Design Systems Engineer III

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Design Systems Engineer – Design Systems Company: Cencora Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India Job Type: Full-time Category: Engineering / Design Systems Date Posted: February 18, 2026 Experience Level: 5-10 years Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the evolution of a scalable design system for enterprise products and platforms, driving consistency and accessibility.
• Provide technical leadership and system-level ownership, defining architecture, standards, and governance for a framework-agnostic component library.
• Build and maintain tooling that enables teams to deliver high-quality, accessible user experiences efficiently across the enterprise.
• Champion adoption of the design system, establishing best practices for its integration and long-term maintainability.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a "Senior Design Systems Engineer III" based on the provided job title and the requirement for 5+ years of experience. The emphasis on technical leadership, system-level ownership, and defining architecture suggests a significant impact on the company's product development strategy. The role bridges the gap between design and engineering, requiring a deep understanding of front-end development, system architecture, and user experience principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Architect and implement scalable, framework-agnostic web components, defining their component architecture and APIs.
• Own and evolve the core architecture and component strategy of the design system, ensuring its scalability and maintainability.
• Define, champion, and rigorously enforce accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design principles across all design system assets.
• Define and lead the strategy for design system adoption across various product and marketing teams, fostering collaboration and alignment.
• Partner closely with UX/UI designers to translate design concepts into scalable patterns and well-defined component APIs.
• Establish comprehensive documentation standards and information architecture for platforms like Storybook, ensuring ease of use and understanding.
• Define and implement best practices for versioning, release management, and long-term system maintainability.
• Provide technical guidance, conduct code reviews, and offer support to teams consuming the design system.
• Define CSS architecture, theming strategies, and establish robust design token systems.
• Govern tooling and CI/CD workflows, specifically leveraging tools such as Azure Pipelines for efficient development and deployment.
• Ensure long-term system health and alignment with broader enterprise technology standards and roadmaps.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are a synthesis of the provided "Senior Design Systems Engineer will" and "Primary duties and responsibilities" sections, organized to highlight the strategic and technical aspects of the role. Specific mentions of "framework-agnostic web components," "component APIs," "Storybook," and "Azure Pipelines" are integrated to reflect the technical focus.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Web Development, Information Technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

• 5+ years of professional front-end or UI engineering experience.
• Demonstrated experience owning or leading the development and scaling of a design system or shared component library in complex environments.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in core web technologies: HTML, CSS, and Typescript or JavaScript.
• Deep experience with Web Components and related libraries or frameworks (e.g., Lit).
• Advanced understanding of CSS architecture, theming strategies, and design token systems.
• Strong expertise in accessibility standards (WCAG) and practical experience with accessibility testing.
• Proficiency with Storybook for component documentation, development, and showcasing.
• Experience designing and implementing modern front-end tooling ecosystems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder-influencing skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to mentor junior engineers and elevate technical standards across teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with CI/CD pipelines, particularly Azure Pipelines.
• Familiarity with various front-end frameworks (e.g., React, Angular, Vue.js) and how design systems integrate with them.
• Knowledge of inclusive design principles beyond WCAG compliance.
• Experience in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry, understanding its unique compliance and accessibility needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Minimum skills, knowledge, and abilities" section was combined with the "Experience and educational requirements" to create a comprehensive "Skills & Qualifications" section. Specific technologies like HTML, CSS, Typescript, JavaScript, Web Components, Lit, Storybook, and Azure Pipelines are highlighted as per the job description. The experience requirement is set at 5+ years, aligning with the "Senior" title.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate ownership of a design system or significant contributions to a shared component library, highlighting scope and impact.
• Showcase examples of framework-agnostic components and their architecture, emphasizing reusability and adaptability.
• Include case studies or examples illustrating the implementation of accessibility standards (WCAG) and inclusive design practices within components.
• Present evidence of defining and managing component APIs, documentation standards (e.g., Storybook), and release processes.

Process Documentation:

• Illustrate experience in defining and documenting front-end architecture and system-level standards for design systems.
• Provide examples of workflow design and optimization for component development, testing, and deployment using CI/CD practices.
• Showcase how you've established and maintained processes for design system adoption, including enablement and partnership strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section infers typical portfolio expectations for a Senior Design Systems Engineer. The focus is on tangible evidence of design system ownership, technical implementation details (framework-agnostic, accessibility, APIs), documentation practices (Storybook), and process governance (CI/CD, adoption strategy).

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• For a Senior Design Systems Engineer III in Pune, India, with 5-10 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is ₹15,00,000 - ₹25,00,000 (Indian Rupees). This range is based on industry benchmarks for senior engineering roles in the technology sector within India, considering the specific skills in design systems, front-end development, and accessibility.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plans (e.g., Provident Fund).
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Access to company-provided training and certifications.
• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.
• Employee assistance programs.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time work schedule, typically 40 hours per week.
• Flexibility may be available, subject to team needs and project deadlines, with an emphasis on achieving results.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on typical compensation for senior engineering roles in Pune, India, factoring in the specialized skills in design systems and front-end development. The benefits listed are standard for multinational corporations operating in India, with a note that specific offerings may vary.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical Solutions / Healthcare Technology. Cencora operates within the critical healthcare and pharmaceutical sector, focusing on delivering solutions that improve health outcomes for people and animals. This context implies a strong emphasis on compliance, quality, and ethical practices. Company Size: Cencora is a large, global organization. As a company with a significant presence worldwide, it offers stability, extensive resources, and opportunities for broad impact. Founded: While the exact founding date for Cencora as a distinct entity is not provided, its predecessor, AmerisourceBergen, was founded in 2001. This history suggests a mature organization with established processes and a long-term vision.

Team Structure:

• The Design Systems team is likely part of a larger engineering or product development organization, potentially within a dedicated UX or Platform Engineering group.
• This role involves reporting to a Design Systems Lead or Engineering Manager, with direct collaboration with UX/UI designers, product managers, and front-end engineers across various product teams.
• Cross-functional collaboration is essential, requiring strong partnerships with product development teams, marketing, and potentially accessibility compliance officers.

Methodology:

• Data-driven decision-making is expected, with a focus on metrics related to design system adoption, component usage, and efficiency gains.
• Agile methodologies are likely employed, emphasizing iterative development, continuous feedback, and adaptability.
• A strong emphasis on best practices in front-end engineering, accessibility, and system design is core to this role.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Information about Cencora's industry, size, and founding is derived from general knowledge of the company (formerly AmerisourceBergen) and its market position. The team structure and methodology are inferred based on the typical organization of design systems teams within large technology-focused enterprises.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior-level individual contributor role. It signifies a high level of technical expertise and the ability to provide technical leadership, architectural direction, and mentorship without direct people management responsibilities. The "III" designation suggests a progression within the senior individual contributor track. Reporting Structure: The Senior Design Systems Engineer will likely report to a Design Systems Manager, Director of Engineering, or Head of Platform Engineering. They will collaborate extensively with Product Managers, UX Designers, and Front-end Engineers across various business units. Operations Impact: This role has a substantial impact on operational efficiency and product quality by providing a standardized, reusable, and accessible component library. This directly influences the speed of product development, the consistency of user experiences, and the overall maintainability and scalability of Cencora's digital products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in design systems, front-end architecture, performance optimization, and accessibility. Potential to become a principal engineer or architect in this domain.
• Leadership Development: Transition into a technical lead role for the design systems team, mentoring other engineers and guiding technical strategy. Opportunity to lead specific initiatives or sub-teams.
• Cross-functional Mobility: Leverage design system expertise to move into broader platform engineering, front-end architecture, or even product management roles within Cencora.
• Industry Influence: Contribute to open-source projects related to design systems or web components, or speak at industry conferences.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career analysis assumes a standard progression path for senior individual contributors in technology roles, focusing on technical depth, leadership potential, and cross-functional impact within a large enterprise.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This role is based on-site in Pune, India, suggesting a traditional office environment designed for collaboration. Office Location(s): Pune, Maharashtra, India. The specific office address is "Samrat Ashok Path," indicating a physical workspace within the city.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely foster a collaborative atmosphere, with open-plan areas and meeting rooms conducive to design system discussions and team syncs.
• Access to modern development tools, high-performance workstations, and necessary software, including design tools and development environments, is expected.
• Opportunities for direct interaction with fellow design systems engineers, UX/UI designers, and product teams will be abundant, facilitating real-time problem-solving and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule:

• The standard 40-hour work week is typical, with expectations for punctual attendance.
• While on-site, there may be some flexibility in daily start/end times, provided project deadlines are met and collaborative needs are fulfilled. This allows for efficient execution of design system tasks, code reviews, and team meetings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment description is based on the "On-site" remote status and the location in Pune, India, inferring a typical corporate office setting for a large company like Cencora.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will conduct a brief call to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.
• Technical Assessment: Candidates will likely undergo a technical interview focusing on front-end engineering fundamentals, CSS architecture, Web Components, and accessibility principles. This may involve a coding challenge or a deep dive into past projects.
• Design System Deep Dive: An interview dedicated to design systems, covering experience in building, scaling, and maintaining them, understanding of component architecture, API design, and adoption strategies. Portfolio review may occur here.
• System Design & Architecture: A session focused on system-level thinking, architectural patterns, and how to scale a design system in a complex enterprise environment.
• Cross-functional/Behavioral Interview: Discussions with potential peers (designers, engineers) and stakeholders to assess collaboration skills, communication, problem-solving, and leadership potential.
• Final Round: A conversation with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic vision, and final offer terms.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Design System Ownership: Clearly present projects where you led or significantly contributed to a design system. Quantify your impact with metrics (e.g., adoption rates, reduction in UI bugs, development time saved).
• Showcase Technical Depth: Include examples of framework-agnostic components, CSS architecture, theming, and design token implementation. Be prepared to discuss the technical trade-offs you made.
• Emphasize Accessibility: Demonstrate practical application of WCAG guidelines. Show examples of accessible components and your testing methodologies.
• Detail Documentation & Tools: Present your experience with Storybook, including how you structured documentation, examples of component documentation, and any custom tooling you developed.
• Explain Adoption Strategies: Discuss how you successfully onboarded teams to a design system, including training, support, and overcoming adoption challenges.

Challenge Preparation:

• Coding Challenges: Practice problems related to HTML, CSS (complex layouts, animations, responsive design), JavaScript/TypeScript (DOM manipulation, asynchronous operations), and potentially Web Components.
• System Design Scenarios: Prepare to discuss how you would architect a scalable design system, handle theming for multiple brands, or manage versioning and migration strategies.
• Accessibility Scenarios: Be ready to address how you would ensure a component meets WCAG AA standards or how you would audit existing components for accessibility issues.
• Behavioral Questions: Prepare examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for questions related to teamwork, conflict resolution, leadership, and handling ambiguity.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section outlines a typical interview process for a senior engineering role, with a specific emphasis on design systems, front-end development, and accessibility. Portfolio tips are tailored to showcase the specific skills and experiences relevant to this specialized role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Web Components Frameworks: Lit, Stencil, or similar libraries for building framework-agnostic components.
• Version Control: Git, with a strong understanding of branching strategies (e.g., Gitflow).
• Package Managers: npm or Yarn for managing dependencies.
• Build Tools: Webpack, Vite, or similar module bundlers for efficient asset management and build processes.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Component Documentation: Storybook is explicitly mentioned as a key tool for development, documentation, and showcasing.
• CI/CD & Automation: Azure Pipelines are specified for automating build, test, and deployment workflows.
• Collaboration Platforms: Jira, Confluence, or similar for project tracking, documentation, and knowledge sharing.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how design systems integrate with front-end frameworks used in product development is crucial. Experience with common front-end frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js would be beneficial for understanding consumption patterns.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are derived directly from the explicit mentions in the job description (Web Components, Lit, Storybook, Azure Pipelines) and common industry standards for front-end development and design systems engineering.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working effectively with designers, product managers, and fellow engineers to achieve shared goals.
• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to delivering high-quality, robust, and accessible components that meet enterprise standards.
• Innovation: Encouraging forward-thinking approaches to design systems, tooling, and front-end development.
• Efficiency: Driving operational efficiency through reusable components, standardized processes, and automation.
• Inclusivity: Championing accessibility and ensuring that all products are usable by everyone.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Actively engaging with product teams to understand their needs and guide them in adopting and leveraging the design system effectively.
• Proactive Communication: Maintaining open lines of communication with stakeholders through regular updates, documentation, and feedback sessions.
• Knowledge Sharing: Participating in code reviews, design system working groups, and internal presentations to share best practices and foster a learning environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are inferred from Cencora's mission ("healthier futures"), the nature of a design systems role, and common corporate values emphasizing quality, collaboration, and innovation.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Scaling Design Systems: Ensuring the design system remains scalable, performant, and maintainable as Cencora's product portfolio grows and evolves.
• Adoption Across Diverse Teams: Overcoming resistance to change and driving consistent adoption of the design system across various product teams with different tech stacks and priorities.
• Balancing Standardization and Flexibility: Finding the right balance between enforcing strict standards and allowing teams the flexibility they need to innovate and meet specific product requirements.
• Keeping Pace with Technology: Continuously evaluating and integrating new front-end technologies, accessibility standards, and tooling to keep the design system modern and effective.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Accessibility Training: Deepen expertise in accessibility, potentially leading to certifications or specialized roles in inclusive design.
• Platform Engineering Expertise: Gain broader experience in building and maintaining shared engineering platforms and infrastructure.
• Technical Leadership: Develop skills in architectural design, technical strategy, and mentoring through leading complex design system initiatives.
• Industry Engagement: Opportunities to attend and present at industry conferences focused on design systems, front-end development, and accessibility.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are derived from common issues faced by design systems teams in large organizations. Growth opportunities are aligned with the senior individual contributor track and the specialized nature of design systems engineering.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your experience architecting and scaling a design system. What were the key challenges and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on technical architecture, component strategy, and scalability.)
• "How do you approach defining and enforcing accessibility standards (WCAG) within a design system? Can you provide an example?" (Highlight practical application of accessibility principles and testing methodologies.)
• "Walk me through your process for defining component APIs and ensuring their long-term maintainability and backward compatibility." (Emphasize API design, versioning, and release management.)
• "How would you drive adoption of a design system across multiple product teams with potentially different tech stacks and varying levels of technical maturity?" (Focus on adoption strategy, enablement, and stakeholder management.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Cencora and this specific role within our organization?" (Research Cencora's mission, values, and recent news.)
• "How do you typically collaborate with UX designers and Product Managers? Describe a situation where you had to influence a design or product decision." (Prepare examples demonstrating cross-functional collaboration and communication skills.)
• "How do you stay current with emerging trends in front-end development, design systems, and accessibility?" (Showcase continuous learning and passion for the field.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio around key design system projects. For each, clearly state your role, the problem you solved, your technical approach, the outcome, and the impact (quantified with metrics if possible).
• Highlight Key Contributions: Focus on examples showcasing your expertise in framework-agnostic components, CSS architecture, accessibility implementation, Storybook usage, and CI/CD integration.
• Demonstrate Process: Clearly articulate the processes you established for component development, documentation, versioning, and adoption.
• Be Ready to Dive Deep: Prepare to explain technical decisions, trade-offs, and the rationale behind specific architectural choices during the interview.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to probe the core competencies required for a Senior Design Systems Engineer, including technical depth, system thinking, and collaboration skills, with specific emphasis on design systems, accessibility, and enterprise-level challenges.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Design Systems Engineer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday job portal link.
• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that prominently features your experience in designing, building, and scaling design systems. Include specific examples of framework-agnostic components, accessibility implementations (WCAG compliance), and your approach to documentation (e.g., Storybook). Quantify your impact with metrics where possible.
• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords and responsibilities mentioned in the job description, such as "Design Systems," "Front-end Engineering," "Web Components," "Accessibility," "WCAG," "Storybook," "CSS Architecture," and "CI/CD." Focus on achievements and quantifiable results.
• Interview Practice: Prepare for technical interviews by refreshing your knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, Web Components, and accessibility best practices. Practice articulating your design system philosophy and experience with behavioral questions using the STAR method.
• Company Research: Thoroughly research Cencora's mission, values, and recent developments. Understand the pharmaceutical solutions industry and Cencora's role within it, as this context can inform your answers and demonstrate your engagement.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.