About the role
Instrument is a design and technology company. We build brands, products, and experiences that move businesses forward—by making the complex simple.
For over 20 years, we’ve partnered with companies like Google, ServiceNow, Uber, Eventbrite, and ŌURA, helping them navigate change, launch new ideas, and grow with intention.
Our work spans Brand, Marketing, and Product, but what defines us is how we work. We bring strategy, design, and engineering together from the start, moving quickly from idea to execution and refining as we go. We aim to do great work and be great to work with, because both matter.
We’re a collaborative, hands-on team with roots in Portland and New York and a distributed presence across the U.S. and Europe. We build teams around the needs of the work, staying nimble without sacrificing craft.
We value curiosity, perspective, and continuous learning, and we’re committed to building an inclusive environment where people can do their best work.
If that sounds like you, we’d love to meet you.
At Instrument, Design Directors are senior creative leaders who bridge strategy, systems thinking, and design craft to create meaningful digital experiences. They lead multidisciplinary teams through ambiguity, guide clients through complex challenges, and elevate the quality of work across every stage of a project.
We're looking for a Design Director with a strong product design background who thrives at the intersection of vision, systems thinking, and execution. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys tackling complex digital challenges—from shaping future product concepts and emerging technologies to designing large-scale platforms and connected ecosystems. Working within a dedicated, long-term client partnership, you'll have the opportunity to develop deep domain expertise while helping define and evolve products and experiences that reach millions of users.
You'll partner closely with strategists, designers, technologists, producers, and clients to define opportunities, guide creative direction, and deliver exceptional outcomes. Some engagements may involve small, highly confidential innovation initiatives, while others may require leading large multidisciplinary teams through complex platform, product, and service design work.
If you're passionate about craft leadership, product thinking, emerging technologies, and helping teams do their best work, we'd love to hear from you.
What You'll Do
Lead the design of complex digital products, platforms, and experiences from concept through execution.
Partner with clients and cross-functional teams to define opportunities, shape solutions, and drive alignment.
Guide teams through ambiguity, helping translate complex challenges into clear, thoughtful experiences.
Establish and maintain a high bar for craft across visual design, interaction design, systems thinking, and user experience.
Facilitate workshops, presentations, critiques, and working sessions with clients and internal teams.
Mentor designers through feedback, creative direction, and collaborative problem-solving.
Balance strategic vision with practical execution, ensuring ideas can be delivered successfully.
Lead multiple projects and workstreams while supporting team health, quality, and delivery.
Champion collaboration across design, strategy, production, and technology disciplines.
Stay curious about emerging technologies and help teams thoughtfully explore new opportunities and ways of working.
What You'll Bring
8+ years of experience leading the design of complex digital products, platforms, services, or interactive experiences.
Strong product design expertise, with the ability to connect user needs, business goals, and technical realities.
Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and collaborating closely with strategy, technology, and production partners.
Systems-thinking mindset with experience navigating large-scale, interconnected experiences.
Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
Ability to lead multiple projects and priorities while maintaining a high standard of craft and execution.
Confidence working directly with clients, building trust, and guiding complex conversations.
Curiosity about emerging technologies, including AI, and enthusiasm for exploring how they can enhance products, experiences, and workflows.
A collaborative, humble approach to leadership and problem-solving.
Pay Range
The expected pay range for this position is $125,000-$158,000. We have three regional pay ranges that are adjusted for cost of living (US1 +15%, US2 +7.5%, US3 Base), learn more about our pay philosophy and cost of living adjustments
What We Offer
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
401k with employer matching
Unlimited PTO + company wide closures
Work From Home and Wellbeing monthly stipend
HSA Employer Contribution
Professional Development Stipend
Paid Parental Leave
What We Offer
Flexible, Hybrid Work Environment
Great Compensation with Annual Reviews (Learn more about our Pay Philosophy)
401(k) Matching with Immediate Vesting
Robust Medical, Vision, and Accident Insurance
Generous Paid Holidays and unlimited PTO
Monthly Wellbeing Stipend
Career Management and Leadership Training
Originally posted on Himalayas