Design Lead Jobs in Washington
Design Lead jobs in Washington are among the most active in the country, concentrated in technology, consumer products, enterprise software, and aerospace industries with openings at every level from mid-level practitioners through principal and director-track roles. Seattle and Bellevue anchor the market, with Redmond and the broader Eastside corridor adding significant volume, and companies like Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing maintaining consistent, long-standing demand for design leads across UX, product design, and design systems specialties. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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TerraPower is a nuclear technology company based in Bellevue, Washington. At its core, the company is working to raise living standards globally through a more affordable, secure, and environmentally friendly form of nuclear energy along with innovations in medical isotopes to improve human health. In 2006, TerraPower originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world. They recognized energy access was crucial to the health and economic well-being of communities and decided that the private sector needed to take action and create energy sources that would advance global energy deployment. TerraPower's mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field. As a result, the company's activities in the fields of nuclear energy and related sciences are yielding significant innovations in the safety and economics of nuclear power, hybrid energy and medical applications – all for significant human health benefits."
TerraPower is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced nuclear reactor research and development and influencing change within the nuclear power landscape and bringing forward the critical production of medical isotopes. TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Design Lead, Reactor Components
The Reactor Components Design Lead reports directly to the Reactor Enclosure System Manager and is focused on the design of reactor mechanical components and structures. In this role, you will act as a Lead Design Engineer supporting TerraPower's Natrium project. The successful candidate will integrate and coordinate with engineers working on the reactor and interfacing systems as part of a high-performing team of engineers and scientists.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for coordinating a geographically diverse design team to develop design of reactor equipment and supporting engineering documentation. The team members include TerraPower employees, subcontracted resources, equipment suppliers, construction organizations, and customers.
- Lead the design activities of a set of integral reactor components from requirements specification through final design and component fabrication and assembly.
- Develop and oversee development of component analyses, such as thermal, seismic, structural, creep, radiation shielding, and other analyses performed by team members required for the design.
- Perform technical review and oversight of engineering products within scope of control and ensure integration with the overall reactor design.
- Design to and comply with project codes of record, including ASME BPVC Sect III Div 5.
- Interface with component fabricators and reactor assembler to incorporate design for manufacturability and assembly criteria including control manufacturing and fabrication sequences, technique, details, and modularization.
- Evaluate application of regulatory criteria, codes and standards, industry guidance, and design programs to complex mechanical design challenges.
- Lead teams in the creation and revision of drawing packages supporting design analysis, manufacturing, fabrication, interfaces, etc.
- Interface with design disciplines (such as mechanical, instrumentation and controls, civil, and nuclear) to identify and develop detailed equipment interface controls and specify equipment design criteria envelopes.
- Provide technical direction and oversight of supplier activities, working with or as the technical representative to ensure delivery of deliverables, as well as coordination and performance of technical reviews of deliverables.
- Propose and facilitate testing programs for equipment qualification, as needed
- Provide support and oversight during test execution, evaluation of test results, and reporting of test results.
- Lead planning efforts and manage detailed schedule activity execution for design activities within a team and across organizational boundaries.
- Interface with and support licensing activities associated with Safety Analysis Reports and regulatory submittals.
- Lead design reviews for major milestones and periodic assessment points to verify compliance and completeness of design.
Key Qualifications and Skills
- B.S. in Mechanical or related discipline from an accredited university and 10+ years direct experience with proven mechanical systems skills.
- Demonstrated experience in leading mechanical design of complex structures and equipment in high temperature and multi-discipline integration.
- Working knowledge of the ASME Sect III Code is highly desired.
- Demonstrated diverse and robust experience in leading mechanical design of complex structures and equipment in high temperature and multi-discipline integration. Previous experience with nuclear mechanical components, nuclear reactor equipment, or similar design is highly desired.
- Excellent technical writing, communication, and presentation skills.
- Candidate must be a self-starter and possess ability to coordinate and lead a design team's effort with minimal direction.
- Ability to manage design activities that include many competing objectives and design constraints, with ability to resolve conflicts between objectives.
- Experience working to quality standards on design activities, such as ASME NQA-1 or ISO 9001.
- The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, able to communicate openly, and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork.
This position is subject to qualification requirements in accordance with ANSI/ANS 3.1. Candidates must meet the minimum education and experience criteria applicable to the role, including relevant nuclear industry experience where required. Verification of data will be part of the hiring process.
Job Functions:
Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation. Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations. An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.
- Motor Abilities: Sitting for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
- Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds.
- Repetitive work: Prolonged
- Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work
- Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hours/day
- Travel required 0-10%
TerraPower's technology is controlled for export by various agencies of the U.S. Government. TerraPower must evaluate applicants who are foreign nationals (other than asylees, refugees, or lawful permanent residents) in accordance with U.S. Government export control requirements. To facilitate TerraPower's export control reviews, you will be asked as part of the application process to identify whether you are a U.S. Citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident of the United States. Government export authorization approval times vary. Based on the business needs for a particular position, TerraPower may not consider a foreign national from a country if it is impracticable to obtain timely Government export approval.
Job details
Salary Range: $153,862 – $205,149
Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. This range is specific to Washington State.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Competitive Compensation
- Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments
- Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits
- Medical
- Vision
- Dental
- Life and Disability
- Gender Affirmation Benefits
- Parental Leave
- 401k Plan
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 21 days of annually accrued PTO
- Generous Holiday Schedule
- 10 paid holidays
- Relocation Assistance
- Professional and Educational Support Opportunities
TerraPower Career and Benefits information: https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/
TerraPower is a nuclear technology company based in Bellevue, Washington. At its core, the company is working to raise living standards globally through a more affordable, secure, and environmentally friendly form of nuclear energy along with innovations in medical isotopes to improve human health. In 2006, TerraPower originated with Bill Gates and a group of like-minded visionaries who evaluated the fundamental challenges to raising living standards around the world. They recognized energy access was crucial to the health and economic well-being of communities and decided that the private sector needed to take action and create energy sources that would advance global energy deployment. TerraPower's mission is to be a world leader in new nuclear technologies, while developing innovators and future leaders in the nuclear field. As a result, the company's activities in the fields of nuclear energy and related sciences are yielding significant innovations in the safety and economics of nuclear power, hybrid energy and medical applications – all for significant human health benefits."
TerraPower is seeking to hire highly motivated and forward-thinking professionals who are interested in focusing on advanced nuclear reactor research and development and influencing change within the nuclear power landscape and bringing forward the critical production of medical isotopes. TerraPower is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Design Lead, Reactor Components
The Reactor Components Design Lead reports directly to the Reactor Enclosure System Manager and is focused on the design of reactor mechanical components and structures. In this role, you will act as a Lead Design Engineer supporting TerraPower's Natrium project. The successful candidate will integrate and coordinate with engineers working on the reactor and interfacing systems as part of a high-performing team of engineers and scientists.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for coordinating a geographically diverse design team to develop design of reactor equipment and supporting engineering documentation. The team members include TerraPower employees, subcontracted resources, equipment suppliers, construction organizations, and customers.
- Lead the design activities of a set of integral reactor components from requirements specification through final design and component fabrication and assembly.
- Develop and oversee development of component analyses, such as thermal, seismic, structural, creep, radiation shielding, and other analyses performed by team members required for the design.
- Perform technical review and oversight of engineering products within scope of control and ensure integration with the overall reactor design.
- Design to and comply with project codes of record, including ASME BPVC Sect III Div 5.
- Interface with component fabricators and reactor assembler to incorporate design for manufacturability and assembly criteria including control manufacturing and fabrication sequences, technique, details, and modularization.
- Evaluate application of regulatory criteria, codes and standards, industry guidance, and design programs to complex mechanical design challenges.
- Lead teams in the creation and revision of drawing packages supporting design analysis, manufacturing, fabrication, interfaces, etc.
- Interface with design disciplines (such as mechanical, instrumentation and controls, civil, and nuclear) to identify and develop detailed equipment interface controls and specify equipment design criteria envelopes.
- Provide technical direction and oversight of supplier activities, working with or as the technical representative to ensure delivery of deliverables, as well as coordination and performance of technical reviews of deliverables.
- Propose and facilitate testing programs for equipment qualification, as needed
- Provide support and oversight during test execution, evaluation of test results, and reporting of test results.
- Lead planning efforts and manage detailed schedule activity execution for design activities within a team and across organizational boundaries.
- Interface with and support licensing activities associated with Safety Analysis Reports and regulatory submittals.
- Lead design reviews for major milestones and periodic assessment points to verify compliance and completeness of design.
Key Qualifications and Skills
- B.S. in Mechanical or related discipline from an accredited university and 10+ years direct experience with proven mechanical systems skills.
- Demonstrated experience in leading mechanical design of complex structures and equipment in high temperature and multi-discipline integration.
- Working knowledge of the ASME Sect III Code is highly desired.
- Demonstrated diverse and robust experience in leading mechanical design of complex structures and equipment in high temperature and multi-discipline integration. Previous experience with nuclear mechanical components, nuclear reactor equipment, or similar design is highly desired.
- Excellent technical writing, communication, and presentation skills.
- Candidate must be a self-starter and possess ability to coordinate and lead a design team's effort with minimal direction.
- Ability to manage design activities that include many competing objectives and design constraints, with ability to resolve conflicts between objectives.
- Experience working to quality standards on design activities, such as ASME NQA-1 or ISO 9001.
- The successful candidate will possess a high degree of trust and integrity, able to communicate openly, and display respect and a desire to foster teamwork.
This position is subject to qualification requirements in accordance with ANSI/ANS 3.1. Candidates must meet the minimum education and experience criteria applicable to the role, including relevant nuclear industry experience where required. Verification of data will be part of the hiring process.
Job Functions:
Job Functions are physical actions and/or working conditions associated with the position. These functions may also constitute essential functions for the job which the employee must be able to fulfill, with or without accommodation. Information provided below is to help describe the job so that the applicant has a reasonable understanding of the job duties/expectations. An applicant's ability to perform and/or tolerate these actions and conditions will be discussed and workplace accommodations may be made on a case-by-case basis following an individualized assessment of the applicant and other considerations, including but not limited to any governing safety standards.
- Motor Abilities: Sitting for extended periods, bending/stooping, grasping/gripping, fine motor control (hands)
- Physical exertion and/or requirements: Minimal, with ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds.
- Repetitive work: Prolonged
- Special Senses: Visual and audio focused work
- Work Conditions: Stairs, typing/keyboard, standard and/or sitting working environment of >8 hours/day
- Travel required 0-10%
TerraPower's technology is controlled for export by various agencies of the U.S. Government. TerraPower must evaluate applicants who are foreign nationals (other than asylees, refugees, or lawful permanent residents) in accordance with U.S. Government export control requirements. To facilitate TerraPower's export control reviews, you will be asked as part of the application process to identify whether you are a U.S. Citizen or national, asylee, refugee, or lawful permanent resident of the United States. Government export authorization approval times vary. Based on the business needs for a particular position, TerraPower may not consider a foreign national from a country if it is impracticable to obtain timely Government export approval.
Job details
Salary Range: $153,862 – $205,149
Any salary offered within the posted salary band is based on market data and commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. This range is specific to Washington State.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Competitive Compensation
- Salary, eligible to participate in discretionary short-term incentive payments
- Comprehensive Medical and Wellness Benefits
- Medical
- Vision
- Dental
- Life and Disability
- Gender Affirmation Benefits
- Parental Leave
- 401k Plan
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 21 days of annually accrued PTO
- Generous Holiday Schedule
- 10 paid holidays
- Relocation Assistance
- Professional and Educational Support Opportunities
TerraPower Career and Benefits information: https://www.terrapower.com/contact-us/careers/
See All 17 Design Lead Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Lead JobsDesign Lead Jobs by City in Washington
Where Washington roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Design Lead Job Market in Washington
A snapshot from current Washington openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Government & Public Sector
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Washington Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in design lead jobs across Washington.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in interaction design, product design, or a related field
- Five or more years of design experience with at least two years leading design teams or projects
- Portfolio demonstrating end-to-end product design work across multiple shipped products
- Proficiency in Figma, Sketch, or comparable industry-standard design and prototyping tools
- Experience collaborating cross-functionally with product managers, engineers, and research teams
- Familiarity with design systems, accessibility standards, and scalable component libraries
Design Lead Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a design lead in Washington?
Design lead is not a state-licensed role in Washington, so the path runs through education and experience rather than a government credential. Most Washington employers expect a degree in interaction design, visual design, product design, or a closely related field, followed by several years of hands-on design work before moving into a lead capacity. Building a strong portfolio of shipped work and developing experience with cross-functional teams are the clearest signals Washington hiring managers look for.
How much do design leads make in Washington?
Design leads in Washington earn a median of about $121,170 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,690 for the lowest 10% to over $215,900 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire design leads in Washington?
Employers hiring design leads in Washington right now include Rippling, WSP, and TerraPower, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Washington's concentration of large technology headquarters and enterprise software companies means design lead openings appear consistently throughout the year rather than in seasonal bursts.
Which Washington cities have the most design lead jobs?
Seattle, Bellevue, and Lacey have the most design lead openings in Washington. Seattle leads because of its dense concentration of technology companies and creative agencies headquartered there, while Bellevue and Redmond draw significant volume from major enterprise and consumer technology campuses that maintain large in-house design organizations on the Eastside.
Are there remote design lead jobs in Washington?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 88% of design lead openings tied to Washington are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, reflecting how naturally the role translates to distributed work. Strategic and conceptual design work, design critiques, and stakeholder presentations adapt well to remote formats, while hands-on prototyping sessions and workshop facilitation tend to draw teams on-site.
How can I get hired as a design lead in Washington with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is landing an individual contributor product or UX designer role first and building toward informal leadership from there. Large Washington technology employers frequently run structured new-grad programs and associate designer tracks where early-career candidates can progress quickly. Transitioning from adjacent roles such as UX researcher, visual designer, or content designer is common. A portfolio that shows systems thinking and cross-functional collaboration gives Washington candidates a concrete edge in competitive applicant pools.
Where can I find and apply to design lead jobs in Washington?
You can find and apply to design lead jobs in Washington on Migrate Mate, which lists current Washington openings. Find the roles that fit your experience and apply directly to each one.
See All 17 Design Lead Jobs in Washington
Find roles in Washington that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Lead Jobs