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Design Manager Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Design Leader, Interiors

Seattle, WA ยท Hybrid

$65K - $98K/yr

We put people over profits, giving them the flexibility to manage their work and life. We believe ... Job Summary The Design Leader, Interiors supports small interior architecture projects through all ...

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Design Manager information

See Renton, WA salary details

$47.2K

$128.8K

$226.7K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Renton, WA is $128,782.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,900.00 and $162,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a design manager do?

A design manager oversees a design team during a project and typically works in the construction and architecture industries. As a design manager, you may work for specialty companies that contract out to construction firms on a per-project basis. Or, you may spend your career working as an in-house design manager for a construction company or architect firm. Regardless of the location of your job as a design manager, your duties revolve around supervising the design of a building project and include adhering to legislation and codes, eliminating safety and financial risks, and advising clients during development.

How does a design manager typically balance creative vision with project deadlines and client expectations?

A Design Manager is responsible for guiding their team's creative direction while ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget. This often means carefully prioritizing tasks, setting clear milestones, and communicating regularly with clients and stakeholders to manage expectations. They serve as a bridge between creative teams and project managers, helping to resolve conflicts and maintain a productive workflow. By fostering open collaboration and providing constructive feedback, Design Managers help ensure both the creative vision and practical project requirements are met.

What is a design manager?

Design Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the design process within a project or organization. They coordinate and lead design teams, ensure design objectives align with business goals, and manage timelines, budgets, and resources. Design Managers often act as a bridge between creative teams and other departments, facilitating communication and ensuring that the final product meets both aesthetic and functional requirements. Their role can span across industries such as architecture, graphic design, product design, and digital media.

What is the difference between Design Manager vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign ManagerGraphic Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in design, management experienceBachelor's degree in graphic design or related field
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams, oversees projectsCreates visual content, works independently or in teams
Industry UsageUsed in corporate, agency, and studio settingsCommon in advertising, publishing, branding

The main difference between a Design Manager and a Graphic Designer lies in their responsibilities and scope. Design Managers oversee design teams and strategic project planning, while Graphic Designers focus on creating visual content. Both roles require relevant design credentials, but Design Managers also need leadership experience. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design manager?

To thrive as a Design Manager, you need a strong background in design principles, project management, and leadership, typically supported by a degree in design or a related field and several years of design experience. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and project management tools like Asana or Trello is essential. Exceptional communication, team leadership, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively leading creative teams, delivering high-quality design outcomes, and meeting client or organizational goals.

Is a design manager a stressful job?

A design manager role can be stressful due to responsibilities such as overseeing creative teams, managing project deadlines, and balancing client expectations. The level of stress varies depending on company size, project scope, and workload, but strong organizational and communication skills help manage pressure effectively.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Renton, WA? The most popular types of Design jobs in Renton, WA are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Manager jobs in Renton, WA? For Design Manager jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for Design Manager jobs? Cities near Renton, WA with the most Design Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Renton, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,782 per year, or $61.9 per hour.

Design Manager-Civil Engineering (Ballard Link Extension) (Term-Limited)

SoundTransit

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

$104K - $206K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Description

Salary range is $104k to $206k with a midpoint of $155k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

  • Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
  • Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Retirement Plans: 401a - 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b - up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
  • Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
  • Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
  • Pet Insurance discount.
  • ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
  • Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
  • Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

This is a term-limited position of 5 years.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under general management of the Capital Delivery Department and reports to the Design Director while leading,managingand coordinating the delivery of design elements of light railextension,projectswithin the Capital Delivery Department. This leadership role requires providing oversight of and instruction to design consultant teams and close coordination with third parties and AHJs alongside with the Sound Transit Operations, Engineering, Architecture, Urban Design, Planning, Transit-Oriented Development, Sustainability, Security & Safety and Quality Staff. The primary function of this role ensures delivery of value and quality of design to fulfill the agency's mission.

This Design Manager positions will focus on the Ballard Link Extension Project. Focuses on managing the delivery of design elements, which includes, but not limited to, tunnel, tunneled station and portals within an urban dense environmental.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

  • Leads a technical team of subject matter experts and inspires creativity to solve design problems during preliminary engineering, final design, or construction phases.
  • Supervises, coaches, trains and motivates staff and consultant team
  • Manages, interfaces and coordinates transit related heavy civil designs elements including, architectural, civil, tunnels, traffic, track, structural, geotechnical, landscaping, ventilation, station electrical, lighting, transit-oriented development, and urban design efforts, managing work teams and coordinating between work efforts of multiple design teams and multiple engineering subject matter experts.
  • Provides cross departmental program, design andrequirementscoordination with Operations, Passenger Experience, the Project Management Office, and IT.
  • Administration and management of design consultant contracts, including developing scopes of work for professional services, peer reviews, design reviews, contract packaging, schedules, budgets, construction support, and risk assessments.
  • Accountable for technical resolution of milestone design submission comments through collaboration with project design teams, AHJsand stakeholders
  • Supports the development, negotiation of agreements, and permits with third parties, including state and local agencies, utilities, developers, railroad authority and private property owners, as required for the delivery of the projects.
  • Accountable for design support during construction including design contract management, recommendation of error and omissions, resolution of non-conformance issues related to design, and change management of design-related issues.
  • Provides support to the department/division and others on matters as directed; serves as staff on a variety of internal boards, commissions, and committees.
  • Prepares staff reports and other necessary correspondence to Sound Transit leadership including Board and Executive leadership.
  • Attends andparticipatesin professional group meetings
  • Maintains awareness ofnew trendsand developments in the fields related to area of assignment; incorporates new developments as appropriate
  • Ensures processes, policies and practices are interpreted and applied consistently and effectively.
  • Ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, Agency policies and procedures,rulesand regulations.
  • Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
  • Contributes to a culture of diversity,equityand inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedurespertaining totheir assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:Bachelorsdegree in Civil Engineering,or related field. Five years of experience in civil/structural engineering design and construction; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Three years of leadership, budgetary, planning and workforce management experience, preferably in a rail ortransit relatedenvironment.

Required Licenses or Certifications:

  • Professional Civil Engineer license issued by the State of Washington.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

  • Advanced understanding of principles and practices of managing profession design services and project design development.
  • Strong knowledge of application of Federal, State, and local policies, laws and codes and regulations.
  • Strong knowledge of tunnel design principles and Sound Transitproject delivery standards.
  • Advanced knowledge of principles of project management.
  • Operations, services, and activities of transit engineering, site civil and construction programs.
  • Obtaining design consulting services and contracting methods including developing scopes of work, reports, studies, cost estimates, plans, and specifications.
  • Contract and procurement strategies and alternative contract forms such as GCCM design-build and associated management principles.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills to concisely and accurately convey technical information to others.
  • Strong public speaking skills and the ability to represent the Agency at public meetings and Sound Transit Executive Leadership and Board meetings.
  • Supervisory and team leadership skills.
  • Performing negotiations and partnering with local jurisdictions and agencies, utilities, contractors, and community groups.
  • Preparing, reviewing, interpreting, analyzing, and modifying complex engineering plans, drawings, specifications, contract documents, and engineering reports for conformance to professional standards and approved budgets.
  • Applying advanced project management and contract management techniques and principles.
  • Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.
  • Excellent ability to collaborate with others by establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
  • Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.
  • Ability to work independently and demonstrate effective time management skills.
  • Ability to effectively manage, prioritize, and delegate workload among assigned resources.
  • Ability to work effectively under pressure, meeting deadlines and adjust to changing priorities.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

  • Work is performed in a hybrid office and field environment.
  • Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise.
  • The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.


Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.