Experte (w/m/d) Digital Design & Design Systems

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Experte (w/m/d) Digital Design & Design Systems

Company: TRUMPF

Location: Ditzingen, Germany

Job Type: Full time

Category: Digital Design Operations / GTM Operations (Design Systems focus)

Date Posted: 2026-09-28

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is critical for establishing and maintaining a unified digital design language across TRUMPF's software products, acting as a central point for design system evolution.

• The position requires deep expertise in Figma for building, managing, and documenting component libraries and design principles, ensuring consistency and scalability.

• It involves advising and supporting cross-functional teams, including software development and product management, on design standards and best practices, fostering a culture of design excellence.

• The role will drive process improvements for design system implementation and conduct design reviews to guarantee high-quality, user-centered digital experiences.

• This position bridges the gap between design, development, and brand management to ensure a cohesive product experience across digital and physical touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Digital Design & Design Systems Expert," the responsibilities of advising development teams, driving implementation processes, and ensuring consistent product experiences across digital and physical touchpoints align with a GTM Operations or Product Operations function that focuses on design system standardization. This role is crucial for operationalizing design quality and consistency, impacting the go-to-market readiness and user adoption of software products.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Spearhead the continuous development and enterprise-wide adoption of TRUMPF's software style guide and design system, serving as the primary subject matter expert.

• Develop, maintain, and evolve comprehensive component libraries within Figma, meticulously documenting design principles, UI components, and design guidelines to ensure clarity and accessibility.

• Provide expert consultation and hands-on support to development departments and interdisciplinary product teams on the application of established design standards, ensuring adherence and quality.

• Conduct rigorous design reviews to assess compliance with design systems and identify areas for improvement, ensuring a consistent and high-quality user experience across all digital products.

• Proactively advance the company-wide implementation of design standards by refining methods and processes, translating design review findings into actionable recommendations for product teams.

• Collaborate closely with UX, Software Development, Product Management, and Brand Management to guarantee a cohesive, brand-aligned, and user-centric product experience across all digital and physical product touchpoints.

• Manage and provide technical guidance to external design partners to ensure their adherence to TRUMPF's design standards during implementation projects.

• Contribute to the strategic evolution of the design system to be AI-compatible, ensuring future-proof scalability and integration capabilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "company-wide software-style guide and design system," "supporting development areas and interdisciplinary product teams," and "driving implementation of design standards" strongly indicates an operational role focused on standardizing design output. This goes beyond pure design execution and into ensuring that design is a repeatable, scalable, and integrated part of the product development process, characteristic of design operations within a GTM framework.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A completed degree in Digital Design, Information Design, Interaction Design, UX Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Communication Design, or a comparable qualification. Experience:

• A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in digital design, with a significant focus on establishing and scaling design systems.

• Proven track record in building and evolving robust, scalable, and AI-compatible design systems and style guides, preferably using Figma.

• Experience in conceptualizing and implementing User Interfaces (UI) and User Flows for industrial software solutions. Required Skills:

• Deep expertise in UX/UI Design principles and best practices.

• Proficient in Design Systems architecture, development, and maintenance.

• Advanced skills in Figma for component library creation, management, and documentation.

• Strong understanding of HMI (Human-Machine Interface) Design principles.

• Proficient in User-Centered Design methodologies and Prototyping techniques.

• Experience with Component Libraries, Interaction Design, and Design Guidelines.

• Solid grasp of Usability principles and best practices.

• Knowledge of Corporate Design standards and their application in digital products.

• Experience in conducting Design Reviews and providing constructive feedback.

• Foundational knowledge of HTML and CSS for understanding implementation feasibility. Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for industrial software domains such as production control, CAD/CAM, or robotics.

• Familiarity with agile development methodologies and cross-functional team collaboration.

• Experience in managing external design partners and vendors.

• Understanding of AI integration within design systems and user interfaces.

• Skills in user flow mapping and optimization for complex industrial applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level, combined with the specific requirement for building "scalable, AI-compatible design systems," suggests a senior-level role. This implies a need for strategic thinking, process ownership, and the ability to influence across multiple teams, aligning with mid-to-senior operations roles. The foundational HTML/CSS knowledge is a standard requirement for design roles that need to communicate effectively with engineering.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase at least 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating the successful design, implementation, and evolution of robust Design Systems for software products.

• Each case study should clearly articulate the problem statement, your role, the design process, key decisions, and the impact of the design system.

• Include examples of Figma component libraries, style guides, and design principles you have developed, highlighting their structure, scalability, and maintainability.

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design guidelines, UI components, and design principles with a focus on clarity and accessibility for development teams.

• Provide evidence of how your design systems have improved design consistency, development efficiency, and user experience across multiple products or platforms. Process Documentation:

• Detail your experience in establishing and refining workflows for design system governance, including contribution processes, version control, and update mechanisms.

• Illustrate your approach to integrating design systems into the broader product development lifecycle, from ideation and wireframing to development and deployment.

• Showcase your methodology for conducting design reviews, ensuring adherence to design standards, and providing actionable feedback to cross-functional teams.

• Include examples of how you have documented design processes, user flows, and interaction patterns to facilitate knowledge sharing and onboarding.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role focused on design systems, the portfolio is paramount. The emphasis on "case studies," "documentation," "workflows," and "governance" points to an operational need to demonstrate not just design talent but also the ability to systematize and scale design practices. This is directly relevant to operations roles that ensure consistency and efficiency in product delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Given the location (Ditzingen, Germany), the experience level (5-10 years), and the specialized nature of the role (Digital Design & Design Systems Expert), the estimated salary range for this position is €65,000 to €90,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for senior digital design roles in Germany, particularly within the technology and manufacturing sectors, considering factors like cost of living and employer contributions. Benefits:

• Appreciative Work Environment: A positive and respectful company culture that values diversity and equal opportunities, fostering a supportive atmosphere for all employees.

• Flexible Working Hours: Options to adjust working hours to better manage professional and personal commitments, promoting work-life balance.

• Mobile Work Options (Hybrid): The ability to work remotely for a portion of the week, offering flexibility in daily work arrangements while maintaining in-office collaboration.

• Training and Professional Development: Access to a comprehensive range of training programs and educational opportunities to support career advancement and skill enhancement.

• Subsidized Fresh Meals: Daily access to healthy, freshly prepared meals at reduced prices in the company's canteen, with options for takeaway.

• Innovative Work Environment: Exposure to cutting-edge technology and modern equipment designed to enhance efficiency and creativity.

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: (Further details expected to be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process, potentially including health insurance, retirement plans, etc.)

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment of approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through the company's flexible working time policies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical compensation for senior-level design and operations roles in Germany. The benefits listed are directly from the job description, highlighting aspects particularly appealing to professionals seeking work-life balance and career growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: High-tech manufacturing, specializing in machine tools, lasers, and electronics. TRUMPF is a global leader in these sectors, driving innovation in industrial production.

Company Size: Approximately 19,000 employees worldwide, indicating a large, established, and globally recognized organization. This size suggests structured processes, significant resources, and opportunities for diverse career paths.

Founded: TRUMPF is a family-run company with a long history, implying a stable foundation, long-term strategic vision, and potentially a culture that balances tradition with innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role operates within a context of cross-functional collaboration, working closely with UX Designers, Software Developers, Product Managers, and Brand Management.

• While not explicitly detailed, the reporting structure likely involves a Design Lead or a Head of Product/Engineering within a specific division or product group, with the Design Systems Expert acting as a key contributor and influencer.

• The emphasis on supporting "development areas and interdisciplinary product teams" highlights a matrixed or project-based collaboration model, common in large tech organizations. Methodology:

• Data Analysis and Insights: The role implicitly requires understanding user data and feedback to inform design system improvements and validate design decisions.

• Workflow Planning and Optimization: A core responsibility is to refine and optimize processes for design system implementation and adoption across development teams.

• Automation and Efficiency Practices: The development of a scalable and AI-compatible design system directly contributes to automation and efficiency in product design and development.

Company Website: https://www.trumpf.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: TRUMPF's position as a high-tech manufacturing leader means that digital design and design systems are critical for operational efficiency, product quality, and competitive edge in industrial software. The company culture, described as valuing collaboration and innovation, suggests an environment where design system adoption is encouraged.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Experte" (Expert), indicating a senior individual contributor level. It requires deep specialization in Digital Design and Design Systems, with a focus on enterprise-level implementation and governance. This is analogous to a Senior Designer, Lead Designer, or a specialized Design Operations role focusing on systemization.

Reporting Structure: The role will likely report into a manager or director overseeing product development, UX/UI, or a dedicated design function. The expert will work collaboratively with various product teams, acting as a central point of contact for design system matters.

Operations Impact: The expert's work directly impacts the efficiency of the product development lifecycle, the consistency of TRUMPF's software offerings, and ultimately, the user experience. A well-implemented design system reduces redundant design work, speeds up development, and ensures a cohesive brand identity, contributing to faster market entry and improved customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Potential to grow into a Design Operations Lead role, managing a team responsible for design system strategy, tooling, and adoption across a larger portfolio.

• Industry Specialization: Deepen expertise in industrial software design systems, becoming a go-to authority within TRUMPF and potentially the broader industry for complex B2B/industrial applications.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunity to lead strategic initiatives related to design standardization, user experience consistency, and the integration of AI in design processes, influencing product strategy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Expert" designation implies a significant level of autonomy and influence. Growth opportunities are framed around deepening operational expertise in design systems and potentially moving into leadership roles that manage the operationalization of design across TRUMPF's product suite.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: TRUMPF offers a modern, technologically advanced work environment. The company emphasizes state-of-the-art equipment and technology, fostering efficiency and creativity. The hybrid work model suggests a blend of in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Office Location(s): Ditzingen, Germany, serves as the primary location. TRUMPF has numerous global locations, but this specific role is based in Ditzingen. The company's headquarters are also in Ditzingen.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role necessitates close collaboration with UX, development, product management, and brand teams, suggesting an open-plan office or dedicated team spaces designed for interaction.

• Operations Tools and Technology: Access to industry-standard design tools (Figma), project management software, and internal communication platforms will be essential. The company's commitment to "newest technology" suggests a well-equipped digital workspace.

• Operations Team Interaction: Regular meetings, design reviews, and workshops will be part of the daily routine, providing ample opportunities to interact with colleagues and contribute to a shared design vision.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time employment with flexible working hours and hybrid work options. This allows for structured work on design system components and processes while accommodating personal needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "modern, technologically advanced work environment" and "state-of-the-art equipment" are key indicators of a company that invests in its operational infrastructure, which is crucial for design systems and digital tools.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your application and portfolio to assess alignment with the core requirements, especially regarding design system experience and Figma proficiency.

• Technical Interview(s): In-depth discussions focusing on your experience with design systems, UX/UI principles, HMI design, and your approach to building and maintaining component libraries. Expect scenario-based questions about problem-solving within a complex industrial software context.

• Design Review/Portfolio Presentation: A dedicated session where you will present selected case studies from your portfolio, demonstrating your process, contributions to design systems, and ability to articulate design rationale and impact.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with potential collaborators from software development, product management, and brand management to assess your communication skills, ability to influence, and cultural fit within interdisciplinary teams.

• Final Interview: Discussion with hiring management to evaluate overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with TRUMPF's values and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on Design System Impact: Clearly articulate the problems your design systems solved, the processes you implemented, and the quantifiable benefits (e.g., reduced development time, increased consistency, improved user satisfaction).

• Showcase Figma Mastery: Provide clear examples of your Figma component libraries, demonstrating organization, reusability, and adherence to design principles. Highlight any advanced techniques or custom components you've developed.

• Demonstrate Process Rigor: Explain your methodology for creating and maintaining design guidelines, documenting components, and conducting design reviews. Show how you ensure adoption and consistency.

• Tailor to Industrial Software: If possible, highlight any experience or understanding of designing for industrial or B2B software environments, emphasizing user-centricity in complex operational contexts.

• Prepare for Collaboration: Be ready to discuss how you work with developers, product managers, and brand teams, showcasing your ability to translate design needs into actionable development tasks and align with brand strategy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect potential exercises related to designing a component or flow, or outlining a strategy for implementing a new design system guideline within a fictional industrial software context.

• Be prepared to articulate your thought process, consider technical constraints (HTML/CSS basics), and justify your design decisions based on user needs and business objectives.

• Practice presenting your solutions concisely and effectively, highlighting key design considerations and potential challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "portfolio presentation" and "design reviews" is critical for this role. Candidates must be prepared to visually demonstrate their expertise in design systems and their ability to operationalize design standards.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: The core tool for building and maintaining component libraries, style guides, and design systems. Proficiency is essential.

• Design System Management Platforms: Experience with tools that complement Figma for design system documentation, governance, and distribution (e.g., Zeroheight, Storybook – though not explicitly mentioned, understanding the concepts is key).

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in Figma's prototyping features or other dedicated tools (e.g., InVision, Axure) for creating interactive user flows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics Tools: Familiarity with tools like Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, or similar platforms to understand user behavior and inform design decisions.

• Heatmapping/Session Recording Tools: Experience with tools like Hotjar or FullStory to visualize user interactions and identify usability issues.

• Data Visualization Tools: Basic understanding of how to interpret data presented in dashboards (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) to understand product performance.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design systems impact the broader product ecosystem is beneficial. Familiarity with how user data might flow from CRM into product features or how design impacts conversion funnels could be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is explicitly mentioned, making it the central tool. The other tools listed are logical extensions for someone managing design systems in a modern tech company, enabling them to understand user behavior and the impact of their designs on the broader product and business goals.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• User-Centricity: A core value is to ensure that all digital products deliver a user-centered and consistent experience, driven by a deep understanding of user needs.

• Excellence and Quality: A commitment to high standards in design, aiming for a polished and professional user interface across all digital touchpoints.

• Collaboration and Innovation: Valuing teamwork, open communication, and the willingness to explore new ideas and challenge the status quo to drive innovation.

• Efficiency and Scalability: A focus on creating systems and processes that are efficient, scalable, and sustainable, enabling faster product development and consistent quality.

• Brand Alignment: Ensuring that all digital designs reflect and reinforce TRUMPF's corporate identity and brand values.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with diverse teams (UX, Dev, Product, Brand) to ensure design