Lead Digital Designer -AI

Join a leading global company, partnered with Aquent, that's shaping the future of play and immersive experiences! We are seeking a visionary and innovative design leader to drive the creation of groundbreaking digital and phygital products. This is your chance to profoundly impact how consumers engage with next-generation entertainment, guiding concepts from ideation through to tangible, exciting realities. You will be at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge AI and design methodologies to craft truly unforgettable experiences, influencing both product strategy and the growth of emerging talent.

**About the Opportunity**

In this pivotal role, you will ignite innovation by leading design thinking and structured ideation sessions, transforming early-stage concepts into compelling visual prototypes. You'll be a mentor, guiding junior team members and peers in advanced AI-assisted design methodologies, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence. Your insights, derived from meticulous trend and consumer research, will directly inform future strategies and product roadmaps. This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate across diverse teams, including Digital Production, AI R&D Labs, New Business Marketing, and Branding, ensuring a seamless journey from concept to market. You will define detailed play and production specifications, rigorously evaluate digital builds for quality and brand alignment, and present your groundbreaking work to internal stakeholders, shaping the strategic direction of our offerings.

**What You'll Do:**

* Lead dynamic design thinking workshops and structured ideation sessions for both digital and physical-digital (phygital) play experiences.

* Translate nascent concepts into high-fidelity visual prototypes using advanced design tools and approved AI systems.

* Mentor and guide junior designers and peers in best practices for AI-assisted design methodologies.

* Conduct comprehensive trend and consumer research to generate actionable insights and inform future product strategy.

* Collaborate strategically with cross-functional teams including Digital Production, AI R&D, New Business Marketing, and Branding throughout the entire concept-to-shelf development lifecycle.

* Develop detailed play and production specifications, ensuring prototypes are ready for production.

* Rigorously evaluate digital builds to ensure quality, uphold brand alignment, and verify experiential integrity.

* Create and deliver impactful internal presentations that clearly articulate concepts, prototypes, and strategic recommendations.

**Must-Have Qualifications:**

* **Skills:**

* Expert proficiency and genuine enthusiasm for AI tools used in text, image, and audio generation.

* Expert proficiency in leading creative suites and advanced design tools, including AI-powered features.

* Strong capability with prototyping tools comparable to industry standards.

* Advanced design thinking facilitation and structured problem-solving abilities.

* Exceptional communication and collaborative leadership skills.

* Proven ability to effectively manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced environment.

* **Education:**

* Bachelor's degree in Digital Design, Interaction Design, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field.

* **Experience:**

* Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in digital product design, emerging technology design, innovation, or related fields.

**Nice-to-Have Qualifications:**

* **Skills:**

* Experience mentoring or directing other designers in hybrid AI workflows.

* Familiarity with game modding or game engine prototyping.

* Practical experience in building phygital experiences.

* Strong understanding of consumer product development cycles.

* **Education:**

* An advanced degree in Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Innovation, Emerging Technology, or a related field.

* **Experience:**

* 5 to 10 years of experience specifically in innovation, digital design, or emerging technology roles.

**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.

Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits!

Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.