Manager, Software Engineering - Design Systems Editor

As the Manager of Software Engineering - Design Systems at Figma, your primary responsibilities will include leading a team dedicated to optimizing the Design Systems Editor while collaborating with various departments to drive the product's strategy forward. You'll also focus on creating a strong engineering culture that places emphasis on delivering high-quality features and supporting the growth and onboarding of engineers on your team.

To qualify for the Manager, Software Engineering - Design Systems role at Figma, candidates should have at least 3 years of experience managing engineering teams and a proven track record of shipping high-quality product features at scale. A passion for improving engineering scalability and an ability to thrive in high-growth environments are essential. While experience in building frontend platforms or design tools is not mandatory, it is regarded as an added advantage.

Figma places a strong emphasis on building an inclusive and diverse team culture. As the Manager, Software Engineering - Design Systems, you will play an integral role in driving diversity initiatives through your hiring practices, community events, and collaboration with various teams within the company, aiming to create a work environment that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives.

For the Manager, Software Engineering - Design Systems role at Figma, the annual base salary range for positions based in our San Francisco or New York hubs falls between $250,000 and $350,000. Pay may vary depending on individual qualifications and the specific work location, fostering transparency and fairness in compensation.

Employees at Figma can expect a robust benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision coverage, a retirement plan with company contributions, mental health and wellness support, generous paid time off, and equity options. You'll also enjoy benefits related to remote work and personal development, ensuring a well-rounded experience while being part of our team.

When leading high-output engineering teams, I prioritize fostering a culture of communication and collaboration. Setting clear expectations, encouraging feedback, and empowering team members to take ownership of their work ensures that everyone thrives and contributes to our shared goals.

In a previous role, I implemented Agile methodologies that streamlined our development process during a major scale-up phase. This not only improved our efficiency but also enhanced team cohesion, allowing us to manage a growing workload without sacrificing quality or performance.

To ensure high-quality product features, I advocate for rigorous testing phases and involve cross-functional teams in the development process. By incorporating user feedback early on, we can refine features to meet user needs better and achieve high standards before release.

I foster a culture of engineering excellence by promoting continuous learning and sharing best practices. Regular tech talks, code reviews, and knowledge-sharing sessions encourage team members to learn from one another and push the boundaries of what's possible in design systems.

Collaboration is at the heart of my management style. I believe that leveraging diverse perspectives leads to more innovative solutions. I promote open dialogue within the team and across departments, ensuring everyone feels valued and included in the decision-making process.

I prioritize tasks by aligning them with strategic objectives and engaging my team to feedback on time estimates. Utilizing task management tools helps keep everyone organized, and regular stand-ups allow us to adjust priorities based on real-time feedback and shifting needs.

I support career growth by regularly conducting one-on-one meetings to discuss interests and career aspirations. Offering access to training resources and mentoring provides team members the tools they need to advance while encouraging a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

When conflicts arise, I address them promptly by facilitating open discussions amongst the involved parties. It’s important to create a safe environment where everyone can express their views, allowing us to collaboratively find resolutions that strengthen relationships and improve team dynamics.

To stay updated with the latest trends, I engage in continuous learning through conferences, workshops, and online courses. I also follow industry leaders and participate in relevant forums, ensuring I keep my team informed about new technologies and best practices.

I measure the success of my team through a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics. User engagement, feedback, and product adoption rates are key indicators, alongside team satisfaction and productivity metrics that reflect our internal processes and culture.