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Associate Designer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Mesa Associates Inc.

Associate Designer I

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Mesa is seeking an Associate Designer I to develop P&C projects for one of Mesa's long term utility clients. The hybrid work schedule, opportunity for growth, team camaraderie, relationship with the ...

Mesa Accosiates

Associate Designer I

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Mesa is seeking an Associate Designer I to develop P&C projects for one of Mesa's long term utility clients. The hybrid work schedule, opportunity for growth, team camaraderie, relationship with the ...

Mesa Associates Inc.

Senior Physical Designer

Knoxville, TN · Hybrid

$90K - $97K/yr

Ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience designing physical equipment/systems associated with ... Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be ...

Mesa Associates, Inc.

Senior Physical Designer

Knoxville, TN · Hybrid

$90K - $97K/yr

Ideal candidate has over 8 years of experience designing physical equipment/systems associated with ... Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be ...

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$17.7K

$53.1K

$79.4K

How much do associate designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate designer in Tennessee is $53,150.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $61,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

More about Associate Designer jobs
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Associate Designer jobs near you
Associate Designer I

Associate Designer I

Mesa Associates, Inc.

Knoxville, TN

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

PDS4 / Power Delivery Substation

This position is not eligible for recruiting or sourcing by outside parties.

Disclaimer: Be cautious and only respond to emails from our “mesainc.com” domain. We will never ask for sensitive information, such as bank account details, SSN, etc., via email. If you receive any communication asking for such information, it is not from Mesa. For any concerns, or to verify the authenticity of a message, please contact us through our official channels.

Mesa is seeking an Associate Designer I to develop P&C projects for one of Mesa’s long term utility clients. The hybrid work schedule, opportunity for growth, team camaraderie, relationship with the client, and competitive pay make this one of the premier P&C opportunities in the country. You’ll be joining a team of professionals with over 200+ years of combined P&C work experience. You’ll be a member of a valued team with a proven track record. Your contributions will have a direct impact to Mesa, our clients, and will not go unnoticed.

Reporting to our west Knoxville location, you’ll be just a short drive away from the Great Smoky Mountains national park as well as, living in one of the “best cities” (US News) in the entire country.

Responsibilities:

Your Project Responsibilities will include designing and developing:

  • One-line diagrams.
  • Three-line diagrams.
  • AC & DC elementaries.
  • Front and rear panel views
  • Wiring diagrams
  • Communications diagrams

Additionally, you will also be:

  • Performing Protection & Control design with a high degree of accuracy.
  • Working in teams as well as individually.
  • Using MicroStation to create deliverables.
  • Interacting with the customer and meet their schedule and budgeting requirements.
  • Mentoring junior Engineers/Designers as needed.
  • Reviewing other team member's work.
  • Traveling (<5% of your time) and work paid overtime as needed.
  • Practicing safe habits and perform no unsafe acts.

Years of Experience:

0 - 3 years of Substation Protection and Control is preferred.

Educational Requirements:

Associates in Engineering Technology or similar

Skills:

  • Understanding Schemes within Protection & Controls design
  • MicroStation (Novice)
  • AutoCAD (Novice)
  • Strong communication skills
  • Able to prioritize
  • Be organized and effective

Behaviors:

  • Good Attitude – Bring good energy and mindset to what we do for our clients.
  • Willingness to Learn – Be humble and open to new ideas/methods of the design process.
  • Team Player – Have good communication and must work well in groups.
  • Self-Starter - Know how to begin a project, ask questions and stay productive.
  • Detail Oriented – Quality is the end product that we provide to our clients.
  • Dedicated – Accepting the challenge and completing a task with loyalty and integrity.

Mesa is different than most engineering firms in that we offer a small, family-type atmosphere in a medium sized company along with stability, opportunity for growth and a good work-life balance. We bring friendliness, warmth and purpose to what we are doing.

At this time, Mesa cannot transfer nor sponsor a work visa for this position.

If you meet the requirements for this fast-paced, rewarding career opportunity, please apply. We hope to see your application.

Notice to External Search Firms: Mesa Associates, Inc. and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes and will not be obligated to pay a placement fee for unsolicited resumes. Mesa Associates, Inc. Talent Acquisition engages with approved search firms directly for specific hiring needs.