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Design Lead Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Schylling

Design Lead

Pawtucket, RI · On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

As Design Lead, you'll be at the forefront of toy and brand creation--concepting, designing, and developing original product lines that align with our company's vision. You'll lead major creative ...

Quanta Services

Design Lead

Oak Brook, IL

$103K - $136K/yr

A Design Lead at HBK Engineering is a position responsible for leading the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work. This senior-level role involves applying ...

DECKED LLC

Industrial Design Lead

Ketchum, ID · On-site

Industrial Design Lead Location: Ketchum, ID Reports To: VP of Product Job Type: Full-Time DECKED is a leading manufacturer of in-vehicle storage solutions. We make innovative organizational systems ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Lead

Spring, TX · On-site

$91K - $120K/yr

About this Role A Design Lead at HBK Engineering is a position responsible for leading the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work. This senior-level role ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Lead

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

About this Role A Design Lead at HBK Engineering is a position responsible for leading the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work. This senior-level role ...

IDEO

Organizational Design Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

SF Organizational Design Lead When organizations decide to do something they've never done before - develop a new offer, integrate emerging technology, reinvent their operating model, redefine ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Lead

Chicago, IL

$105K - $139K/yr

About this Role A Design Lead at HBK Engineering is a position responsible for leading the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work. This senior-level role ...

Vivid Technology

GPU Design Lead

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$129K - $169K/yr

They are looking to hire an experienced SoC Design Lead to spearhead the development of high-performance, low-power System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions, with a strong focus on DSPs and GPUs . This is a ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Lead

Greenwood Village, CO · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

About this Role A Design Lead at HBK Engineering is a position responsible for leading the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work. This senior-level role ...

HBK Engineering, LLC

Design Lead

Oak Brook, IL · On-site

$103K - $136K/yr

About this Role A Design Lead at HBK Engineering is a position responsible for leading the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of utility engineering work. This senior-level role ...

Omnicom Media US

Design Lead

New York, NY · On-site

$70K - $125K/yr

Role Overview The Design Lead is a senior individual contributor on the Brand Experience team, responsible for leading creative execution across high-visibility initiatives, with primary ownership of ...

Monograph

Design Lead

Phoenix, AZ · Remote

About the Role We are looking for a hands-on Design Lead, Web & Creative to own Monograph's Webflow website, paid media creative, lightweight product storytelling visuals, and key brand assets for ...

VulcanForms

Visual Design Lead

Devens, MA · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Job Purpose We're looking for a Visual Design Lead to own the VulcanForms brand and ensure it shows up with clarity, quality, and consistency across all touchpoints. This role will define and evolve ...

Staffingine LLC

Product Design Lead

Portland, OR · On-site

$200K/yr

Product Design Lead Job Location: NY, US / Portland, OR, US Job Type: Full-Time * Lead UX design efforts from concept to execution -- including research, wireframing, prototyping, and high-fidelity ...

Pickle

Design Lead

New York, NY · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

About the role We're looking for a Design Lead who comes from consumer product and who is genuinely excited to get more technical. You have deep instincts for how consumers actually use applications ...

Shepherd

Product Design Lead

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$200K - $220K/yr

Product Design Lead Join to apply for the Product Design Lead role at Shepherd . Base Pay Range $200,000.00/yr - $220,000.00/yr What We Do We provide savings on insurance premiums for commercial ...

Modern Life

Design Lead

New York, NY · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

Drive design and user experience across Modern Life's product and brand presence * Define, launch and iterate solutions that are clear, usable, and elegant * Translate complexity into clarity in ...

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How much do design lead jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for design lead in the United States is $60.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.63 and $72.12 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 is the highest paying job in design?

The highest paying roles in design are often executive positions such as Chief Design Officer or Creative Director, which require extensive experience, leadership skills, and a strong portfolio. These roles typically oversee large teams and strategic initiatives, with salaries often exceeding six figures depending on the industry and company size.

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.

Is AI replacing designers?

AI is transforming the role of design leads by automating repetitive tasks and providing new tools for creativity, but it does not replace the need for human judgment, strategic thinking, and user empathy. Design leads continue to oversee project direction, ensure brand consistency, and integrate AI tools effectively into workflows. Skills in design principles, software, and AI literacy remain essential for success in the field.

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 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 the quality and consistency of design work. They often have strong skills in design tools, user experience, and project management, and may oversee multiple projects or product features.
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Design Lead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Lead job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $125,322 per year, or $60.3 per hour.
Design Lead

Design Lead

Schylling

Pawtucket, RI • On-site

$85K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Overview:
We’re actively searching for Design Leads who are eager to work in an inclusive environment that praises initiative, curiosity, and critical thinking. As Design Lead, you’ll be at the forefront of toy and brand creation—concepting, designing, and developing original product lines that align with our company’s vision.

You’ll lead major creative initiatives, oversee the design, branding, and storytelling of our products, and collaborate across departments to bring iconic, must-have toys to life. We’re looking for a highly strategic, visionary, and hands-on designer who thrives in a brand-driven environment and has a proven track record of leading successful product launches.

Responsibilities:
Lead Ideation & Product Innovation:
  • Drive revenue generating product innovation by identifying market gaps and developing commercially viable product that excites consumers.
  • Be a driving force in developing new toy concepts and brand ideas that push creative boundaries.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to generate fresh, innovative product ideas that align with our brand vision and market trends.
  • Research industry trends, pop culture, and consumer insights to drive new product concept generation.
Design & Product Development:
  • Lead all aspects of design for a dedicated project load, from initial strategy, ideation, and prototyping to final production.
  • Develop concept sketches, 3D models, 3D-printed prototypes, drawings, and specifications to provide clear, precise direction for manufacturing.
  • Carry a dedicated project load, leading the planning and problem-solving necessary to turn concepts into reality.
  • Ensure final deliverables meet quality, production, and brand standards.
Manufacturing & Engineering Collaboration:
  • Coordinate and communicate all specifications and design files to effectively lead engineering initiatives with overseas manufacturing partners.
  • Ensure development goals are clearly understood and achieved by working closely with factories on materials, production feasibility, and cost considerations.
  • Work through design challenges, problem-solve technical constraints, and adapt designs as needed to maintain creative integrity while ensuring manufacturability.
Project & Timeline Management:
  • Work with team leads to manage schedules, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring on-time completion of all product development stages.
  • Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, balancing creative execution with deadlines and business objectives.
  • Provide clear communication and updates to internal teams regarding project status, design iterations, and production progress.
Brand & Storytelling Development:
  • Develop cohesive brand identities, ensuring packaging, storytelling, and product design work together seamlessly.
  • Create compelling presentations and product pitches for internal stakeholders and retail partners.
  • Ensure every product aligns with our company's creative direction and brand strategy.

Qualifications & Experience:
  • BA or BS in Toy Design, Industrial Design.
  • +8 years of professional design experience with a toy or children’s products company.
  • Demonstrated design experience in the development of products in the toy or children’s product category.
  • Solid drawing and rendering skills using sketchbook pro and photoshop. Strong 2D visual communication skills required – should be comfortable drawing on a Cintiq tablet with Sketchbook Pro, Photoshop, or similar.
  • Possess an entrepreneurial spirit with a business-oriented mindset.
  • Passion for toys and children’s products is essential to be effective in the role.
  • Strong knowledge and interest of toy industry trends, leading brands, products, and what’s emerging.
  • Experience with daily manufacturing partner communication.
  • Proficient in all phases of design process – preliminary, development and production.
  • A desire to collaborate with a team and appreciate the benefits of that experience.
  • Have the passion to keep up with new creative trends.

Schylling offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical and dental with an 80% company contribution, vision insurance, company-paid life and disability insurance, PTO and 10 paid holidays, product discount, and a 401(k) with company match.
The base salary range for this position is $85,000 to $120,000. Offered base compensation within this range will be determined based on a candidate’s qualifications, experience, geographic location and other factors relevant to the scope and responsibilities of this role.

About Schylling:

At Schylling, we are on a mission to create timeless moments of joy, laughter, and imagination for kids of all ages. Since 1975, our toys have been designed to spark creativity and deliver smiles, both delightful playthings from years past and innovative new items with a nostalgic appeal. We offer iconic brands such as NeeDoh®, LAVA® Lamp, Big Wheel®, Schylling hand puppets, Sea-Monkeys® and a variety of other toys that satisfy curiosity, encourage discovery, and help people find their best mellow and chill.