Lead User Experience Designer

A leader in the aviation industry is seeking a Lead UX Designer to help shape the future of its customer digital experience. This is a senior IC role focused on driving design excellence, defining long-term product vision, and leading future-state iOS app concepts that will influence how millions of travelers interact with the brand.

In this role, you’ll guide strategic direction across multi-platform initiatives, mentor designers, and partner closely with senior stakeholders to elevate craft quality and champion user-centered thinking across the organization. This is an opportunity to work on high-visibility, high-impact design initiatives within a mature and growing UX org.

This is a hybrid role based in Chicago, IL.

What You’ll Do

• Lead design strategy and vision across complex, multi-platform product initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals and user needs.
• Drive future-state iOS app concepts, exploring next-generation interactions, patterns, and mobile experiences.
• Provide mentorship and design guidance to junior and mid-level designers, helping strengthen craft, clarity, and team standards.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration with product managers, engineering leaders, researchers, and senior stakeholders.
• Shape omnichannel user journeys that ensure cohesion and quality across devices, platforms, and touchpoints.
• Establish and maintain design governance, defining patterns, principles, and scalable interaction standards.
• Lead prototyping and validation work, partnering with research teams to uncover insights and inform product direction.
• Contribute to the evolution of the design system, advancing components, patterns, and governance alongside the design system team.

What You Bring

Minimum Qualifications

• 6–10 years of experience in UI/UX design, with 3 years in a senior or lead role.
• Proven experience in mentoring and supporting designers’ growth.
• Portfolio demonstrating leadership in complex product design, strategic decision-making, and measurable impact.
• Strong experience presenting design strategy to senior leadership.
• Deep knowledge of modern UI patterns, design trends, and emerging technologies.
• Advanced proficiency in Figma and Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Expertise in applying WCAG accessibility standards and inclusive design practices.
• Experience driving cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong background in designing for mobile, web, and multi-platform ecosystems.
• Excellent communication skills and leadership presence.

Preferred Qualifications

• Enterprise or airline/travel industry experience.
• Advanced degree in HCI, Design, or related fields.
• Expertise in visual systems, typography, layout, and advanced design principles.
• Experience with research methodologies and user testing.
• Familiarity with iOS/Android patterns and front-end development considerations.

Logistics

• Location: Hybrid in Chicago (occasional onsite required).
• Type: Long-term ongoing contract with continued extension or FT conversion
• Compensation: $80–95/hr (W2) benefit options.
• Portfolio Required: Yes
• Contract Type: W2 contract
• Work Authorization: Must be eligible to work in the United States without Sponsorship.
• Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental, 401 (k) options after 60 days of employment. No C2C.
• Pay: $75-90 per hour, based on experience - W2 only

Compensation for this position will be determined based on several factors, including the scope, complexity, and location of the role; market labor costs; the candidate’s skills, education, training, credentials, and experience; and other employment conditions. Full-time consultants are eligible for benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) contributions, along with any PTO, sick leave, or other benefits required by applicable state or local laws where you reside or work.