lead, we'll count on you to: * Work for a specific discipline, with no direction from the Architect/Engineer or other technical professional * Be responsible for ...

HDR

Structural BIM Design Lead

Bellevue, WA · On-site

In the role of Structural BIM Design Lead, we'll count on you to: * Work for a specific discipline, with no direction from the Architect/Engineer or other technical professional * Be responsible for ...

Helion Energy

Process Design Lead, Fuel Cycle

Everett, WA · On-site

$147K - $182K/yr

As Helion's Process Design Lead, you will guide a multidisciplinary team of engineers responsible for architecting, designing, and delivering the fuel cycle systems that will enable Orion, Helion ...

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All JobsDesign Lead JobsDesign Lead Jobs in Seattle, WA

Design Lead information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$45

$68

$93

How much do design lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for design lead in Seattle, WA is $68.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53.08 and $82.12 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 Seattle, WA? For Design Lead jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Lead jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Design Lead jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Design Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Lead job openings in Seattle, WA 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 $142,700 per year, or $68.6 per hour.

Freelance Design Lead

AKQA

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

At AKQA (part of WPP),
we believe in the imaginative application of art and science to create beautiful ideas, products and services. With an entrepreneurial and collaborative approach, we design adaptive digital services and applications that capture the imagination, delivering impressive returns for our clients.
Design Leads at AKQA bring artistry, craft, and creative vision to complex digital challenges. They inspire and guide designers, champion design systems, and ensure creative excellence across all deliverables. Hands-on and deeply thoughtful, they shape the look, feel, and coherence of digital experiences from early concept through final delivery, elevating both the work and the people around them.
We are seeking an experienced Freelance Design Lead to support one of the most globally recognized consumer brands in the world, a company with an enormous and deeply loyal customer base whose digital products and services touch millions of people every day. In this role you will guide and inspire designers, lead the evolution of complex design systems, and ensure creative excellence across a flagship digital product experience. This is a remote freelance role from August 10 through September 30, 2026.
ROLE REQUIREMENTS
  • Provide hands-on leadership and creative direction, guiding a team of designers to produce world-class digital product experiences
  • Oversee the creation, maintenance, and evolution of complex design systems, ensuring scalability, consistency, and craft at every level
  • Shape the creative vision for digital platforms and products, aligning with client goals and the needs of a diverse, loyal user base
  • Collaborate closely with UX, strategy, and development teams to deliver cohesive, high-quality solutions
  • Present creative concepts and design solutions to clients with clarity, confidence, and strategic insight
  • Actively mentor and support junior and mid-level designers, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth
  • Contribute to a culture of creative excellence, pushing for the most distinctive and effective solutions at every stage of the work

QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS
  • 6+ years of experience in UI design, art direction, or a related field, with a strong portfolio showcasing digital platforms and products
  • Proven ability to lead and inspire teams, with a track record of mentoring and elevating designers
  • Deep expertise in creating and evolving design systems, with a focus on scalability, consistency, and innovation
  • Strong working knowledge of user interface, application, mobile, and responsive design principles
  • Expert proficiency in Figma, including advanced component and library management
  • Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to present and defend creative work to clients and stakeholders
  • Experience collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams, including UX and development, to deliver integrated solutions
  • A proactive mindset and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of technology and design
  • A strong point of view and the ability to promote and encourage conceptual thinking across the team

Location & Commitment
  • Remote (United States only); Seattle-based candidates are especially welcome; there will be regularly scheduled onsite client visits and meetings
  • August 10, 2026 through September 30, 2026
  • 40 hours/week
  • Expected weekly compensation: 2,500 to 3,000 USD

We believe great work happens when we're together, fostering creativity, collaboration, and connection. That's why we've adopted a hybrid approach including required in-office days. If you require accommodations or flexibility, please discuss this with the hiring team during the interview process.
AKQA is an equal opportunity employer and considers applicants for all positions without discrimination or regard to particular characteristics. We are committed to fostering a culture of respect in which everyone feels they belong and has the same opportunities to progress in their careers.
About WPP
WPP is the trusted growth partner for the world's leading brands. We unite cutting-edge media intelligence and data solutions, world-class creativity, next-generation production, transformative enterprise solutions and expert strategic counsel in a single company - powered by exceptional talent and our agentic marketing platform, WPP Open, to help our clients navigate change, capture opportunity and deliver transformational growth. For more information, visit WPP.com.

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