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Associate Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Scope The Civil Project Designer 2 will lead design efforts as a project manager or lead engineer ... Associates degree, or certificate, in utilizing Autodesk Civil 3D or equivalent software tools or ...

... an Associate's degree, or 5+ years of industry experience * Proficiency inAutodesk Revit and Bluebeam Revu * Experience withcommercial building design incorporating concrete, masonry, wood ...

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Associate Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$18.3K

$55K

$82.2K

How much do associate designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate designer in Iowa is $55,004.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $63,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design associate?

A design associate is a professional who supports the design team by assisting with project development, creating visual concepts, and using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software. They often collaborate with senior designers and may need a relevant degree or portfolio to qualify for the role.

What Is an Associate Designer?

An associate designer is responsible for assisting the lead designer or art director with the production and design of creative projects. Associate designers can work in a variety of industries, include fashion, graphic design, and interior design. As an associate designer, your job duties vary significantly by industry, but they generally involve researching trends, communicating with clients, and procuring materials necessary for designing the project. Regarding academic qualifications, you need a bachelor’s degree in fine arts or a major related to the specific industry in which you choose to work. Some employers may require previous experience or a portfolio that proves your design skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Designer, you generally need a strong foundation in design principles, proficiency with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), and a relevant degree or portfolio showcasing your work. Familiarity with tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and sometimes prototyping platforms like Figma or Sketch is often required. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborative environments and respond to feedback. These skills ensure you can contribute high-quality, innovative designs that meet client or project objectives in a fast-paced industry.

Which designer is highly paid?

Senior and lead designers, especially those with specialized skills in user experience (UX), user interface (UI), or graphic design, tend to earn the highest salaries in the design field. Experience, industry, location, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma also influence compensation levels.

Is an associate designer the same as a junior designer?

An associate designer is often an entry-level or early-career role that involves supporting senior designers and developing foundational skills. A junior designer typically has less experience and works under supervision, focusing on learning design processes and tools like Adobe Creative Suite. While roles can vary by company, both positions are considered beginner-level and may have overlapping responsibilities, but titles and expectations can differ across organizations.

What does an Associate Designer do?

An Associate Designer is an entry- to mid-level professional who assists in the creation and development of design projects. They typically work under the supervision of senior designers or art directors and contribute to tasks such as creating layouts, preparing design concepts, and revising drafts based on feedback. Their responsibilities can vary depending on the industry—such as fashion, graphic design, or interior design—but generally involve supporting the execution of visual or conceptual elements to meet project goals. Associate Designers collaborate with cross-functional teams and help ensure that design work aligns with brand or project standards.

How does an Associate Designer typically collaborate with other team members during a project?

Associate Designers work closely with senior designers, project managers, and cross-functional teams such as marketing, engineering, or product development. Collaboration often involves participating in brainstorming sessions, contributing design ideas, and iterating on feedback from multiple stakeholders. Regular communication—via meetings, design reviews, and digital collaboration tools—is essential to ensure that design concepts align with project goals and brand guidelines. This teamwork helps Associate Designers learn from experienced colleagues and refine their skills in a supportive environment.

What is the difference between Associate Designer vs Junior Designer?

AspectAssociate DesignerJunior Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in design or related field; some employers may prefer internship experienceBachelor's degree in design or related field; entry-level position
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with senior designers, participates in projects, and supports design teamsAssists in design tasks, learns workflows, and gains practical experience
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across creative agencies, in-house design teams, and studiosCommon entry-level role in similar settings

Associate Designers typically have more responsibilities and may oversee parts of projects, while Junior Designers focus on learning and supporting design tasks. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Associate Designers are often more experienced and involved in project execution.

What is the highest paid designer job?

The highest paid designer roles are often senior positions such as Creative Director or Design Director, especially in large corporations or specialized fields like user experience (UX) or product design. These roles typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools, and they can earn six-figure salaries depending on the industry and location.
What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Designer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer jobs in Iowa? For Associate Designer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Designer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Designer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer jobs in IA? For Associate Designer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Civil Project Designer 2

Civil Project Designer 2

IMEG

Bettendorf, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


IMEG rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

235th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Scope
The Civil Project Designer 2 will lead design efforts as a project manager or lead engineer for low to moderate complexity projects and collaborate with senior staff for the delivery of larger and high complexity projects. They will be responsible for working closely with a team of engineers and consultants to provide engineering solutions and advice to clients to ensure positive outcomes. Primary responsibilities will include engineering analysis, design and implementation oversight of Civil Engineering projects. This position will be expected to work within the project's monetary budget, train, mentor, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet project goals and client expectations.
Principal Responsibilities
• Direct and train Civil Design Technicians to assist them in completing reports, exhibits, plans and specifications and permit applications as required by the project's contractual scope
• Prepare grading and stormwater designs for commercial, industrial, and residential site plans
• Lead design efforts for the analysis of Civil Engineering Projects; Utilize engineering software and tools to create detailed designs, specifications, and calculations according to code requirements and IMEG standards
• Interact with clients to understand their needs, gather project requirements, and communicate technical information effectively; Build and maintain client relationships through professional communication
• Work as part of a project team to support the execution of consulting projects; Lead efforts in project planning, budgeting, and scheduling tasks to meet project deadlines and objectives; Document design decisions and instructions from clients while monitoring project design progress as related to percent complete and fee expended
• Analyze engineering problems and propose innovative solutions; Collaborate with senior engineers and consultants to develop practical and efficient solutions
• Provide in-process design reviews of Civil Engineering design, calculations, and specifications; Implement IMEG quality control processes to ensure that engineering designs and solutions meet IMEG quality standards, industry standards and client requirements
• Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in Civil Engineering; Contribute to research, development, and innovation efforts within IMEG
• Prioritize safety and regulatory compliance in all aspects of engineering work; Interpret state and local design criteria and apply it to the specific project needs
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including other engineers, architects, and project managers, to deliver integrated solutions that meet project goals
• Identify potential project problems and seek advice from the Project Manager
Required Skills/Abilities
• Proficiency of industry standard engineering software and tools, primarily Civil 3D
• Proficient with pipe networking and road corridors
• Proficiency in design techniques, tools, and concepts involved in the production of technical plans and specifications
• Strong training and mentoring skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; Ability to clearly communicate in both oral and written communication to individuals or groups
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Eagerness to adapt to new challenges
• Proficient with MS Office Suite including but not limited to Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to travel up to 15% with occasional overnight stays
Education and Experience
• Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree in Civil Engineering, or equivalent required
• Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification preferred
• 5 years of experience minimum required, 6 preferred, in the building design consulting industry
OR
• Associates degree, or certificate, in utilizing Autodesk Civil 3D or equivalent software tools or engineering preferred
• 9 years of experience minimum required, 10 preferred, in the building design consulting or construction industry
Physical Requirements
• Regularly required to sit, walk, stand, talk, see, hear, and lift objects up to 25 pounds
• Occasionally required to drive, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, reach with hands or arms, and grasp or pull
• Will have limited exposure to outside weather conditions and loud noises
IMEG, an employee-owned corporation, is committed to investing in employees' futures through professional development programs and opportunities for career advancement. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including generous PTO, flexible schedule, and assistance with tuition reimbursement. Additionally, employees are eligible to enroll in health, dental, vision, and life insurance on their first day of employment.
Want to learn more about IMEG and our other amazing career opportunities? Please visit https://www.imegcorp.com/careers/.
IMEG is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all employment practices, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), gender, national origin, disability, age, genetic information (including family medical history), parental status (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation), ethnic origin, hair type (including hairstyle or hair texture), citizenship status, marital status, military service, veteran's status, political affiliation, non-merit-based factors, or any other characteristic protected by law. In accordance with antidiscrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to put into effect these principles and mandates. IMEG prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. IMEG conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
All applicants have the right to request access, correction, and deletion of their personal information from our system. In order to make a request, please email careers@imegcorp.com.

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