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Lead Designer Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Designer (Machine Design & Automation) Build Better Machines. Solve Real Problems. Make an Impact ... lead the way with each new generation of quality products. Benefits: Dart Container full-time ...

Designer (Machine Design & Automation) Build Better Machines. Solve Real Problems. Make an Impact ... lead the way with each new generation of quality products. Benefits: Dart Container full-time ...

Senior Designer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Description Senior Designers within the Crain Design Hub create sophisticated, audience-focused ... Responsibilities Lead the design and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across digital ...

Senior Designer

Detroit, MI · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Description Senior Designers within the Crain Design Hub create sophisticated, audience-focused ... Responsibilities Lead the design and execution of integrated marketing campaigns across digital ...

Prepare drawings, forms, maps, and lists based on direction provided by lead drafters, designers and engineers * Create pipeline alignment sheets, exhibits and permit drawings used to construct ...

Prepare drawings, forms, maps, and lists based on direction provided by lead drafters, designers and engineers * Create pipeline alignment sheets, exhibits and permit drawings used to construct ...

We are looking for an Event Designer to execute branded environment projects under the direction of ... lead projects of your own. We want people who align with and can live our core values: We Say Yes ...

We are looking for an Event Designer to execute branded environment projects under the direction of ... lead projects of your own. We want people who align with and can live our core values: We Say Yes ...

We are looking for an Event Designer to execute branded environment projects under the direction of ... lead projects of your own. We want people who align with and can live our core values: We Say Yes ...

Prepare drawings, forms, maps, and lists based on direction provided by lead drafters, designers and engineers * Create pipeline alignment sheets, exhibits and permit drawings used to construct ...

Instructional Designer

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

... Lead content reviews and Train-the-Trainer sessions to support successful delivery. Qualifications: + 3-5 years of experience designing and developing corporate training in both classroom and digital ...

Senior Creative Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$93K - $100K/yr

The role will coach, lead and mentor team members in all aspects of creative services project support. This part time position is located in Dearborn, MI. As a Senior Creative Designer, you will:

As a SolidWorks Designer, you'll design complex 3D models and assemblies, manage part libraries ... Lead internal and external design reviews and production readiness reviews. * Manage multiple ...

Ford Motor Company is looking for a highly creative/strategic Senior Exterior Designer for our ... Ability to work independently and provide strong technical aesthetic judgment to lead team members.

Senior Electrical Engineer

Canton, MI · On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

Support the lead designer in the development of industrial power distribution systems * Research and adhere to all applicable electrical and building codes and accepted best practices * Work with ...

Sr Designer

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$92K - $98K/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.

Showing results 41-60

Lead Designer information

See Michigan salary details

$36.6K

$79.5K

$136.8K

How much do lead designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 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 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 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 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 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:
Infographic showing various Lead Designer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,455 per year, or $38.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Dart Container rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 119 rated packaging manufacturers


Job description

Designer (Machine Design & Automation)
Build Better Machines. Solve Real Problems. Make an Impact.
Are you the kind of person who looks at a piece of equipment and immediately starts thinking about how to make it better? Do you enjoy a mix of machine design, automation, troubleshooting, and hands-on technical work? If so, we'd love to meet you.
As a Designer, you'll play a key role in developing, improving, and implementing manufacturing equipment and automation systems. This is not a traditional drafting position. While you'll create and update drawings when needed, your primary focus will be applying machine design expertise to solve production challenges, improve performance, and drive innovation.
You'll work closely with Engineers, Operations, Maintenance, suppliers, and technicians to bring ideas from concept to reality while helping ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and on time.
What You'll Do:
  • Transform broad concepts into practical machine and equipment solutions.
  • Design, modify, and improve manufacturing equipment, automation systems, tooling, and processes.
  • Complete projects of moderate scope from concept through implementation.
  • Create equipment layouts, concepts, and detailed designs with engineering collaboration.
  • Perform drawing revisions and engineering documentation updates as needed.
  • Troubleshoot equipment and automation issues, identify root causes, and implement improvements.
  • Make approved modifications to machine controls, automation programs, and equipment designs.
  • Coordinate activities with technicians, contractors, vendors, and other project team members.
  • Support equipment testing, validation, startup, and commissioning activities.
  • Analyze equipment performance, utilization, and capacity to identify opportunities for improvement.
  • Work with suppliers to gather information, develop specifications, and obtain quotations.
  • Apply GD&T and sound engineering principles to support high-quality designs.
  • Maintain equipment documentation including manuals, schematics, drawings, and technical records.
  • Provide technical direction and hands-on support during installations, upgrades, and improvement projects.

What You'll Bring:
  • Bachelor's degree with an emphasis in design or related field of study
  • Drafting and/or design experience to include application of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and/or models
  • Experience with applying and interpreting Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Understanding of engineering drawings, principles, materials and manufacturing processes
  • Ability to successfully prioritize, and organize projects, deadlines, and tasks with little supervision in both team and independent environments

Overview: Dart makes everyday products that give people the freedom to enjoy the food & drinks they love, wherever they are. From to-go containers and dinnerware to tamper-evident food packaging and even the red SOLO cup, Dart products have been keeping people on the go and having fun for 65 years. We're a family-owned, family-focused company of 12,000 employees united by a shared set of values and dedicated to providing exceptional customer service. Headquartered in Mason, MI, with 30 locations in three countries, we're proud of our ability to innovate, manufacture and lead the way with each new generation of quality products.
Benefits: Dart Container full-time employees enjoy great benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company matching contributions, paid vacation, paid holidays, short-term disability, tuition assistance, product discounts and more.
Dart Container is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are subject to a drug test (excluding THC*/marijuana/cannabis) and background check at the time of offer.
*THC testing ONLY when such testing is required by law.
Dart Container is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all candidates for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
https://www.dartcontainer.com/eeoaa/
If you have a disability and need an accommodation to access this website or for the application process, you should call Dart at (800) 545-3278 Ext 3370 or email us at ADArequests@dart.biz. Relay calls can be made by dialing 711 or the relay number for your state.
If you experience difficulty applying online, you may call (800) 545-3278 Ext 3390 or email us at applicationassistance@dart.biz for assistance.

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