Senior Software Engineer, Design Systems

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Software Engineer, Design Systems

Company: AbbVie

Location: North Chicago, Illinois, United States

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Software Engineering / Design Systems

Date Posted: 2026-06-22

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the development and evolution of AbbVie's enterprise design system, "Unity," focusing on AI-enabled workflows and developer productivity.

• Engineer and maintain a robust React/TypeScript component library, emphasizing design tokens, theming, and accessibility standards.

• Pioneer and implement agentic AI integrations and AI-assisted design-to-code pipelines to accelerate digital product delivery across the enterprise.

• Serve as the primary technical liaison and "face" of the Unity Design System for a community of over 600 developers, fostering strong relationships and providing expert support.

• Drive full-stack development for supporting services and automation tooling using Python and Node.js to enhance design-ops and compliance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a hybrid of a senior front-end engineer with deep expertise in design systems and a pioneering AI developer. The emphasis on "agent-ready platform" and "agentic AI workflows" suggests a forward-thinking approach to software development where AI plays a significant role in code generation and UI delivery, requiring candidates comfortable with both traditional development and cutting-edge AI integration. The "developer-facing side of Unity" highlights the critical role of supporting and enabling the broader engineering community.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design, build, test, and maintain high-quality, accessible React/TypeScript components for the Unity React library, ensuring deep alignment with design tokens, scalable theming (light/dark, density modes), composability, and comprehensive Storybook documentation.

• Develop and pioneer AI-assisted and agentic developer workflows, including Claude Code skills, MCP server integrations (Figma, Storybook), context/markdown file utilization, and prompt-to-code/design-to-code pipelines, to enable both developers and AI agents in delivering Unity-compliant UI at scale.

• Engineer full-stack supporting services, front-end automation, and robust build/release/validation tooling using Python and Node.js, focusing on CI/CD, design-ops, and compliance checks to streamline the development lifecycle.

• Own end-to-end quality assurance, including writing and maintaining automated tests, conducting thorough accessibility (WCAG 2.2 AA) and cross-browser testing using the team's toolstack (Storybook, Axe, GitHub), and rigorously QA-ing all work before release.

• Act as the primary developer-facing representative of Unity, providing community support, conducting outreach, building strong relationships with developers, running demos and office hours, and establishing credibility as the go-to expert for Unity development needs.

• Work autonomously to gather and translate developer community needs into actionable requirements, driving development with rapid feedback loops and a multi-hat approach to team responsibilities.

• Contribute to and enhance Unity's data-visualization capabilities, leveraging a data-science background and experience in data visualization to support data-science-driven features.

• Stay abreast of state-of-the-art AI development and productivity tooling, piloting, evaluating, and rolling out improvements (e.g., Storybook MCP, AI documentation tools, new productivity enhancements) across the team.

• Provide technical leadership, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate closely with designers, brand stakeholders, accessibility experts, and BTS teams, adhering strictly to corporate standards, data security protocols, GxP compliance where applicable, and the established software development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a highly autonomous and collaborative role. The expectation to "wear multiple hats" and "own quality end-to-end" signifies a need for a self-starter with a broad technical skill set and a strong sense of ownership. The integration of AI, specifically "Claude Code skills" and "agentic AI workflows," points to a significant shift in how design systems will be maintained and utilized, requiring candidates to be at the forefront of this technological evolution.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree with 6 years of relevant experience; OR

• Master's Degree with 5 years of relevant experience; OR

• PhD with 0 years of relevant experience. Experience:

• Seasoned front-end engineer with extensive experience in React and TypeScript.

• Proven track record in developing and maintaining design systems or component libraries.

• Demonstrable experience in building and integrating AI-assisted developer workflows and agentic AI solutions.

• Hands-on experience with building Claude Code skills is a mandatory requirement.

• Experience in backend development and full-stack capabilities using Python and Node.js.

• Strong understanding and practical application of design tokens and tokenization strategies.

• Experience in building products and tools specifically for a developer-facing audience.

• Proven ability to operate autonomously, manage requirements, and maintain fast feedback loops. Required Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in React and TypeScript for building scalable component libraries.

• Deep understanding of HTML/CSS fundamentals and best practices.

• Hands-on experience with agentic AI development and AI-assisted developer tooling.

• Proven ability to build and deploy Claude Code skills.

• Proficiency in Python and Node.js for backend services and automation.

• Strong command of Storybook for component documentation and development.

• Expertise in accessibility standards, specifically WCAG 2.2 AA.

• Proficiency with GitHub for version control and collaborative development.

• Experience with accessibility and WCAG testing tools such as Axe.

• Demonstrated ability to perform robust QA testing on own work.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

• Strong community outreach, relationship-building, and stakeholder management capabilities. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with other JavaScript frameworks/libraries (e.g., Angular) or additional programming languages.

• A background in data science and experience with data visualization techniques and tools.

• Experience developing front-end automation solutions.

• Familiarity with MCP servers (Figma MCP, Storybook MCP), Figma/Code Connect, and OutSystems.

• Experience in Developer Relations (DevRel) and community management.

• Exposure to mobile development (iOS/Android).

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "Claude Code skills" is highly specific and indicates a direct need for experience with Anthropic's AI models and their integration into developer workflows. The emphasis on "developer-facing audience" and "meet developers where they are" suggests a need for strong communication and empathy towards the engineering community, akin to Developer Relations (DevRel) responsibilities.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of reusable React/TypeScript component development, showcasing composability and theming capabilities.

• Case studies of design system implementation, highlighting the impact on developer efficiency and product consistency.

• Examples of AI-assisted workflows or agentic AI integrations developed for developer productivity or code generation.

• Proof of contributions to accessible component libraries, adhering to WCAG standards.

• Projects illustrating full-stack development using Python or Node.js to support front-end applications or automation. Process Documentation:

• Documentation of front-end development processes, including CI/CD pipelines and automated testing strategies.

• Examples of how design tokens and theming were managed and implemented across a component library.

• Documentation or case studies showcasing the development and impact of AI-driven developer tooling.

• Evidence of contribution to or maintenance of a component library within a Storybook environment.

• Process flow documentation for quality assurance, including accessibility and cross-browser testing methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Software Engineer role focused on design systems and AI, the portfolio should heavily feature tangible examples of code quality, reusability, and impact. Specifically, demonstrating AI integrations that automate or enhance developer workflows will be crucial. A portfolio that clearly articulates the "why" and "how" behind technical decisions, along with measurable outcomes, will be highly valued.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Estimated Range: $96,500 - $183,500 USD per year.

Explanation of Estimate:

This range is derived from the provided salary data (Salary Min: 96500, Salary Max: 183500) and is considered competitive for a Senior Software Engineer role in the technology and pharmaceutical sectors within the United States, particularly in regions with higher cost of living. The specific placement within this range will depend on factors such as the candidate's overall experience, specific skill set alignment, and performance during the interview process.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off (including vacation days, holidays, and sick leave)

• Comprehensive Medical Insurance coverage

• Dental Insurance coverage

• Vision Insurance coverage

• 401(k) retirement savings plan

• Eligibility for short-term incentive programs Working Hours:

• Standard full-time workweek, likely 40 hours per week, with potential for flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements. Some travel may be required.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and falls within typical compensation bands for senior engineering roles in major US tech and pharma companies. The inclusion of "Travel: Yes, 20% of the Time" indicates that while primarily on-site, there will be some business travel expected, which is common for roles involving cross-functional collaboration or external engagements.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology. AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and delivering innovative medicines and solutions to address serious health issues and medical challenges.

Company Size: AbbVie is a large, established enterprise, indicated by its extensive operations and likely global reach. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes, but also opportunities for impact through specialized teams like the Unity Design System.

Founded: AbbVie was founded in 2013 as a spin-off from Abbott Laboratories. This relatively young history for a large company implies a culture that blends established corporate practices with a drive for innovation and growth.

Team Structure:

• The Unity Design System team operates within AbbVie, likely within a broader technology or digital transformation division.

• The team structure is designed to support a large developer community (600+ members), suggesting a focus on scalability, collaboration, and clear communication channels.

• This Senior Software Engineer role will be a key individual contributor, acting as the "face" of the development side of Unity, requiring close collaboration with designers, other engineers, and various stakeholders across BTS (Business Technology Solutions) and product development teams. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Development: Emphasis on metrics, QA, and continuous improvement, as evidenced by requirements for automated testing, accessibility checks, and fast feedback loops.

• Agile/Iterative Development: Implied by the need for quick feedback loops and autonomous work, suggesting an agile or iterative approach to development and deployment.

• AI-First Integration: A significant focus on integrating AI into workflows, including agentic AI and AI-assisted design-to-code, positioning the team at the forefront of technological adoption within the enterprise.

• Community-Centric Support: The role requires active engagement with the developer community, indicating a collaborative methodology where user feedback directly informs development priorities.

Company Website: www.abbvie.com

📝 Enhancement Note: AbbVie's status as a major pharmaceutical company means operations and development processes are likely robust and adhere to strict compliance standards (e.g., GxP). The integration of AI into a design system for such an organization is a significant undertaking, highlighting AbbVie's commitment to innovation and efficiency in a highly regulated industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is designated as "Senior Software Engineer," indicating a seasoned professional with significant experience and the ability to work autonomously. It implies a leadership track within software engineering, focusing on specialized areas like design systems and emerging technologies like AI.

Reporting Structure: The engineer will report to a lead or manager within the Unity Design System team. They will act as a key technical resource and collaborator for designers, product managers, and a broad community of 600+ developers across AbbVie.

Operations Impact: This role has a direct and substantial impact on enterprise-wide digital product delivery. By providing a robust, AI-enhanced design system (Unity), the engineer enables faster, more consistent, and compliant development of digital products across all of AbbVie's therapeutic areas. The AI integration aims to significantly boost developer productivity and reduce time-to-market for critical healthcare solutions.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in design systems, advanced React patterns, AI integration, and full-stack development within a large enterprise context.

• Leadership Development: Opportunity to mentor junior engineers, lead technical initiatives within the design system team, and potentially move into lead or architect roles.

• AI & Innovation: Become a go-to expert in AI-driven development workflows and contribute to cutting-edge projects that shape the future of software development at AbbVie.

• Cross-Functional Influence: Gain broad exposure and influence across diverse teams (design, development, brand, compliance, BTS) by being the central technical point of contact for a critical enterprise system.

• Career Progression: Potential pathways to Staff Engineer, Principal Engineer, or management roles within software engineering, design systems, or AI development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title combined with the focus on cutting-edge AI and enterprise-wide impact suggests this role offers significant growth potential. AbbVie's size provides stability and resources for professional development, while the innovative nature of the Unity Design System project allows for pioneering work that can elevate a candidate's profile.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "On-site," indicating a traditional office-based work environment at AbbVie's North Chicago location. This suggests opportunities for in-person collaboration, spontaneous discussions, and direct team interaction.

Office Location(s): North Chicago, Illinois, USA. This is a major hub for AbbVie, implying a well-equipped corporate campus with amenities designed for a large workforce.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The on-site nature and emphasis on community outreach suggest a workspace that encourages interaction, team meetings, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Tools and Technology: Access to AbbVie's standard IT infrastructure, development tools, and potentially specialized hardware or software for AI development and testing. The job description specifically mentions Storybook, GitHub, Axe, and a need for Python/Node.js environments.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct mentorship from senior colleagues, team stand-ups, design reviews, and pair programming sessions with both local and potentially remote team members.

Work Schedule: While typically a 40-hour workweek, the role's responsibilities (especially the "wear multiple hats" aspect and autonomous work) may require flexibility to meet project deadlines or community support needs. Travel up to 20% of the time is also noted.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in a large pharmaceutical company like AbbVie typically means adhering to standard corporate office hours and protocols. The mention of "GxP compliance" suggests that certain development processes and documentation may need to be handled with a higher degree of rigor and adherence to regulatory requirements.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or recruiter call to assess basic qualifications, interest, and cultural fit.

• Technical Interviews (Multiple Rounds):

  • Front-end Deep Dive: Focus on React, TypeScript, component design, accessibility, and design systems principles. Expect questions on state management, performance optimization, and reusable component patterns.
  • AI/Backend Focus: Assessment of Python/Node.js skills, experience with AI workflows, Claude Code skills development, and familiarity with CI/CD and automation tooling.
  • Design System Principles: Questions on design tokens, theming, composability, and the challenges of maintaining an enterprise-scale design system.
  • System Design/Architecture: Potential for a problem-solving session or case study involving designing a scalable component or workflow.

• Portfolio Review/Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, focusing on relevant projects that demonstrate their skills in design systems, React, AI integration, and full-stack development.

• Behavioral/Cultural Fit Interview: Assessing collaboration style, autonomy, problem-solving approach, and alignment with AbbVie's values and the team's dynamic.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase AI Integration: Highlight any projects involving AI, especially those that demonstrate agentic workflows, prompt engineering for code generation, or AI-assisted developer tooling. Detail the problem, your solution, and the impact.

• Demonstrate Design System Expertise: Include examples of complex React components, well-documented Storybook entries, and clear explanations of your approach to design tokens and theming.

• Emphasize Quality and Accessibility: Present code that is clean, well-tested, and adheres to WCAG 2.2 AA standards. Use tools like Axe during your presentation to show your testing methodology.

• Highlight Full-Stack Contributions: If applicable, showcase any Python or Node.js projects that support front-end efforts or automation.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the value of your work (e.g., "reduced development time by X%", "improved component reusability by Y%", "enabled Z AI workflows").

• Structure for Clarity: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by skill area or project type, and be prepared to walk through specific examples in detail.

Challenge Preparation:

• AI Workflow Design: Be ready to brainstorm or design an AI-assisted workflow for a common developer task (e.g., generating boilerplate code, writing unit tests, documenting components).

• Component Design Challenge: You might be asked to design a new component or refactor an existing one, considering accessibility, theming, and composability.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you would handle technical debt, resolve conflicting requirements between design and development, or improve a slow CI/CD process.

• Community Engagement: Think about how you would engage with a large developer community, handle support requests, and promote adoption of the design system.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "Claude Code skills" and "agentic AI workflows" means interviewers will be looking for practical, hands-on experience with AI integration into the software development lifecycle. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their approach to prompt engineering, AI model selection, and the ethical considerations of AI in development.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• React & TypeScript: Core for building the component library.

• Node.js & Python: For backend services, automation, and tooling.

• Storybook: Essential for component development, documentation, and testing.

• GitHub: For version control, collaboration, and CI/CD integration.

• Claude Code Skills / Agentic AI Platforms: For developing and deploying AI-assisted workflows.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Storybook: Provides component usage analytics and documentation metrics.

• Internal AbbVie Tools: Likely custom dashboards or reporting tools for tracking design system adoption, component performance, and developer productivity.

• Accessibility Testing Tools: Axe, Lighthouse, or similar for ensuring WCAG compliance.

CRM & Automation:

• CI/CD Tools: Jenkins, GitHub Actions, or similar for automated builds, testing, and deployments.

• Design Token Management Tools: Potentially custom scripts or specialized libraries for token generation and distribution.

• Figma / Code Connect / MCP Servers: For bridging design and development workflows, especially in the context of AI integrations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specific mention of "Claude Code skills" and "MCP Integrations" indicates a strong focus on AI-driven development tools and platforms. Proficiency with these, in addition to standard front-end and backend technologies, will be a significant advantage. The need for "design-ops" tooling points towards automation in the design and development workflow.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Forward-Thinking: A strong emphasis on pioneering new technologies, particularly AI, to drive efficiency and improve digital product delivery.

• Collaboration & Community: Fostering a supportive environment where developers and designers work together, and the design system team actively engages with and supports a large user community.

• Quality & Excellence: Commitment to building high-quality, accessible, and compliant components and workflows, with rigorous testing and QA processes.

• Autonomy & Ownership: Empowering individuals to take ownership of their work, operate independently, and drive initiatives from conception to deployment.

• Integrity & Compliance: Adhering to corporate standards, data security, and regulatory requirements (e.g., GxP) inherent in the pharmaceutical industry.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Close partnership with design, brand, accessibility, and BTS teams to ensure the design system meets diverse needs and standards.

• Developer-Centric Approach: Actively seeking feedback from and providing support to the developer community, positioning the team as a trusted resource.

• Iterative Improvement: A culture of continuous learning and refinement, with fast feedback loops and an openness to adopting new tools and methodologies (especially AI).

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging the sharing of best practices, technical insights, and AI development learnings across the team and the broader developer community.

📝 Enhancement Note: The combination of "pharmaceutical industry" context and "AI integration" suggests a culture that values both rigorous adherence to standards and a bold embrace of innovation. Candidates should be comfortable navigating a structured environment while actively pushing technological boundaries.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Pioneering AI Integration: Integrating cutting-edge AI technologies (like Claude Code skills) into enterprise-level design systems presents novel challenges in terms of reliability, scalability, and ethical considerations.

• Managing a Large Community: Effectively supporting and gathering requirements from over 600 developers requires robust communication, clear documentation, and responsive engagement strategies.

• Balancing Innovation with Compliance: Developing new AI-driven workflows while adhering to strict pharmaceutical industry regulations (GxP, data security) requires careful planning and execution.

• Maintaining Technical Debt: As a senior engineer supporting a widely used system, managing and mitigating technical debt while continuously innovating can be demanding.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring consistent adoption and understanding of the design system and its AI capabilities across diverse teams with varying technical expertise.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced AI/ML Skills: Opportunities to deepen expertise in AI development, prompt engineering, and agentic AI workflows through hands-on project work and potential training.

• Design System Architecture: Developing advanced skills in designing and scaling complex component libraries and design systems for enterprise use.

• Full-Stack Mastery: Expanding proficiency in Python, Node.js, and related backend technologies for building robust supporting services and automation.

• Technical Leadership: Mentorship opportunities and the chance to lead technical initiatives, contributing to career growth into senior technical or leadership roles.

• Industry Exposure: Gaining insights into the pharmaceutical industry's unique technology challenges and compliance requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the innovative aspects of the role, particularly AI integration and community management. The growth opportunities are tied directly to these challenges, offering a clear path for skill development and career advancement in high-demand areas.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• AI Workflow Design: "Describe how you would design an AI-assisted workflow for generating accessible React components based on design specifications. What challenges would you anticipate with Claude Code skills?" (Focus on process, AI capabilities, and mitigation strategies).

• Design System Strategy: "How would you approach gathering requirements from 600+ developers for new components or features in the Unity Design System? How would you prioritize these requests?" (Focus on community engagement, prioritization frameworks, and communication).

• Technical Problem Solving: "Imagine a scenario where a new AI tool introduces subtle but pervasive accessibility issues across multiple applications. How would you identify, address, and prevent this?" (Focus on systematic debugging, testing methodologies, and proactive measures).

Company & Culture Questions:

• AbbVie's Innovation: "AbbVie is in the pharmaceutical industry, which often has strict compliance. How do you see AI integration in a design system balancing innovation with these regulatory requirements?" (Focus on understanding industry context and risk management).

• Team Collaboration: "As the 'face' of Unity development, how would you build trust and foster strong relationships with a diverse developer community?" (Focus on communication, empathy, and proactive support).

• Impact Measurement: "How would you measure the success and impact of the Unity Design System, particularly its AI-driven components, on developer productivity and product delivery?" (Focus on defining KPIs, data collection, and ROI demonstration).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• AI Project Deep Dive: Select your most compelling AI integration project. Clearly articulate the problem, your technical approach (including specific AI models/tools used), the implementation details, and the quantifiable results. Be prepared to discuss prompt engineering strategies and any challenges faced.

• Component Library Showcase: Walk through 2-3 key React components, explaining your design choices, attention to accessibility (WCAG 2.2 AA), theming capabilities, and how they are documented in Storybook.

• Full-Stack Contribution: If you have relevant Python/Node.js projects, briefly explain their purpose and how they supported front-end efforts or automation.

• Demonstrate Ownership: Clearly articulate your role in each project and your level of autonomy. Use "I" statements for your individual contributions and "we" for team efforts.

• Focus on Process: Explain your development and QA processes, including how you ensure quality, test thoroughly, and integrate with CI/CD pipelines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be highly interested in your practical experience with AI in a development context. Be ready to discuss specific AI tools, models, and methodologies you've used, and how you've applied them to solve real-world problems. Demonstrating an understanding of enterprise-level concerns like scalability, compliance, and community support will be critical.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Software Engineer, Design Systems position:

• Submit your application through the AbbVie careers portal via the provided job link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with React, TypeScript, design systems, AI development (specifically Claude Code skills), Python, Node.js, Storybook, and accessibility standards (WCAG 2.2 AA). Quantify achievements wherever possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio (e.g., GitHub repository, personal website) that showcases relevant projects. Prioritize examples demonstrating AI integrations, complex React components, design token implementation, and accessibility best practices.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on your contributions, technical approach, and the impact of your work. Be ready to discuss AI workflows and design system challenges in detail.

• Research AbbVie and Unity: Understand AbbVie's mission, therapeutic areas, and commitment to innovation. Familiarize yourself with the concept of an enterprise design system and its importance in large organizations.

⚠️ 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.