Logo
Strategic Data Systems, Inc.

Instructional Designer Level 3

Strategic Data Systems, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, 45208

Save Job

Design System Architect (Instructional Designer Level 3 Equivalent) Location:

Cincinnati, OH – Blue Ash

About SDS For over three decades,

Strategic Data Systems (SDS)

has been a trusted technology consulting partner delivering innovation and transformation to Fortune 100 enterprises, mid-sized businesses, and startups. SDS empowers developers, designers, and architects to craft cutting‑edge solutions that address critical business challenges. If you’re passionate about design systems, user experience, and collaboration, SDS is the place where your skills will thrive.

Position Summary We are seeking a

Design System Architect

to lead the evolution and maintenance of a scalable, unified design system that powers consistent, accessible, and high‑quality digital experiences across multiple platforms (Web, iOS, and Android). This role requires a blend of visual design excellence, technical systems thinking, and cross‑functional collaboration. You will act as the connective tissue between designers and engineers — ensuring design consistency, accessibility compliance, and seamless implementation across products.

Key Responsibilities 1. Design System Architecture & Maintenance

Build, evolve, and manage component libraries across digital platforms.

Govern over 100+ UI components — ensuring scalability, modularity, and design integrity.

Partner with engineering teams to ensure parity between design specifications and production components.

Intake and evaluate component requests to ensure alignment with design standards and accessibility guidelines.

2. Documentation & Governance

Maintain comprehensive documentation that defines usage, structure, states, and interactions of components.

Author clear and scalable component guidelines that align with development frameworks and naming conventions.

Manage documentation in tools such as

Figma, ZeroHeight, and Storybook

for consistent access and cross‑team alignment.

3. Modernization & System Evolution

Implement advanced

Figma techniques

(component properties, variables, tokens, auto‑layout).

Establish and maintain

design tokens

for rapid scalability and theme management.

Drive modernization of libraries to align with emerging UX patterns and next‑generation UI paradigms.

4. Collaboration & Accessibility

Collaborate with developers, accessibility experts, and brand teams to ensure parity and compliance.

Advocate for

WCAG standards

and inclusive design principles.

Support teams in applying the design system correctly and consistently.

Required Skills & Qualifications

5+ years

of experience in UX/UI design, design systems, or digital product design.

Proven success building and maintaining

large‑scale design systems

across multiple platforms.

Expert‑level Figma proficiency

– components, variants, properties, auto‑layout, and tokens.

Strong grasp of

design architecture , modular systems, and scalable frameworks.

Knowledge of

accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1)

and inclusive design.

Experience with

design‑to‑dev handoff

tools (Figma, Storybook, ZeroHeight).

Understanding of

front‑end frameworks

(React, SwiftUI, Jetpack Compose).

Excellent

communication and documentation skills ; able to collaborate across disciplines.

Nice‑to‑Have

Prior experience with enterprise‑scale design systems in retail, eCommerce, or consumer products.

Familiarity with component‑driven development environments and design tokens automation.Experience mentoring other designers or leading cross‑functional design initiatives.

What You'll Get SDS, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Competitive base salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage

Optional life and disability insurance provided401(k) with a company match and optional profit sharing

Paid vacation time

Paid Bench time

Training allowance offering

You'll be eligible to earn referral bonuses!

#J-18808-Ljbffr