Principal Designer

About Schema

Schema is a creative technology firm pioneering the next generation of intelligent interfaces for frontier technologies. At the intersection of data, design, and AI, we create tools and experiences that transform complex information into actionable insights. Our mission is to bridge the gap between emerging technologies and real-world applications through human-centered design and design engineering.

We work with forward-thinking organizations across sectors including technology, healthcare, finance, and government to design intelligent systems that amplify human capability. Our work spans strategic design, data visualization, and intelligent interface design.

What We Offer

• Work on cutting-edge projects at the intersection of design, AI, and data
• Shape the design practice and culture of a lean, high-performing team
• Contribute to Schema Labs, our public R&D initiative exploring intelligent interfaces
• Collaborate with senior strategists and technologists on complex, meaningful problems
• Flexible hybrid work environment in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Professional development and conference opportunities

The Opportunity

Schema is seeking a Principal Designer to join our Seattle-based team and help lead our design practice. As a senior design leader, you'll drive design strategy for complex client engagements, mentor designers, and shape how Schema approaches intelligent interface design. You'll work directly with clients and internal teams to transform ambiguous problems into elegant, actionable solutions.

This role requires deep expertise in interaction design, data visualization, or systems design, combined with the strategic thinking and leadership capabilities to guide projects from concept through execution. You'll have significant autonomy to shape the direction of your work while contributing to the growth and evolution of Schema's design practice.

We're open to hiring at either the Senior or Principal level depending on experience and fit. The ideal candidate will have the skills and mindset to operate at a senior leadership level, with room to grow into greater responsibility over time.

We're looking for someone who is equally comfortable facilitating strategic workshops with C-suite stakeholders, designing sophisticated information systems, and mentoring emerging designers. This is an opportunity to do the best work of your career at a firm committed to design excellence and technological innovation.

Responsibilities

Design Leadership

• Lead design strategy and execution for client engagements with complex, ambiguous requirements
• Define design approaches, frameworks, and methodologies for intelligent interface projects
• Present and defend design decisions to senior client stakeholders
• Contribute to business development through proposal development and client presentations

Craft & Execution

• Design sophisticated data visualizations, intelligent interfaces, and information systems
• Create design systems and frameworks that scale across products and platforms
• Prototype and validate design concepts through rapid iteration and user testing
• Ensure design quality and consistency across projects

Practice Building

• Mentor and support other designers on the team
• Contribute to Schema's design process, standards, and culture
• Participate in thought leadership through Schema Labs prototypes, case studies, or speaking engagements
• Stay current with emerging technologies, particularly AI/ML, and their implications for interface design

Collaboration

• Partner closely with technology and strategy leads on multidisciplinary projects
• Facilitate collaborative design processes with clients and internal teams
• Bridge technical constraints and business goals through thoughtful design solutions

Required Qualifications

Experience

• 7+ years of experience in interaction design, data visualization, or related field
• Proven track record leading design for complex, ambiguous problems
• Experience designing for data-intensive or AI/ML-powered applications
• Portfolio demonstrating sophisticated design thinking and craft excellence
• History of successful client engagements and stakeholder management

Skills

• Expert proficiency with Figma and modern design tools
• Strong information design and data visualization capabilities
• Ability to design across multiple platforms (web, mobile, embedded)
• Experience creating and maintaining design systems
• Excellent visual design skills with attention to typography, layout, and hierarchy
• Rapid prototyping skills (from sketches to high-fidelity interactive prototypes)
• Understanding of front-end web technologies (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)

Leadership & Communication

• Ability to mentor and guide other designers
• Strong presentation and storytelling skills
• Comfortable facilitating workshops and leading collaborative design sessions
• Clear written communication for documentation and client deliverables
• Experience working effectively in multidisciplinary teams with engineers and strategists

Mindset

• Systems thinker who can see both details and big picture
• Comfortable with ambiguity and iterative, research-driven design processes
• Passionate about emerging technologies, particularly AI and intelligent systems
• Committed to design quality and craft excellence
• Collaborative leader who elevates the work of others

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing AI/ML interfaces or decision support systems
• Background in human-computer interaction (HCI) research or practice
• Familiarity with D3.js or other data visualization frameworks
• Experience with Observable, Jupyter, or other computational notebooks
• Public speaking or writing experience
• Graduate degree in Design, HCI, or related field

Work Location

This is a hybrid role based in Seattle, WA. You'll work from our Capitol Hill office and have flexibility for remote work. We expect regular in-person collaboration with the team while supporting flexibility for focused individual work.

Schema is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.