Visual + Interactive Designer (Mid-level)

Location: Seattle HQ | Hybrid | Employees work on-site and off-site

About Cognition

For over two decades, our world-class team of strategists, storytellers and designers has driven impactful change with leading pioneers, creating a healthier, more empowered world. Our work goes beyond design; it ignites global transformation by ensuring groundbreaking health technologies reach those who need them most.

We uphold the highest standards in a focused, team-oriented environment. If you can’t meet these standards (you’ve gotta have grit and ambition), please do not apply. We value our time and seek only serious, qualified candidates.

Role overview

As a Mid-Level Designer, your education in design and deep interest in Health & Life Sciences are essential. You will play a crucial role in our creative projects, combining technical expertise with innovative thinking and applying that to biotech, science research and global health challenges. You’ll collaborate closely with senior designers and directors on interdisciplinary teams that drive real impact through design and digital projects. This role demands exceptional design execution, a strong grasp of our clients’ needs and a commitment to continuous growth.

Key responsibilities

Design Execution: Bring your A-game. Produce top-tier design work across digital, print and interactive platforms that doesn’t just meet standards—it sets them. Mediocrity isn’t in our vocabulary.

Collaboration: Excel in interdisciplinary teams. You’ll work with the best—strategists, writers, illustrators, PMs, developers and designers—to deliver seamless, integrated results. Sharpen and elevate ideas in high-stakes brainstorming sessions and critiques.

Client Interaction: Be a sponge in client meetings—soak up insights and elevate our team. Support senior designers with razor-sharp precision in presenting concepts that leave clients in awe. You’re here to make us all shine.

Project Involvement: Design is a team sport, and you play every position. Whether you’re driving a project from concept to completion, or managing key elements of larger initiatives, you’re accountable, relentless and always deliver.

Continuous Improvement: Never settle. Push your limits by diving into workshops, conferences and training sessions. Stay ahead of the curve with the latest trends, tools and technologies to inject innovation into every project.

Quality Assurance: Precision is your mantra. Your work must meet the highest standards—every time. Conduct rigorous self-reviews (QA) and demand peer reviews (QC) to ensure nothing short of excellence.

Qualifications

  • Degree in Visual Communication Design from a top-tier, accredited institution.
  • 3-5 years of professional design experience, ideally at a leading design or communication firm.
  • Eligible candidates must have legal authorization to work in the US and not require current or future visa sponsorship.
  • Position based in Seattle with a hybrid work arrangement, combining in-office and remote work.
  • A portfolio that doesn’t just show work but showcases your process, problem-solving skills and exceptional craft across diverse project executions.
  • Proven experience in a design role with a portfolio that demonstrates expertise in design strategy, UX, branding and communication.
  • References we can speak to, providing insights into your problem-solving, team dynamics, and unwavering commitment to excellence. We’re a craft-driven studio that thrives on high performers—only those who match this caliber need apply.

Requirements

  • Mastery of modern design tools and prototyping (Figma, Adobe, etc.), and solid understanding of user-centered design principles and best practices, with a relentless focus on advancing your skills.
  • Disciplined time management in a time & materials environment, with rigorous time tracking as second nature.
  • A collaborative, ego-free mindset that prioritizes team success and a strong, positive team culture.
  • Proven ability to deliver top-quality design across various media and platforms.
  • Exceptional collaboration skills, thriving in interdisciplinary teams.
  • Superior communication skills, capable of presenting design concepts and integrating feedback seamlessly.
  • A relentless drive for professional growth, with a commitment to continuous learning and elevating your craft.
  • Did we say that design is a team sport? But you must be able to work independently to advance your assignments and work on multiple projects simultaneously.

What we offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits package that is focused on work harmony.
  • A rare opportunity to operate at the nexus of design, strategy and health sciences.
  • A collaborative, high-caliber environment that prizes innovation and relentless learning.
  • Exposure to a variety of projects across different teams, clients and design deliverables, working from start-to-finish as well as pick-up work.
  • Fast-tracked professional growth within a cutting-edge, visionary team.

Join us at Cognition

Be part of a team that doesn’t just aim for strength but exemplifies excellence. Apply today to drive innovation in design and make a tangible impact in health and life sciences.

How to apply, what to expect

As a small, busy studio with limited time, we ask that candidates approach the application process thoughtfully and thoroughly. We value those who respect our time by ensuring their application is well-prepared and aligned with the role.

Please do not reach out via LinkedIn messages; to be considered, all applications must be submitted through our website.

Submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter that showcases how you’ll elevate and thrive within our exceptional team. All applicants should ensure they qualify per these requirements and understand we are hybrid consultancy/design firm, with grit, rigor, and a fast pace work ethic with exceptionally high caliber work delivery.

We have a 2-wk information gathering window in which we will be reviewing all qualified applicants. And a brief 1 to 2 week interviewing window. Here is the process we take:

  1. We will do phone screenings. If you meet our objectives and are a good culture fit, we will run 2 interviews.
  2. Interview 1: this is a blended interview for us to validate full qualifications and understanding of requirements and for you to also learn more about the role and culture and expectations. In this interview you do show your portfolio and highlight your strengths and why you believe you will be a good fit. We also need to hear about career path, and an honest representation of where you are at and where you are going in your design development.
  3. Interview 2: deeper review of a single end-to-end case study where you present the problem, show research methods or ideation, and walk through the work solution. This interview allows you to be more clear about how you work best, team environment, and clarity for how you thrive through your work. This allows us to ensure you can plug into work and be a part of workflows and team culture quickly.
  4. Final 1:1 Q&A session with divisional head, or HR.
  5. Hiring committee selects a candidate and an offer is extended. Time to start is expected to be within a 2wk period of offer.

No recruiters, please.

Application instructions

Submit your resume, portfolio, and a cover letter that showcases how you’ll elevate and thrive within our exceptional team.

Submit application

Equal employment opportunity policy statement

At Cognition Studio, Inc., we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We believe that diverse perspectives and experiences drive innovation and excellence.

Our hiring decisions are based solely on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, HIV status, marital status, military service, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. Instead, we actively work to create an environment where every employee feels valued and respected. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply, especially those from underrepresented groups.

Join us in our mission to make a real impact in the world through design and innovation.