Design Lead Jobs in Virginia
Design Lead jobs in Virginia are consistently active across the defense technology, federal consulting, and enterprise software sectors, with openings at every level from mid-level designers stepping into leadership through senior design leads overseeing cross-functional teams. The largest concentrations of hiring are in the Northern Virginia corridor around Arlington and Reston, with additional demand in Richmond and the broader Hampton Roads area, where employers like Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, and Capital One maintain substantial design and product organizations. The most in-demand specialties include UX strategy, product design systems, and human-centered design for government-facing digital products. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Design Lead JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 17+ Design Lead jobs
DESCRIPTION
You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
As an ICT Design Engineer, you will be part of a global engineering team, comprised of highly effective Architects, Structural, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Security, and Control Engineers.
At AWS, we're revolutionizing the design of critical communications pathways, spaces, and cabling within our data centers. We're looking for innovative people who can continue raising the bar for our ICT design, accelerating our time to market, and who have a desire for professional growth and continuous learning.
In this role, you’ll work with engineers and managers company-wide to develop solutions for the physical layer. Your responsibilities will include developing pathway, space, and cabling designs, along with specifications for construction and permitting. Additionally, you’ll engage with industry suppliers and manufacturers to define product requirements and explore emerging technologies.
This role offers a chance to apply and expand your expertise in a innovative and collaborative environment, where your contributions directly impact AWS and its customers. Join us in shaping the future of ICT design at AWS.
Key job responsibilities
- Ensure timely delivery of scalable fiber optic & copper plant designs and specifications.
- Review and approve of ICT pathway, cabling and equipment submittals.
- Identify and respond to risks and high-priority issues rapidly and effectively.
- Support new technology and design activities that improve infrastructure quality, reduce cost and installation time.
- Travel 20+% to review projects and coordinate with onsite personnel and contractors at AWS' Data Centers.
- Have fun and offer creative, out of the box solutions.
About the team
Why AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Diverse Experiences
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Mentorship and Career Growth
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience researching new designs, technologies, and construction methods of data center equipment and facilities
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, SharePoint, and PowerPoint)
- Experience in industrial or commercial engineering in mission critical facilities including but not limited to: data centers, power generation or oil and gas facilities
- 2+ years of data center or mission critical facilities (example: hospital, military facility, public safety facility, etc.), or 2+ years of relevant work in a data center or other critical environment experience
- 2+ years of experience developing design documentation (plans, specifications, etc.) for construction and/or permitting.
- 2+ years of working experience with fiber optic components, cabling, and interconnect products, technologies, and standards
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Professional Engineer License
- Experience with building codes and regulations for your region
- Experience carrying design concepts through exploration, development, and into deployment or mass production
- Experience reading, interpreting, and creating construction drawings, specifications, and submittal documents
- Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, and MS Office Suite
- BICSI RCDD Certification or internationally recognized equivalent (e.g. CDCDP, DCDC, etc.)
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, OH, COLUMBUS - 116,800.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, TX, Austin - 116,800.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Herndon - 116,800.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 116,800.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
DESCRIPTION
You’ll join a diverse team of software, hardware, and network engineers, supply chain specialists, security experts, operations managers, and other vital roles. You’ll collaborate with people across AWS to help us deliver the highest standards for safety and security while providing seemingly infinite capacity at the lowest possible cost for our customers. And you’ll experience an inclusive culture that welcomes bold ideas and empowers you to own them to completion.
As an ICT Design Engineer, you will be part of a global engineering team, comprised of highly effective Architects, Structural, Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Security, and Control Engineers.
At AWS, we're revolutionizing the design of critical communications pathways, spaces, and cabling within our data centers. We're looking for innovative people who can continue raising the bar for our ICT design, accelerating our time to market, and who have a desire for professional growth and continuous learning.
In this role, you’ll work with engineers and managers company-wide to develop solutions for the physical layer. Your responsibilities will include developing pathway, space, and cabling designs, along with specifications for construction and permitting. Additionally, you’ll engage with industry suppliers and manufacturers to define product requirements and explore emerging technologies.
This role offers a chance to apply and expand your expertise in a innovative and collaborative environment, where your contributions directly impact AWS and its customers. Join us in shaping the future of ICT design at AWS.
Key job responsibilities
- Ensure timely delivery of scalable fiber optic & copper plant designs and specifications.
- Review and approve of ICT pathway, cabling and equipment submittals.
- Identify and respond to risks and high-priority issues rapidly and effectively.
- Support new technology and design activities that improve infrastructure quality, reduce cost and installation time.
- Travel 20+% to review projects and coordinate with onsite personnel and contractors at AWS' Data Centers.
- Have fun and offer creative, out of the box solutions.
About the team
Why AWS?
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud platform. We pioneered cloud computing and never stopped innovating — that’s why customers from the most successful startups to Global 500 companies trust our robust suite of products and services to power their businesses.
Diverse Experiences
Amazon values diverse experiences. Even if you do not meet all of the preferred qualifications and skills listed in the job description, we encourage candidates to apply. If your career is just starting, hasn’t followed a traditional path, or includes alternative experiences, don’t let it stop you from applying.
Work/Life Balance
We value work-life harmony. Achieving success at work should never come at the expense of sacrifices at home, which is why we strive for flexibility as part of our working culture. When we feel supported in the workplace and at home, there’s nothing we can’t achieve in the cloud.
Inclusive Team Culture
Here at AWS, it’s in our nature to learn and be curious. Our employee-led affinity groups foster a culture of inclusion that empower us to be proud of our differences. Ongoing events and learning experiences, including our Conversations on Race and Ethnicity (CORE) and AmazeCon conferences, inspire us to never stop embracing our uniqueness.
Mentorship and Career Growth
We’re continuously raising our performance bar as we strive to become Earth’s Best Employer. That’s why you’ll find endless knowledge-sharing, mentorship and other career-advancing resources here to help you develop into a better-rounded professional.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience researching new designs, technologies, and construction methods of data center equipment and facilities
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, SharePoint, and PowerPoint)
- Experience in industrial or commercial engineering in mission critical facilities including but not limited to: data centers, power generation or oil and gas facilities
- 2+ years of data center or mission critical facilities (example: hospital, military facility, public safety facility, etc.), or 2+ years of relevant work in a data center or other critical environment experience
- 2+ years of experience developing design documentation (plans, specifications, etc.) for construction and/or permitting.
- 2+ years of working experience with fiber optic components, cabling, and interconnect products, technologies, and standards
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Professional Engineer License
- Experience with building codes and regulations for your region
- Experience carrying design concepts through exploration, development, and into deployment or mass production
- Experience reading, interpreting, and creating construction drawings, specifications, and submittal documents
- Experience with AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, and MS Office Suite
- BICSI RCDD Certification or internationally recognized equivalent (e.g. CDCDP, DCDC, etc.)
Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.
The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.
USA, OH, COLUMBUS - 116,800.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, TX, Austin - 116,800.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, VA, Herndon - 116,800.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
USA, WA, Seattle - 116,800.00 - 160,000.00 USD annually
See All 17 Design Lead Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Lead JobsDesign Lead Jobs by City in Virginia
Where Virginia roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Design Lead Job Market in Virginia
A snapshot from current Virginia openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
- Retail
- Aerospace & Defense
- Technology & Software
- Construction & Real Estate
What Virginia Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in design lead jobs across Virginia.
- Portfolio demonstrating end-to-end UX or product design leadership across shipped projects
- Bachelor's degree in design, human-computer interaction, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated experience mentoring designers and leading cross-functional product teams
- Proficiency in Figma or equivalent design and prototyping tools used in collaborative workflows
- Experience working within agile or iterative development environments alongside engineering teams
- Familiarity with accessibility standards and government or enterprise design compliance requirements
Design Lead Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a design lead in Virginia?
Design lead roles in Virginia do not require a state-issued license, but employers consistently expect a strong portfolio, several years of hands-on UX or product design experience, and evidence of team leadership. Most candidates enter through individual contributor design roles at Virginia-based technology, consulting, or federal contractor firms, then advance by taking ownership of design systems or managing junior designers. Earning recognized credentials such as a certification from the Interaction Design Foundation or a graduate degree in human-computer interaction strengthens candidacy considerably.
How much do design leads make in Virginia?
Design leads in Virginia earn a median of about $101,150 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $64,010 for the lowest 10% to over $165,010 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire design leads in Virginia?
Employers hiring design leads in Virginia right now include Axon, Meta, and Arcadis, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Virginia's dense cluster of federal contractors and technology firms means design lead openings often require familiarity with government product environments or security-conscious design workflows.
Which Virginia cities have the most design lead jobs?
Richmond, Reston, and Herndon account for the largest share of design lead openings in Virginia. Northern Virginia's proximity to federal agencies and the headquarters of major defense and IT contractors drives the highest volume, while Richmond's growing fintech and insurance sectors and Hampton Roads' mix of military and commercial technology employers sustain consistent demand outside the capital corridor.
Are there remote design lead jobs in Virginia?
Yes, and more than many fields. About 38% of design lead openings tied to Virginia are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting how readily design leadership translates to distributed team environments. The portions of the role most commonly conducted remotely include design critique sessions, stakeholder reviews, and design system governance, while in-person presence is more typical for embedded product teams at federal contractor sites.
How can I get hired as a design lead in Virginia with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing a junior or mid-level UX designer role at a Virginia-based federal consulting or enterprise technology firm, then building toward a lead title by owning a workstream or mentoring peers. Large Virginia employers such as Booz Allen Hamilton and Leidos run associate and early-career design programs that bring in candidates with limited professional experience but strong portfolio work or relevant academic backgrounds. Adjacent roles like UX researcher, content strategist, or product manager can also open doors. A focused portfolio demonstrating end-to-end design thinking gives any early-career candidate a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to design lead jobs in Virginia?
You can find and apply to design lead jobs in Virginia on Migrate Mate, which lists current Virginia openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, find the ones that fit your background and preferences, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 17 Design Lead Jobs in Virginia
Find roles in Virginia that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Lead Jobs