22nd October, 2025
For more than three decades, Strategic Data Systems (SDS) has been a software consultancy firm specializing in strategy, technology, and business transformation for Fortune 100 companies, mid-sized firms, and startups. At SDS, we empower our development teams to address our clients' critical business challenges by leveraging cutting edge technologies. If you seek a workplace where your contributions are truly appreciated, then SDS is the company for you. Join us today to work alongside fellow development specialists and become a crucial part of our dynamic and cohesive community.
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 Responsibilities1. 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 provided
- 401(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!
Apply For Job