Senior Design System Lead — MUI/React & Brand-Driven

Ritchie Bros.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

RB Global is hiring a hands-on Staff Design System Lead to define the strategy for our RB design system built on MUI and React. You will bridge design and engineering, turning feedback into a scalable, polished system that stands apart from generic Material Design.

You will own token architecture, component library, documentation, accessibility, and governance, ensuring alignment across product teams and measurable value.

Qualifications

• 9+ years in product design, with a track record maturing a design system at a product company.
• Hands-on experience with MUI and React-based component libraries, including theming and overrides.
• Portfolio showing systems thinking: token architecture, components, docs, and adoption across teams.
• Fluency in Figma (variables, variants, auto layout) and design‑to‑code workflows (Code Connect, Storybook).
• Strong visual craft and collaboration with engineering on architecture and implementation.

Responsibilities

• Set multi-year vision and roadmap for RB Global design system.
• Own the system end-to-end: foundations, components, tokens, and docs.
• Evolve components based on designer feedback and real usage.
• Maintain sync between Figma library and production MUI/React implementation.
• Push beyond default Material Design to create a distinct RB identity.
• Architect token system for theming, scale, and long‑term consistency.
• Elevate craft with polish, motion, and consistent visuals.
• Own illustration guidelines, icon system, and imagery.
• Define governance, contribution models, versioning, and processes.
• Document usage guidelines and onboarding resources for self‑serve.

Skills

MUI experience

React libraries

Figma

Design system leadership

Token architecture

Accessibility WCAG

AI in design systems

Engineering collaboration

Tools

Storybook

Code Connect

Tokens Studio

Job description

RB Global is hiring a hands-on Staff Design System Lead to define the strategy for our RB design system built on MUI and React. You will bridge design and engineering, turning feedback into a scalable, polished system that stands apart from generic Material Design.

You will own token architecture, component library, documentation, accessibility, and governance, ensuring alignment across product teams and measurable value.