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Design Manager Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

The Design Manager will support the leadership and coordination of multidisciplinary design teams on large rail projects, working closely with the project leadership, technical leads, contractor, and ...

Description In the role of Mechanical Design Manager, you will be responsible for leading a team of engineers through the design, development, integration and test of critical stage fluids system ...

Mechanical Design Manager

Kent, WA · On-site

$129 - $252/hr

Specific design challenges include cryogenic propellant management systems, high pressure gas systems, reaction control systems, and tank pressurization systems for a high performance and fully ...

New

Mechanical Design Manager

Kent, WA · On-site

$129K - $193K/yr

Specific design challenges include cryogenic propellant management systems, high pressure gas systems, reaction control systems, and tank pressurization systems for a high performance and fully ...

Specific design challenges include cryogenic propellant management systems, high pressure gas systems, reaction control systems, and tank pressurization systems for a high performance and fully ...

New

The Opportunity The Design Quality Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing design quality management across projects, ensuring that all deliverables meet client requirements, applicable ...

The Opportunity The Design Quality Manager is responsible for leading and overseeing design quality management across projects, ensuring that all deliverables meet client requirements, applicable ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Manager information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$47.8K

$130.4K

$229.4K

How much do design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for design manager in Seattle, WA is $130,367.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,100.00 and $164,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 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 degree do you need to be a design manager?

A design manager typically holds a bachelor's degree in design, graphic design, industrial design, or a related field. Many also pursue a master's degree or additional certifications to enhance their skills and qualifications for leadership roles in design teams.

What does a design manager earn?

A design manager's salary varies depending on experience, location, and industry, but typically ranges from $80,000 to $150,000 annually. They often oversee design teams, coordinate projects, and use tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software, with higher salaries generally associated with larger companies or senior roles.

What is the highest paying career in design?

In design, executive roles such as Creative Director or Design Director tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures, especially in large corporations or agencies. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, product design, and design consulting can also offer high compensation, particularly with extensive experience and advanced skills in tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What job categories do people searching Design Manager jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Manager jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Design Manager jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Manager job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,367 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

Design Manager, AMER Portfolio, Design, Sustainability & Engineering

Amazon

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Amazon rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 7,100 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

6th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

The Global Design team is looking for a creative, innovative, results-oriented Design Program Manager who will lead the team that is responsible for the design of tenant improvement projects in the Americas (AMER) portfolio. This role will join the Global Design team, reporting to the Senior Manager, Global Design, and will work closely with the Design & Construction (DSE & C) teams, the Workplace Guidelines & Standards team and the Regional Portfolio Management (RPM) team.
This role will be responsible for guiding the Design Managers that oversee the design of new build and "post-occupancy" tenant improvement projects, which means updating, revising and evolving the design of a space where Amazonians are currently working. The project scope that Design Managers oversee ranges from the design of several floors of a building to suit the needs and behaviors of a new team, to the design of smaller specialty spaces, to developing an overall design solution that can improve the workplace that can be applied to multiple projects (for example, an improvement to acoustics, lighting, or furniture)

As the AMER lead, this role will also be responsible for participating in AMER strategy, in-flight, and planning meetings, coordinating closely with AMER leads in GREF partner teams. This role will work closely with the AMER Construction area leads and sub-consultants/vendors on project delivery.
The successful candidate is an experienced professional who can communicate clearly at all levels, and yet is not afraid to dive deep into details. This role works autonomously and creatively in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment, and will be responsible for overseeing Design Managers working on multiple projects, most of which have very tight delivery timelines

Consistent prioritization, attention to detail and ability to inspect issues and processes brings simplified solutions to complex problems is paramount. They should also understand the nuance of being approachable, while at the same time consultative. The candidate must be able to balance frugality with creativity in offering solutions and approach problem-solving with an emphasis on root cause.
This is a Regional role focused on the Americas, so requires regional travel approximately 10-20% of the time.
Key job responsibilities
- Oversee and manage the Design Managers responsible for tenant improvement projects, to include: (1) leading the design of the space based on customer needs and technical requirements; (2) on some projects of a certain size/scale/priority, collaborate with an external/vendor design team (the Architect of Record); (3) align the design of each project to the overall concept for Corporate Workplace, as developed by the Global Design team; and (4) inform Guidelines and Standards team on design elements needed to translate into global functional Guidelines.
- Participate and lead strategy, planning and program management sessions for the AMER portfolio
- Work cross functionally with regional peers to ensure a consistent experience for customers, whilst respecting local/cultural nuance.
- Collaborate with GREF partner teams, including Regional Portfolio Management, Sustainability and Environmental Health and Safety, and Travel and Events, to elevate program deliverables and improve the quality of Amazon workspace with a focus on resiliency, efficiency, health, and safety.
- Routinely connect to external industry, professional bodies and communities, ensuring new industry standards, best practices, technology, and innovations are adopted into the program.
About the team
The Global Real Estate and Facilities (GREF) team manages Amazon's real estate and facilities globally

It's organized into Regional Portfolio Management, Global Centers of Enablement, and Global Centers of Expertise. Design, Sustainability and Engineering includes Global Design, Workplace Guidelines, Sustainability, and Engineering teams. These teams develop design concepts, implement workplace standards, and deliver various spaces across Amazon's portfolio.

GREF emphasizes inclusive team culture, work-life balance, and career growth. The team values diversity and promotes knowledge sharing and mentorship. GREF strives to create spaces that support Amazonians' work while enhancing employee well-being and aligning with the company's strategic vision.


What Amazon employees say

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Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About Amazon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amazon.com, Inc., commonly known as Amazon, is an American multinational technology company. It was founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994 and initially started as an online marketplace for books. Since then, Amazon has expanded its operations and become one of the largest e-commerce companies in the world. Amazon's primary business is its online retail platform, where customers can purchase a vast array of products, including electronics, clothing, books, home goods, and much more. The company offers a convenient and user-friendly shopping experience, with features such as fast shipping, customer reviews, and personalized recommendations. In addition to its e-commerce platform, Amazon has diversified its business into various other areas. One of its notable ventures is Amazon Web Services (AWS), a comprehensive cloud computing platform that provides services such as storage, compute power, and database management to individuals and businesses. AWS has become a leader in the cloud computing industry, powering many websites and applications worldwide. Amazon has also developed its own consumer electronics, including the popular Amazon Kindle e-reader, Fire tablets, Fire TV streaming devices, and the Alexa-powered Echo smart speakers. The Alexa voice assistant, integrated into these devices, allows users to interact with their devices using voice commands, perform tasks, and access information. Furthermore, Amazon has expanded into media and entertainment. It operates Prime Video, a streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, and original content. Amazon Music provides a platform for streaming and purchasing digital music, while Audible offers audiobooks and other audio content. The company's commitment to customer satisfaction and convenience is demonstrated by its membership program, Amazon Prime. Prime members receive various benefits, including free two-day shipping, access to streaming services, exclusive deals, and more.

Industry

It services, book publishers, retail, real estate, computer and electronic product manufacturing and software development

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Seattle, WA, US