Lead Designer, Design Systems & Structures

Summary

At Apple, extraordinary ideas become products, services, and experiences that shape culture. Bring passion and precision to your craft, and there's no limit to what you can build.

The Content Design team supports Apple Services products and defines the content experience across some of Apple's most visible products. We focus on how people consume, create and connect across all our applications. We are looking for a lead Designer to shape the systems and structures that define how content and brand comes to life across Apple's Services. This is a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of design, systems thinking, and emerging technology, helping define the next generation of signature Apple content experiences.

Description

As a lead on the Design Systems & Structures team, you will set the strategic direction for content design systems and formats across Services lines of business, partner closely with cross-functional teams, and bring a rigorous, human-centered approach to building scalable frameworks that uphold Apple's standards of quality and craft.
Description
- Lead the design, development, and evolution of content design systems used across Apple Services
- Define and operationalize cohesive content structures that reflect Apple's signature voice, style, and experience principles
- Leverage AI tools, design tools, and emerging technologies to advance the efficiency and quality of content design at scale
- Partner with design, engineering, product, and business teams to ensure systems are adopted, maintained, and continuously improved
- Support the exploration and development of new content formats across Services
- Mentor and guide IC designers, raising the craft and capability of the team
- Synthesize complex, cross-functional requirements into clear, elegant design system solutions

Responsibilities

You will be a systems thinker who finds clarity in complexity and can translate broad strategic goals into actionable frameworks
A seasoned content design and UX leader with a strong portfolio demonstrating design systems work at scale
Deeply fluent in design tools and current in your knowledge of AI-powered design tooling and emerging technologies
A clear and confident communicator who can influence without authority across disciplines
Equally comfortable working at the conceptual level and diving into the details when it matters
Passionate about content and brand design as a craft and committed to Apple-caliber quality

Minimum Qualifications

12+ years of experience in human interface design, content design and UX design
Demonstrated experience leading owning design systems work in a large, complex organization
Expert-level proficiency in design tools (Sketch, CS Suite and Figma). Prototyping skills are beneficial.
Experience working across multiple products and lines of business simultaneously
Strong understanding of content strategy, information architecture, and editorial standards

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in a consumer technology, media and services environment
Familiarity with AI-assisted content and design workflows
Experience developing new content formats and pioneering design system standards from the ground up
Prior experience mentoring and managing designers

Pay & Benefits — New York City, New York, United States

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $184,700 and $324,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.

Application Deadline

Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.

Pay & Benefits — Culver City, California, United States

At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $175,000 and $308,500, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits

Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.