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Software Designer Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Lighting Designer I

Seattle, WA · On-site

$61K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... software (AGI32, LightStanza, etc.) • Interact and promote the core values of PAE and ... PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across ...

Lighting Designer I

Seattle, WA · On-site

$61K - $80K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... software (AGI32, LightStanza, etc.) • Interact and promote the core values of PAE and ... PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across ...

Sr. Facade Designer

Seattle, WA

$116K - $124K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Awareness of thermal analysis software such as LBNL Window, LBNL Therm, LBNL Optics, WUFI, WUFI Mould Index VTT preferred. * Awareness of optical, lighting, and daylighting design software such as ...

Designer II

Seattle, WA · On-site

$52K - $74K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We also give back through our volunteerism with our Designing Futures Foundation, which advances ... Working knowledge of firm equipment, software, and documentation systems. * Ability to keep ...

Designer II

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$52K - $74K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We also give back through our volunteerism with our Designing Futures Foundation, which advances ... Working knowledge of firm equipment, software, and documentation systems. * Ability to keep ...

Designer II

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$52K - $74K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We also give back through our volunteerism with our Designing Futures Foundation, which advances ... Working knowledge of firm equipment, software, and documentation systems. * Ability to keep ...

Software Engineer (Starshield)

Redmond, WA

$145K - $175K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government ...

Mechanical Designer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$37 - $74/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mechanical Designer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Mechanical ... software. * Regularly review design group generated documents and propose improvements. Pro ...

RF Silicon Software Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Create fully-validated reference designs (both hardware and software drivers) for new silicon, and support integration into downstream areas such as phased-array panel bring-up, production, and ...

Software Engineer (Starshield)

Redmond, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government ...

Software Engineer (Starshield)

Redmond, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

SOFTWARE ENGINEER (STARSHIELD) Starshield leverages SpaceX's Starlink technology and launch ... While Starlink is designed for consumer and commercial use, Starshield is designed for government ...

RF Silicon Software Engineer (RFIC Engineering)

Redmond, WA · On-site

$140K - $170K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Create fully-validated reference designs (both hardware and software drivers) for new silicon, and support integration into downstream areas such as phased-array panel bring-up, production, and ...

ABOUT THE TEAM The centralized Software Product Design & Research team serves as the connective ... As a Product Designer, you will own the entire lifecycle of design working closely with cross ...

Project Designer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$88K - $117K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Prepares schematic designs that optimize design solutions and plans with responsibility for ... Sketching SOFTWARE * Advanced knowledge of 2D/3D production software * Advanced Revit * Conceptual ...

Showing results 41-60

Software Designer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$12.5K

$106.4K

$159.9K

How much do software designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for software designer in Seattle, WA is $106,426.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $121,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a software designer?

Software Designers are professionals who plan, create, and refine the structure and appearance of software applications. They focus on the user experience, system architecture, and how different components of a program interact. Their responsibilities often include creating design specifications, wireframes, and prototypes, collaborating with developers and stakeholders, and ensuring that the final product meets user and business requirements. Software Designers play a critical role in making software functional, usable, and aesthetically pleasing.

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

To thrive as a Software Designer, you need strong proficiency in software development principles, user experience (UX) design, and an educational background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with design tools like Sketch, Figma, Adobe XD, as well as knowledge of programming languages and version control systems, is typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for creating functional, user-friendly software solutions that meet both technical and user requirements.

How does a software designer typically collaborate with other team members during the development process?

A Software Designer works closely with developers, product managers, and UX/UI designers to ensure that software solutions are both functional and user-friendly. Regular meetings, design reviews, and feedback sessions are common, allowing the designer to communicate requirements, clarify design intentions, and incorporate suggestions from various stakeholders. Effective collaboration often involves using shared tools such as design systems, version control, and project management platforms. This team-oriented approach helps streamline development and ensures that the final product aligns with user needs and business goals.

What does a software designer do?

As a software designer, your role is to create and test software solutions to a set of problems during the early stages of software development. As the designer, your duties are to consider the requirements of the software, which can be done by performing a software requirements analysis, to identify the specific conditions your product needs to meet for a new piece of software to be developed. Once you have completed an SRA, you then design the framework of the application, which developers code into an actual piece of software. You may work closely with software analysts whose job it is to understand problems from the clients or user’s end and convey that to developers with efficiency.

What is the difference between Software Designer vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware DesignerSoftware Developer
Primary RoleFocuses on designing software architecture, user experience, and overall system structureImplements, codes, and tests the software based on designs
Required SkillsDesign principles, system architecture, UX/UI understandingProgramming languages, coding, debugging
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with designers, product managers, and developersWorks mainly on coding and testing
Common CertificationsNone specific, but knowledge of design tools and methodologiesProgramming certifications, such as Microsoft Certified, Java certifications

While both roles are integral to software development, a Software Designer primarily focuses on planning and designing the system, whereas a Software Developer implements and codes the software based on those designs. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the tech industry.

Infographic showing various Software Designer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,426 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

$61K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Opportunity

LUMA, the Architectural Lighting Design group within PAE Engineers, is looking for a creative and technically-minded Lighting Designer I to join our award-winning lighting studio in Seattle. This is an opportunity to explore how light transforms architecture while developing the foundational skills needed for a career in professional lighting design. You will be part of an integrated team that values design intent as much as technical performance. In this role, you will support the design process from initial concept through construction, using everything from hand sketching and physical mock-ups to advanced digital modeling in Revit and AGI. You’ll work closely with project leads to translate ideas into detailed documentation, ensuring that every space we design is both beautiful and functional. If you are a collaborative designer who is open to constructive critique and eager to master the art and science of light, we want to hear from you.

Who We Are 

PAE is an engineering and design firm that turns complex challenges into reality. By leveraging the latest technologies, we solve problems in unique ways, and our designs enable buildings and communities to be more resilient and efficient. PAE is trusted by our clients in every aspect of a project's lifespan, from idea to occupancy. We set ambitious goals backed by analysis to significantly conserve water and energy while balancing costs and long-term operational needs. As a B Corp, we measure success by the benefits our projects provide to our clients, our communities, and our planet. We embrace innovation, transparency, sustainability, and lifelong curiosity.


What You'll Do

•    Develop design and technical skills to increase knowledge and experience required for this position and to grow as a professional lighting designer
•    Support design and production documentation to convey lighting design concepts and design intent using design techniques and software, inducing but not limited to, hand sketching, mock-ups, participation in design charrettes, Revit/BIM production, lighting calculation software (AGI32, LightStanza, etc.)
•    Interact and promote the core values of PAE and professionalism with project team members both internal and external
•    Attend meetings with team members representing PAE under the LUMA brand
•    Complete assigned work on time with instruction from the project leads
•    Support preparation and production of project deliverables with attention to detail
•    Demonstrate accountability as an integral member of the design teams in which you are involved
•    Actively participate in project design and construction phases
•    Participate in lighting industry organizations and events to build supporting professional relationships and knowledge
•    Perform other duties as assigned


What You Bring

•    College Degree required, preferably in Lighting Design, Architecture, Interior Design, or Theatrical Lighting
•    Time management and organization
•    Open and receptive to constructive critique
•    Clear graphic and oral communication of design
•    Ability to work collaboratively with others
•    Experience in Building Information Modeling (BIM), preferred
•    Experience in Adobe Creative Suite (emphasis on Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign)
•    Experience with photometric analysis software (AGi32), preferred
•    Experience with 3D digital design modeling software (Sketchup, 3DS Max, Rhino, or similar), preferred
•    Experience with Microsoft Office Suite


What We Offer 

  • Hiring Base Salary Range: $61,900 - $80,500 annual 
    • This position is eligible for time and a half overtime pay

The base salary is one component of PAE’s competitive compensation package for employees. We take into consideration a variety of factors including but not limited to skills, abilities, experience, education, credentials, internal equity and geographic location in determining exact salary offered. At PAE, employees are eligible for annual compensation reviews based on performance and business needs. The above range represents PAE's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. 

In addition, PAE offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes the following: 

  • Employer paid health insurance (medical, dental, vision) 
  • Annual 401k profit sharing based on company profit for the year and account contribution 
  • Professional development reimbursements including state registration and professional association dues 
  • Employer paid commuter/parking stipend
  • Cell phone stipend 
  • Life insurance and disability benefits 
  • Hybrid work schedule 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • 9 paid holidays including an additional employee-selected day
  • Paid time off for sick leave, family leave, community service, holidays and vacation
  • Time-and-a-half pay for eligible overtime
  • To learn more about our comprehensive benefits package, visit https://www.pae-engineers.com/careers/benefits. This information is provided per the Equal Pay Act

Our commitment to pay equity 

PAE is a JUST label certified company; we demonstrate JUST label requirements within pay equity. Pay scales should meet or exceed applicable legislated wage requirements and industry standards and compensate, on the same basis, all individuals performing the same or similar work and work of equal value. We are committed to the principle of pay equity – paying employees equitably for substantially similar work. To learn more about pay equity and our commitments to equitable business practices, you may view our JUST label certification here: Living Future: Just Label Certification. 

To find out more visit our website.


What We’re Made Of 

Founded in 1967, PAE is a leading sustainable engineering and consulting firm on a mission to deliver clean air, energy, and water for all. We specialize in mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering, building performance analysis, technology design, and lighting design (LUMA). PAE designs some of the nation's highest-performing and most regenerative built environments across the U.S., from Living Buildings to all-electric buildings and beyond. Learn more at pae-engineers.com.

Our portfolio includes over 100 LEED Platinum projects as well as dozens of projects that have either achieved or are pursuing the Living Building Challenge, Passive House, Architecture 2030, Carbon Neutral, Net Zero Energy, and Net Zero Water. 


Fine Print 

Please note that resumes received from third party recruiters or agencies will not be accepted unless requested directly by PAE Talent Acquisition and with a prior signed fee agreement. If candidates without a previously signed recruiter fee agreement are submitted, PAE reserves the right to engage with and hire those candidate(s) without any obligation financial or otherwise to the recruiter or agency.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at PAE will be based on merit, qualifications and abilities. PAE does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical characteristics historically associated with race, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

PAE will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment including: selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination and access to benefits and training. 

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