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.