Principal Designer - Design Systems

As the nation's largest community credit union, we begin every day focused on delivering superior financial products and services for our 1.3 million members and more than $30 billion in managed assets. Our work has an economic impact as we support our members' financial goals. We are unapologetic about being devoted to our members and the communities we serve. Our business is guided by our people helping people philosophy – which includes our team members. 
BECU has been in business for more than 85 years, driven by unwavering core values and a dedication to improving the communities we serve. While we have a rich history, the future of our company, accelerated by business and technology transformation, is even brighter. There's never been a better time to work for BECU.

To learn more visit becu.org/careers.

PAY RANGE

The Target Pay Range for this position is $162,600.00-$198,600.00 annually. The full Pay Range is $126,000.00 - $235,100.00 annually. At BECU, compensation decisions are determined using factors such as relevant job-related skills, experience, and education or training. Should an offer for employment be made, we will consider individual qualifications. In addition to your salary, compensation incentives are available for the hired applicant. Incentives are performance based and targets vary by role.

BENEFITS

Employees and their eligible family members have access to a wide array of employee benefits, such as medical, dental, vision and life insurance coverage. Employees have access to disability and AD&D insurance. We also offer health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts, as well as health savings accounts, to eligible employees. Employees are able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan and employer-funded retirement plan. Newly hired employees accrue 6.16 hours of paid time off (PTO) on a per pay period basis based on hours worked (up to a maximum of 160 PTO hours per year) and receive ten paid holidays throughout the calendar year. Additional details regarding BECU Benefits can be found here.

IMPACT YOU’LL MAKE:

As the Principal Designer – Design Systems, you’ll play a critical role in shaping BECU’s design system, directly influencing how our digital products come to life. Your work will help create a cohesive, seamless user experience across all touchpoints by leading the development and maintenance of reusable design components. By driving consistency and innovation, you’ll not only enhance the efficiency and quality of our digital products but also inspire your colleagues to elevate their design practices. As a leader and mentor, you’ll be a catalyst for growth and a key driver in establishing design excellence across the organization.

***This role is eligible for remote work in WA, OR, ID, AZ, TX, SC, GA.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Lead the Design System Vision: You will take ownership of developing, maintaining, and expanding BECU’s design system, setting the strategic direction for reusable components, style guides, and design standards. Your leadership will ensure that the design system is consistent, aesthetically pleasing, and accessible across all digital platforms.

• Collaborate for Seamless Integration: Work closely with product owners, developers, and researchers to integrate the design system into various platforms and products. You’ll drive adoption by advocating for the system, communicating its value, and aligning stakeholders on design goals and outcomes.

• Mentor and Support Teams: As a mentor and resource, you will guide designers and engineers in effectively utilizing the design system. You’ll promote best practices, encourage collaboration, and foster a culture of continuous learning, ensuring the design system supports scalability and innovation.

• Develop Clear Processes and Workflows: You will create and communicate transparent workflows for updating, documenting, and testing the design system. By establishing clear processes and maintaining open lines of communication with the design team, you’ll ensure the system is evolving based on user feedback and needs.

• Stay Ahead of Trends: Keep up with industry trends, emerging technologies, and new design tools. Lead the ongoing iteration of the design system, adapting it to meet the evolving needs of BECU and our members.

• Enhance the User Experience: Implement scalable design components that improve the user experience and streamline collaboration across teams. You’ll identify gaps in the system, conduct user research, and continuously improve design frameworks to ensure they meet both business and user needs.

• Measure Impact and Optimize: Track the effectiveness of the design system using KPIs such as design consistency, accessibility, and user engagement. You’ll regularly audit the system, making adjustments as needed to ensure that it continues to meet high standards of excellence and achieves desired outcomes.

• Advocate for Design Excellence: Champion the design system’s impact on business goals, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and gaining support from cross-functional teams. Your advocacy will help drive the system’s ongoing evolution and ensure it remains a vital asset for the organization.

This isn’t just about ticking off tasks on a list. It's about making a significant, positive change in BECU’s journey, where your contributions are valued, and your growth is continually fostered.

WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:

• The opportunity to shape and influence the future of BECU’s design system, ensuring its relevance and impact across all digital platforms.

• A collaborative, growth-oriented environment where your ideas and contributions are encouraged and celebrated.

• The chance to mentor and guide talented teams, fostering a culture of design excellence and continuous improvement.

• Hands-on experience with cutting-edge design tools and methodologies, helping you stay at the forefront of the design industry.

• An opportunity to measure and showcase the real-world impact of your work on business success and user experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in Human-Centered Design, Interaction Design, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.

• Typically requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in UI/UX design and research with direct experience in building and managing design systems, including scalable, reusable components.

• Experience with industry-standard design tools (e.g., Figma, Sketch).

• Experience with accessibility standards.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced degree.

• Proven ability to collaborate with engineering teams on the technical feasibility and implementation of design components.

• Knowledge of design tokens and component-based design methodologies.

• Experience in ensuring design components meet inclusive design practices.

• Expertise with most recently published WCAG guidelines with demonstrated experience using guidelines to inform design decisions and product priorities.

• Expertise with multiple methods of user research.

• Exceptional leadership and mentoring skills, with a proven track record of guiding designers and engineers in using design systems effectively.

• Exceptional communication skills, with a history of successfully guiding and mentoring cross-functional teams, including both designers and engineers.

JOIN THE JOURNEY:

Ready to make an indelible impact? Eager to be a part of a collaborative and innovative team where your ideas and contributions don’t just fill a role, but fuel the growth and success of BECU? This is more than a job – it’s a chance to elevate your career, skills, and future, all while contributing to the robust technological landscape of BECU.

Embrace the opportunity to grow with us. Apply now, bring your expertise to the table, and let’s achieve excellence together at BECU. Your journey of influence, innovation, and impactful contribution starts now. #BECU #YourGrowth #BECUJourney

EEO Statement:

BECU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.