Software Design Director
$140,000–$200,000 year
Hybrid · Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
Job Summary
Software Design Director at IDEO in Cambridge leads cross-disciplinary digital design efforts, guiding large-scale projects, shaping client interactions, and delivering end-to-end design solutions. Responsibilities include driving project scoping, timelines, and RFP framing; producing client-facing materials using tools like Figma, Adobe XD, and Webflow with a focus on accessibility and usability; delivering responsive layouts, interactive components, and immersive interfaces; managing design workflows, milestones, and quality benchmarks; mentoring junior designers; contributing to internal standards and knowledge sharing; participating in business development and client presentations; and exploring emerging technologies (e.g., XR, realtime rendering) to inform design decisions. The role emphasizes collaboration across design, engineering, and research, with leadership in rapid iteration, user testing, and design validation, all while balancing budget and timeline expectations. Partial telecommuting (2 days/week) alongside on-site work (Cambridge, MA) and up to 30% travel for client research.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree or U.S. equivalent in Computer Science, Architecture, Design, or related field; plus 3 years of professional experience as a Core Engineer, Computer Scientist, Designer or any occupation involving user-centered experiences, products, and services
- 3 years of professional experience utilizing C# in Unity VR development
- 3 years of professional experience using React.js for web frontend
- 3 years of professional experience with Arduino for IoT
- 3 years of professional experience in electrical engineering, microcontrollers, sensors, creative coding, and robotics
- 3 years of professional experience creating connected installations, experiences, and augmented objects
- 3 years of professional experience performing hardware prototyping, integration, firmware development, wireless/network connectivity, and sketching/rough prototyping
- 3 years of professional experience performing product management, including prioritizing features, pacing the process, and defining a product roadmap
- 3 years of professional experience utilizing computer vision, machine learning, augmented/mixed reality, and Large Language Models (LLMs)
- 3 years of professional experience creating immersive experiences, games, or interactive narratives
- 3 years of professional experience applying physics or computer graphics to 2D, 3D, or VR, with front-end technology tools (including Unity)
- 3 years of professional experience constructing interdependent, multi-faceted systems, and performing information flow, inputs and outputs, choice, behavior, and feedback
- 3 years of professional experience translating technical terms to a wide audience
- 3 years of professional experience winning new work for a consulting company by applying technical creative coding and business knowledge of business development processes, systems, and client engagements
- 3 years of professional experience managing complex projects for interdisciplinary teams
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