Instrument - Design Director (Freelance)

Product Designer is needed in United States.

Client: Instrument

Location: Remote

Contract: Contract

Job Description

Instrument is a digitally native design and technology company that focuses on helping brands unlock their full potential. We have partnered with leading brands like Google, Nike, and Uber to create impactful digital experiences. We are looking for a freelance Design Director to lead the redesign of two large-scale websites for a major furniture brand, ensuring a cohesive design system across both platforms. This role requires leadership in guiding a team of designers while being hands-on in the work.

Contract: 3/19 - 6/26

Hours: 40 hrs/week

Location: Remote (U.S. preferred)

What You’ll Do

• Lead design direction across two concurrent website redesigns.
• Define and evolve a shared design system, including components, patterns, and templates.
• Guide and mentor a team of designers and provide feedback to elevate the work.
• Partner closely with product, engineering, and production to ensure quality in execution.
• Review flows, wireframes, and high-fidelity designs for craft and usability.
• Establish best practices for responsive design, accessibility, and component-based thinking.
• Drive alignment with stakeholders, articulating design rationale and decisions.
• Identify risks, gaps, or inconsistencies and proactively solve for them.
• Balance speed and quality in a fast-paced environment.

What You’ll Bring

• 8+ years of experience in digital product or web design, including time in a Design Director or Lead role.
• Proven experience leading large-scale website redesigns, ideally for enterprise or eCommerce brands.
• Strong expertise in design systems and component-based design.
• A portfolio demonstrating high-level design direction and hands-on execution.
• Experience managing and mentoring designers.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills, particularly with engineering and product teams.
• Ability to clearly articulate design decisions to stakeholders and clients.
• High attention to detail with a passion for craft, interaction, and usability.

Pay Range

• The expected pay range for this role is $103 - $122 per hour based on the US 3 pay range.
• Pay varies by region, with US 3 as the base pay. Examples of US 3 cities include Portland, Houston, and Miami.
• US 2 pay is 7.5% higher than US 3, with cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle.
• US 1 pay is 15% higher than US 3, including cities like Brooklyn and San Francisco.
• If you’re unsure of your regional pay band, apply to connect with our recruiting team.