Production Designer, Web & Design Systems (Freelance) at Instrument

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Production Designer, Web & Design Systems (Freelance) Company: Instrument Location: United States Job Type: Contract Category: Design Operations / Production Design Date Posted: 2025-07-29T00:00:00 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Role Summary

This is a contract role focused on high-volume production design work, specifically translating desktop webpage designs into an established, component-based design system.
The primary objective is to ensure accurate application of templates, thoughtful alignment, and consistent visual execution across a large set of web pages using Figma.
Success in this role hinges on meticulous attention to detail, proficiency in Figma's design system capabilities, and the ability to work efficiently within a structured, deadline-driven environment.
This position offers an opportunity to contribute to a digital product client by systematically applying design guidelines and components, optimizing the production workflow for web assets.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title is "Production Designer," the core responsibilities and emphasis on design systems, component libraries, and systematic application of templates strongly align with a "Design Operations" or "Production Design" specialty within the broader GTM or digital product development lifecycle. The role requires operational excellence in design execution rather than creative concepting.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Apply an existing, established design system to a significant volume of desktop webpage layouts within the Figma environment.
Translate and accurately implement visual designs into production-ready comps by leveraging predefined templates and reusable components.
Adhere strictly to a structured production process to guarantee design consistency, visual accuracy, and adherence to brand guidelines across 24 distinct page designs.
Collaborate closely with a Lead Designer and Project Manager to effectively prioritize design tasks, manage deliverables, and provide regular progress updates.
Maintain meticulous visual alignment with established design system guidelines, including grids, typography, spacing, imagery, and component usage.
Ensure the organization and cleanliness of all Figma files, implementing strong naming conventions and a clear, layered structure for efficient handoff and collaboration.
Proactively identify and communicate any design inconsistencies, component gaps, or potential issues to the internal team for timely resolution and system refinement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "translating 24 existing desktop webpage designs into an established, component-based design system" and "accurate application of templates, thoughtful alignment, and consistent visual execution" indicates a strong focus on process adherence and systematic execution, characteristic of production-focused roles within operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

While a formal degree in Design, Graphic Design, or a related field is often preferred, demonstrated expertise and a strong portfolio are paramount. Candidates with equivalent practical experience in production design and design systems will be strongly considered.

Experience:

Proven experience in production design, with a focus on web-based projects and the systematic application of design principles.
Demonstrated history of working effectively within established design systems and component libraries, understanding their structure and application.
Experience with process-driven design workflows, including meticulous file organization and adherence to project-specific guidelines.

Required Skills:

Exceptional eye for detail and a commitment to maintaining visual consistency across numerous design assets.
Proficiency in Figma, with a demonstrated ability to work efficiently with components, variants, auto layout, and design system libraries.
Proven experience in applying and executing within established design systems and component-based workflows.
Ability to interpret detailed design specifications and execute against them with a high degree of accuracy and minimal deviation.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to provide clear, responsive updates and collaborate effectively within a remote team structure.
Demonstrated comfort and capability in working within a structured, deadline-driven project timeline.

Preferred Skills:

Familiarity with web accessibility standards (WCAG) and best practices for implementing accessible design elements.
Understanding of responsive design principles and how to apply them within a component-based system.
Experience with version control or branching strategies within design tools for collaborative projects.
Exposure to or understanding of design handoff tools and processes for developer collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "production-oriented design work," "systemized design," and "accurate application of templates" suggests a need for candidates who excel at execution and process adherence, common in operations roles. The "2-5 years" experience level implies a need for independent work and a solid understanding of design system principles.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

A dedicated section showcasing specific examples of production design work, highlighting meticulous execution and adherence to guidelines.
Demonstration of work completed within established design systems, featuring component application and system-based layout execution.
Examples of well-organized Figma files, illustrating clear layer structure, naming conventions, and efficient file management.
Case studies or project examples that clearly articulate the process followed, challenges encountered, and the specific outcomes achieved through systematic design application.
Evidence of working with templates and components to ensure visual consistency across multiple pages or screens.

Process Documentation:

Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to maintaining design consistency in high-volume production environments.
Expect to detail how you would interpret and apply design system guidelines to ensure accuracy and adherence to established visual standards.
Demonstrate methods for organizing and managing Figma files for efficient collaboration and handoff, emphasizing best practices for production workflows.
Be ready to explain how you would manage your workload and communicate progress in a deadline-driven, remote contract setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "accurate application of templates, thoughtful alignment, and consistent visual execution" and the need for a portfolio that "showcases production design work, including multi-page layouts or system-driven projects" strongly indicates a requirement for a portfolio that highlights process, system adherence, and operational efficiency in design execution.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The expected pay range for this freelance contract role is $61 to $78 per hour. This range is subject to adjustment based on the candidate's specific location within the United States due to regional pay bands.
Instrument utilizes three US regional pay bands:
- US 3 (Base Pay): Includes cities like Portland, Houston, and Miami.
- US 2 (7.5% higher than US 3): Includes cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle.
- US 1 (15% higher than US 3): Includes cities like Brooklyn and San Francisco.
To determine the specific pay band applicable, candidates are encouraged to apply and connect with the recruiting team.

Benefits:

As a contract role, standard employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off are typically not provided.
However, this role offers the flexibility of remote work, allowing for a better work-life balance and the ability to work from any approved location within the United States.
The contract duration is defined, providing a clear scope of work and a specific timeframe for engagement, which can be beneficial for project-based professionals.
This opportunity offers direct experience with a reputable digital product and brand experience agency, providing valuable exposure and portfolio enhancement.

Working Hours:

This contract position requires approximately 40 hours per week.
The engagement is scheduled to run from August 4 through September 20, 2025.
The remote-first nature of the agency allows for flexibility in daily scheduling, provided that deliverables are met and collaboration with the team is maintained effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is specified per hour for a contract role, with a clear explanation of regional pay bands, which is crucial for freelance operations professionals. The absence of traditional benefits is also noted, which is standard for contract positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Instrument operates within the Digital Product and Brand Experience Agency sector, a dynamic field focused on creating impactful online presences and user journeys for clients. This industry requires a constant adaptation to evolving digital trends, user behaviors, and technological advancements.
The agency's "remote-first" approach signifies a culture that prioritizes flexibility, asynchronous communication, and a distributed workforce, fostering diverse perspectives and talent acquisition beyond geographical limitations.

Company Size:

Instrument is a medium-sized agency, with a team of over 200 talented individuals. This size allows for specialized teams (four in total) that bring focused expertise to client projects, ensuring high-quality output.
For operations professionals, this size can mean a balance between structured processes and the agility to adapt quickly. It often allows for direct impact and visibility within specialized teams while benefiting from the resources of a larger organization.

Founded:

Founded in 2001, Instrument has over two decades of experience in the digital product and brand space. This long history suggests a stable, experienced organization with a proven track record in delivering successful client outcomes.
This longevity implies a well-established operational framework, a deep understanding of client needs, and a mature approach to project management and team collaboration, which is beneficial for operations roles focused on efficiency and process.

Team Structure:

Instrument is organized into four specialized teams, indicating a departmental structure designed to maximize expertise and efficiency. While the specific specialization of the team this role supports isn't detailed, it's likely to be a design-focused team or a cross-functional project team.
The role reports into a Lead Designer and Project Manager, suggesting a clear reporting hierarchy within project teams, which is typical for efficient workflow management.
Cross-functional collaboration is inherent in agency work; this role will likely interact with project managers, other designers, and potentially client stakeholders, requiring strong communication and alignment skills.

Methodology:

Instrument's approach emphasizes "best-in-class work" and "transformative experiences," suggesting a commitment to quality and innovation.
The "remote-first" model implies a reliance on robust digital collaboration tools and asynchronous communication strategies, focusing on clear documentation and efficient workflow management.
The specific project involves a "component-based design system translation," highlighting a systematic and process-driven methodology for design execution to ensure scalability and consistency.

Company Website:

https://www.instrument.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry, size, and remote-first approach provide context for the operational environment. The emphasis on specialized teams and structured project management aligns with the needs of a production design role focused on efficiency and systematic execution.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level:

This role is positioned at a Mid-Level Production Designer capacity. It requires a solid foundation in design principles, proven proficiency with Figma, and prior experience working within established design systems. The expectation is for the individual to independently apply system guidelines and manage their production tasks efficiently, with guidance from a Lead Designer.

Reporting Structure:

The Production Designer will report to a Lead Designer for creative and technical guidance on design system application and quality.
They will also work closely with a Project Manager to coordinate project timelines, prioritize deliverables, and manage workflow, typical in operations and project execution roles.

Operations Impact:

The primary impact of this role is on efficiency and consistency in the design production pipeline. By accurately applying the design system, the Production Designer ensures that the client's digital assets are standardized, scalable, and ready for development.
This systematic approach reduces ambiguity and potential errors during the development phase, directly contributing to faster project timelines and a higher quality end product, which ultimately impacts user experience and client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in design systems, Figma's advanced features, and production design workflows, potentially leading to specialization in Design Operations or UI Production.
Project Diversification: Gain exposure to different client projects and industries within the agency, broadening experience in various digital product landscapes.
Process Improvement: Opportunity to identify and suggest improvements to the production workflow or design system application process, demonstrating initiative and operational thinking.
Networking: Build professional connections within a remote-first agency environment, expanding professional reach and potential future contract opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is framed as a specialized production task within a larger project, offering specific skill development in design systems and efficient workflow execution, which are key competencies for operations professionals.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

Instrument operates on a remote-first model. This means there is no central physical office for daily operations, and the work is conducted entirely online and from remote locations.

Office Location(s):

While the company is US-based, the remote-first nature means employees can work from anywhere within the United States, as indicated by the regional pay bands. Specific locations are not tied to project work, but rather to the employee's residence within the US.

Workspace Context:

The workspace is entirely digital, relying heavily on collaboration platforms and cloud-based tools.
Expect a highly collaborative environment facilitated by digital tools, requiring strong communication and organizational skills to maintain team cohesion and project momentum.
The focus will be on individual contribution within a structured project framework, with regular check-ins and feedback loops managed digitally.
The role requires a dedicated, professional remote workspace with stable internet connectivity to ensure productivity and reliable access to necessary tools like Figma.

Work Schedule:

The role requires approximately 40 hours per week.
While the work is remote, adherence to deadlines and availability for scheduled team meetings or check-ins is crucial. The remote-first culture generally supports flexible daily scheduling as long as work is completed and collaboration is maintained.

📝 Enhancement Note: The remote-first nature is a critical aspect of the work environment, impacting communication, collaboration, and the need for self-discipline and effective digital workspace management, all relevant to operations professionals.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A recruiter will likely review applications and portfolios to assess basic qualifications, Figma proficiency, and relevant production design experience.
Portfolio Review & Discussion: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, focusing on specific examples of production design work, design system application, and file organization. Expect questions about your process and how you ensure consistency.
Skills Assessment (Potential): A brief design exercise or a technical assessment focused on Figma and design system application might be part of the process to evaluate practical skills.
Team/Manager Interview: A discussion with the Lead Designer or Project Manager to assess fit with the team's workflow, communication style, and understanding of project objectives.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight Production Work: Dedicate specific slides or sections to projects where you executed designs based on existing systems or templates. Emphasize precision, consistency, and adherence to guidelines.
Showcase Figma Proficiency: Include examples that demonstrate your mastery of Figma features relevant to design systems, such as component libraries, variants, auto layout, and well-organized files.
Illustrate Process: For each project, briefly explain your role, the process you followed, how you applied the design system, and any challenges you overcame. Quantify achievements if possible (e.g., "Translated X pages within Y timeframe").
File Organization: If possible, include screenshots or a brief walkthrough of how you organize your Figma files, demonstrating clean layers and logical naming conventions.
Focus on Consistency: Clearly articulate how you ensure visual consistency and adherence to specifications across multiple pages or components.

Challenge Preparation:

Be prepared for potential questions about how you would approach applying a design system to a large set of pages, your process for ensuring accuracy, and how you manage your workload under tight deadlines.
Practice articulating your design process, particularly how you translate requirements into pixel-perfect execution using design system components.
Familiarize yourself with common design system terminology and concepts, as well as best practices for remote collaboration and communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review process will heavily emphasize practical skills in Figma and systematic execution within a design system, reflecting the operational nature of the role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

Figma: This is the core design tool. Proficiency is essential, with a focus on advanced features like components, variants, auto layout, and design system management.
Communication Platforms: Expect to use tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for daily team communication and project updates.
Project Management Tools: Familiarity with tools like Asana, Jira, Trello, or Monday.com is beneficial for tracking tasks, deliverables, and project progress.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not primary tools for this role, understanding how design translates into user behavior tracked by analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics) can be a plus, though not directly required for production.
Reporting on project progress and task completion will be crucial, often managed through project management software.

CRM & Automation:

Not directly applicable to this production design role, as it is focused on the design execution phase rather than sales or marketing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the paramount tool. Proficiency here is non-negotiable and directly relates to the operational execution of design tasks.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Precision and Accuracy: A strong emphasis on detail, ensuring that designs are executed flawlessly according to the established system.
Efficiency and Productivity: A drive to complete tasks systematically and on time, maximizing output within the project timeline.
Collaboration and Communication: Proactive and clear communication within a remote team to ensure alignment and address any issues promptly.
Process Adherence: A commitment to following established workflows and guidelines to maintain consistency and quality.
Adaptability: Willingness to adapt to project needs and feedback while maintaining high production standards.

Collaboration Style:

Remote & Asynchronous: Collaboration will primarily occur through digital channels, often asynchronously, requiring clear documentation and communication.
Team-Oriented: While individual contribution is key, the role necessitates working harmoniously with a Lead Designer and Project Manager to achieve shared project goals.
Feedback-Driven: An openness to receiving and acting on feedback from the Lead Designer to ensure the highest quality of production work.
Structured Check-ins: Regular, scheduled meetings or updates to ensure everyone is aligned and on track with project deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are geared towards efficient, remote execution and systematic adherence to processes, which are hallmarks of operations-focused roles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

High Volume, Repetitive Tasks: The primary challenge will be maintaining focus and accuracy while applying the design system consistently across 24 pages, which can be repetitive.
Remote Collaboration: Effectively communicating and staying aligned with a remote team requires strong self-management and proactive communication habits.
Adhering to Strict Guidelines: Working within a predefined design system and templates means less creative freedom, requiring a focus on precise execution rather than conceptualization.
Tight Deadlines: The contract duration (August 4 - September 20, 2025) implies a need to work efficiently and manage time effectively to meet project milestones.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Design System Expertise: Gain deep practical experience in applying and understanding complex design systems, a highly valuable skill in the digital product industry.
Figma Mastery: Enhance proficiency in Figma's advanced features, particularly those related to component management and large-scale project execution.
Production Workflow Optimization: Learn efficient production methodologies and best practices for managing high-volume design tasks in a remote setting.
Agency Experience: Obtain valuable experience working with a reputable digital product agency, which can enhance your professional profile and future opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical of production and operational roles that require disciplined execution and efficiency. The growth opportunities focus on deepening practical, operational skills.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Process & System Application: "Describe your process for applying an existing design system to a large set of web pages. How do you ensure consistency and accuracy across all elements?" (Prepare to discuss systematic steps, component usage, and quality checks).
Figma Proficiency: "Walk me through how you utilize Figma's components and variants for efficient production design. Can you show an example of a well-organized Figma file you've worked on for a similar project?" (Be ready to demo or explain your file structure and component management techniques).
Problem-Solving & Collaboration: "If you encountered an inconsistency in the design system or a component that didn't quite fit a specific layout, how would you address it, and who would you communicate with?" (Focus on proactive communication, problem-solving, and collaboration with leads).
Time Management: "How do you prioritize tasks and manage your time when working on a high-volume, deadline-driven project like this?" (Prepare to discuss your personal workflow, prioritization strategies, and how you handle tight schedules).

Company & Culture Questions:

"What interests you about Instrument as an agency, and what do you know about our remote-first culture?" (Research the company's website and any available articles about their culture and values).
"How do you stay connected and collaborate effectively with a remote team?" (Share specific strategies and tools you use for remote collaboration).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio to clearly highlight production design examples. Dedicate specific sections to design system application, emphasizing the "before" (original design) and "after" (system-applied) if possible, or focus on the systematic execution.
Highlight Figma Skills: Showcase your proficiency in Figma by explaining your approach to file organization, component usage, and auto layout in your examples.
Quantify Impact: If possible, use metrics or specific numbers to describe your contribution (e.g., "Applied design system to 24 pages," "Reduced design iteration time by X% through component reuse").
Tell the Story of Process: For each relevant project, succinctly explain the challenge, your process, the tools used (especially Figma), and the outcome. Focus on efficiency and accuracy.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating operational efficiency, systematic thinking, and mastery of Figma within a design system context, aligning with the core requirements of the role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations-focused production design position:

Submit your application through the provided link on Lever. Ensure your resume and portfolio are up-to-date and tailored to the role's requirements.
Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature production design work, design system application, and examples of meticulous Figma file organization. Prioritize projects that demonstrate systematic execution and adherence to guidelines, rather than purely conceptual or branding work.
Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords such as "Production Design," "Design Systems," "Figma," "Component Libraries," "Visual Consistency," "Process Adherence," and "Remote Collaboration." Quantify your achievements where possible, focusing on efficiency and accuracy in design execution.
Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially how you approach systematic application of design rules and components. Prepare to discuss your experience with design systems and your proficiency in Figma. Rehearse your portfolio walkthrough, focusing on clarity and highlighting relevant production work.
Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Instrument's remote-first culture, their services as a digital product and brand experience agency, and their emphasis on "best-in-class work." Understanding their operational approach will help you align your responses during the interview process.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding specific project details, team structure, and exact interview stages, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Production Designer, Web & Design Systems (Freelance)