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Lead Designer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Concetti

Associate Interior Designer

Detroit, MI · On-site

Estimate material requirements and costs, for review by Principal and/or Lead Designer to present to client for approval * Attend furniture delivery and installations in person * Regular and routine ...

WSP

Lead Substation Designer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Substation Designer for our Ann Arbor, MI office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing ...

WSP

Lead Substation Designer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site +1

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Substation Designer for our Ann Arbor, MI office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing ...

Stellantis

Lead Technical Designer

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

Our designers help set the pace for the company by developing concepts for new and exciting driving experiences. Designers at Stellantis are encouraged to think bigger, push harder, continually ...

Stellantis

Lead Technical Designer

Auburn Hills, MI

Our designers help set the pace for the company by developing concepts for new and exciting driving experiences. Designers at Stellantis are encouraged to think bigger, push harder, continually ...

Crateandbarrel

Designer

Lincoln Park, MI

Lead One on One Design consultations in person or via email, phone, and virtual design consults ... designer rewards Design Trade Program, CB2 credit card and gift registry) * Support and model ...

Vkore Solutions

Mechanical Designer

Wixom, MI · On-site

We are looking for another mid to senior level Mechanical Designer who can design automation syste ms under the direction of a Lead Mechanical Engineer who will give concepts and expect the Designe r ...

Stout Creek Landscapes

Landscape Designer

Belmont, MI · On-site

Lead. Design. Close. If you thrive at the intersection of creative problem-solving and competitive ... Stout Creek Landscapes is growing, and we're looking for a Sales Designer who owns the client ...

RENK America

Sr Designer

Muskegon, MI

$94K - $100K/yr

Lead 2D and 3D CAD drawings and model efforts for transmission, engine, and power pack control systems design concepts. * Develop mechanical/electromechanical/pneumatic control systems designs.

RENK America

Sr Designer

Muskegon, MI

$94K - $100K/yr

Lead 2D and 3D CAD drawings and model efforts for transmission, engine, and power pack control systems design concepts. * Develop mechanical/electromechanical/pneumatic control systems designs.

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All JobsLead Designer JobsLead Designer Jobs in Michigan

Lead Designer information

See Michigan salary details

$36.6K

$79.5K

$136.8K

How much do lead designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead designer in Michigan is $79,455.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $95,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of jobs in media bring in $150,000 a year?

In media, senior roles such as Creative Director, Video Producer, or Digital Marketing Director often earn $150,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite or analytics platforms. These positions typically require a combination of creative expertise, strategic planning, and project management in fast-paced environments.

What is the difference between Lead Designer vs Senior Designer?

AspectLead DesignerSenior Designer
ResponsibilitiesOversees design projects, manages design team, sets creative directionExecutes design tasks, develops concepts, and contributes to projects independently
Required SkillsStrong leadership, project management, advanced design skillsAdvanced design skills, creativity, problem-solving
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, team leadership, client interactionFocused on individual contribution, team collaboration
Common UsageUsed in agencies, tech companies, large organizationsUsed across similar industries, often as a senior individual contributor

The main difference between a Lead Designer and a Senior Designer lies in their scope of responsibilities. Lead Designers typically manage teams and oversee projects, while Senior Designers focus on executing complex design tasks independently. Both roles require advanced design skills, but Lead Designers also need leadership and project management abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Designer, you need advanced design skills, a strong portfolio, and experience with design principles and team leadership, often supported by a degree in design or a related field. Mastery of industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, or Sketch, and familiarity with project management systems are essential. Exceptional communication, creative problem-solving, and leadership abilities help you guide teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills ensure the delivery of innovative, cohesive designs that align with business goals and drive project success.

How much does a design lead earn?

A design lead typically earns between $80,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior design leads with specialized skills or working in high-cost areas may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses or stock options.

How does a Lead Designer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

A Lead Designer frequently works cross-functionally, coordinating closely with product managers, developers, and marketing teams to ensure design solutions align with business objectives and technical constraints. They often participate in strategy meetings, provide design direction, and facilitate feedback sessions to harmonize the visual and functional aspects of a project. This collaboration helps maintain consistency in user experience and brand identity while ensuring that deliverables meet deadlines and stakeholder expectations.

What does a lead designer do?

A lead designer oversees the creative process of a project, guiding the design team to develop concepts, visuals, and user experiences that meet project goals. They collaborate with stakeholders, provide feedback, and ensure design consistency, often using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch. Strong leadership, communication skills, and a solid understanding of design principles are essential for this role.

What Is a Lead Designer?

A lead designer is in charge of the creative aspects of a project. As a lead designer, you may work with a creative director to oversee design of a video game, a multimedia project, or website. Your job duties in this career include meeting with clients to assess their needs, creating a framework for the project, and working with an art team to execute the plan according to specifications. Qualifications vary, depending on the employer, but lead designers typically need a bachelor’s degree and several years of industry experience.

What is the highest paying job in design?

The highest paying roles in design are often executive-level positions such as Creative Director or Design Director, which can offer six-figure salaries. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools and team management.
More about Lead Designer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Lead Designer jobs in Michigan? For Lead Designer jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Designer jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Designer jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Lead Designer jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Lead Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Designer jobs in MI? For Lead Designer jobs in MI, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lead Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Designer job openings in Michigan as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,455 per year, or $38.2 per hour.
Mechanical Designer - CFD Analyst

Mechanical Designer - CFD Analyst

Harley Ellis Devereaux

Royal Oak, MI • On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Mechanical Designer - CFD Analyst

Our Mechanical Engineering team is looking to add an experienced team member to our group of talented engineers and designers. The Mechanical Designer – CFD Analyst - is a seasoned contributor with advanced CFD modeling expertise, proven documentation skills, and growing leadership capability.

About HED

We are a team that is full of ideas, experience, creativity, passionate opinions, insatiable curiosity, uncompromising integrity, commitment, and skill. Our culture is about aspiration, embracing change and challenges, listening to (and learning from) each other, encouraging continual learning, and inspiring collective growth. As an inclusive, integrated architecture and engineering practice, we value the diversity of perspectives, experiences, abilities, and expertise that advance both the work we do, and the world we share.

Position Summary

This role balances deep technical contributions with oversight responsibilities, including mentorship, QAQC, and project coordination. The Mechanical Designer III operates independently on complex tasks, delegates work to others, and acts as a key resource for system integration and design strategy across the team. This individual will be primarily focused on CFD analysis, however may also support direct HVAC system layouts based on project requirements.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead the development of medium-to-large scale CFD analysis, for both internal and external scenarios.
  • Develop and enforce CFD analysis standards and workflows across teams.
  • Have a working ability to use Revit for navigating models, viewing systems, completing takeoffs and extracting information for use in CFD analysis.
  • Create mechanical system layouts and modeling tasks independently.
  • Oversee drawing production, ensuring code compliance and graphic clarity across all mechanical documents.
  • Generate and review technical documentation including specifications and report narratives as related to CFD requirements.
  • Work with lead designer to validate mechanical equipment sizing and load calculations in conjunction with CFD analysis results.
  • Manage mechanical portions of the project scope independently, delegating drafting or research tasks to staff.
  • Estimate, track, and manage hours for self-performed and delegated work.
  • Train and mentor mechanical team members on design practices, tools, and standards.
  • Delegate work strategically based on skill level and workload capacity of team members.
  • Lead QAQC efforts on both self-produced and delegated work, ensuring conformance to HED standards.
  • Provide constructive feedback and contribute to mechanical staff development through mentorship.
  • Act as the lead mechanical representative in client meetings related to CFD analysis, confidently presenting technical design intent.
  • Document meeting outcomes and action items related to CFD analysis clearly, sharing responsibility for technical coordination follow-up.
  • Engage in early project scoping discussions and support proposal efforts with technical narratives and fee input for CFD analysis.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, or equivalent, required.
  • 5+ years of experience in the AEC industry preferred.
  • Written and verbal communication skills commensurate with the position required.
  • Strong organizational skills preferred.
  • Revit experience required.
  • 3+ years of CFD modeling experience (interior and exterior) required.
  • Experience with computers, specifically for word processing, spreadsheet use/creation and email required.
  • Detail-oriented, self-motivated, enthusiastic, flexible and curious personalities required.
  • Ability to work well with others under deadline situations required.

Physical Requirements

  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to effectively communicate in writing and verbally via phone, video conferencing, and in-person.
  • Visual acuity to perform responsibilities.

Work Environment

  • We embrace a hybrid model that promotes both autonomy and collaboration, including the freedom to work from home, with regular in-office days to connect with teammates and build culture.
  • The office is a professional, open-space environment for collaborative and independent work.

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

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