Design Systems Lead [AQ-11567]

We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate individual to drive the evolution of our comprehensive design system. This role directly influences the creation of cohesive, accessible, and intuitive user experiences that impact millions, ensuring our digital products are both beautiful and highly functional across all platforms.

To be considered for this role, you must be authorized to work in the United States, not require sponsorship of any kind for the duration of the assignment, and be able to work on a W-2 basis (C2C or 1099 is not permitted).

Responsibilities

• Apply a comprehensive suite of design methodologies, including accessibility, user research, UX, interaction, and visual design, to validate design direction and produce high-fidelity comps, assets, and UI toolkits.
• Master the art of evoking our organizational brand identity across both native applications and web platforms, ensuring a consistent and compelling user experience.
• Collaborate closely with accessibility experts to define, meet, and continuously evolve accessibility requirements, ensuring inclusive design for all users.
• Partner seamlessly with engineering teams throughout the entire design and development lifecycle of our design system.
• Work alongside engineers to refine features, craft detailed user stories, and meticulously prepare design system components for successful release.
• Champion innovation by proposing new approaches, optimizing workflows, and introducing cutting-edge tools to enhance team efficiency and output.
• Lead impactful design reviews, articulating design decisions and rationale with confidence to team members and stakeholders across all organizational levels.
• Empower designers and developers through comprehensive onboarding, providing 1-on-1 training and engaging group presentations on the effective utilization of the design system.
• Mentor and guide internal contributors on best practices for identifying and proposing new web styles and components, fostering a culture of contribution.

Requirements

• Over 7 years of progressive experience in UX, interaction, product, and/or visual design, with a minimum of 3 years dedicated to hands-on contributions to a robust design system.
• Proven ability to design and implement solutions across diverse platforms, including native mobile (iOS, Android) and responsive web, demonstrating a deep understanding of platform-specific conventions and standards.
• Advanced proficiency in core design principles such as typography, iconography, color theory, and grid systems, coupled with hands-on expertise in leading design tools and their library functionalities.
• A compelling work portfolio showcasing your ability to synthesize diverse inputs (user insights, business objectives, technical constraints) into elegant and creative problem-solving solutions.
• A solid and comprehensive understanding of design system methodologies, encompassing their purpose, core components, and documentation best practices.
• Strong foundational knowledge and appreciation for front-end development practices, understanding the intricacies from design hand-off to implementation decisions.
• Demonstrated real-world experience in implementing accessibility and inclusive design principles to create experiences usable by everyone.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, capable of articulating complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

Skills

• Experience in crafting designs for large-scale, enterprise-level products within a dynamic agile development environment.
• Prior experience contributing to or leading a large-scale design system that seamlessly integrates design assets with functional coded components.
• Familiarity with designing within regulated industries, particularly healthcare, and/or extensive experience with B2C digital experiences.

Benefits

• Subsidized health, vision, and dental benefits (up to 85% subsidy).
• Access to Fidelity 401(k) and FSA Program.
• Paid sick leave.
• Retirement plans with a match.
• Free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.
• Resume and portfolio review, plus interview preparation.