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Associate Designer Jobs in Blue Earth, MN (NOW HIRING)

CAD Designer

Lake Crystal, MN · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Associate degree in a technical field preferred. * Experience with mechanical drafting and design ... designs are practical, safe, and aligned with project requirements. Expect a setting that ...

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Associate Designer information

See Blue Earth, MN salary details

$18.9K

$56.7K

$84.7K

How much do associate designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate designer in Blue Earth, MN is $56,702.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,000.00 and $65,800.00 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?

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.

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.

How much do associate designers make?

Associate designers typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. In larger markets or specialized fields, salaries can be higher, and roles often require proficiency in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

What does an associate designer do?

An associate designer supports the design team by creating visual concepts, sketches, and prototypes using tools like Adobe Creative Suite. They assist in developing design ideas, preparing presentations, and ensuring projects meet client or company standards, often gaining experience to advance in design roles.

What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in Blue Earth, MN?

The most popular types of Designer jobs in Blue Earth, MN are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer jobs in Blue Earth, MN?

For Associate Designer jobs in Blue Earth, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Blue Earth, MN are hiring for Associate Designer jobs?

Cities near Blue Earth, MN with the most Associate Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Designer job openings in Blue Earth, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,702 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

CAD Designer

Actalent

Lake Crystal, MN • On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: CAD DesignerJob Description

This CAD Designer role focuses on creating accurate and detailed project and shop drawings that support safe and efficient manufacturing and fabrication processes. You will collaborate closely with customers, vendors, and internal manufacturing teams to translate concepts into precise 2D and 3D designs using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD. The position offers exposure to a variety of projects in construction, mechanical, and fabrication environments, with a strong emphasis on clear communication and continuous process improvement.

Responsibilities
  • Work with customers to develop detailed project and shop drawings that meet technical requirements and design specifications.
  • Create accurate 2D and 3D custom drawings using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD for use in fabrication and manufacturing.
  • Assist fabrication teams by answering design-related questions that arise during the manufacturing process.
  • Collaborate closely with manufacturing teams to identify and implement process improvements based on design and production feedback.
  • Provide clear and complete design information to support safe and efficient manufacturing processes.
  • Coordinate and maintain a high level of communication with internal teams and external vendors and customers to ensure alignment on project requirements and timelines.
  • Apply knowledge of mechanical design, sheet metal, and fabrication practices to produce practical and manufacturable designs.
  • Prepare and update drafting and mechanical drafting documentation to reflect design changes and project progress.
Essential Skills
  • Proficiency with CAD software, including experience using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD for 2D and 3D design.
  • Experience in mechanical design and drafting, with the ability to produce detailed and accurate technical drawings.
  • Background in construction, mechanical, or fabrication environments.
  • Understanding of fabrication processes, including sheet metal and mechanical components.
  • Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with customers, vendors, and internal manufacturing teams.
  • Ability to support safe manufacturing processes through clear and complete design documentation.
  • At least 1 year of experience working in a manufacturing environment, with fabrication experience preferred.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
  • Associate degree in a technical field preferred.
  • Experience with mechanical drafting and design in a production or fabrication setting.
  • Familiarity with Revit as an additional design tool.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
  • Comfort working in environments related to construction, mechanical systems, or fabrication.
Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing and fabrication-focused environment where you collaborate closely with production and engineering teams. You will regularly use Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, and other CAD tools to create 2D and 3D drawings that support real-world manufacturing processes. The work involves frequent interaction with internal stakeholders and external vendors and customers to ensure designs are practical, safe, and aligned with project requirements. Expect a setting that emphasizes process improvement, clear communication, and hands-on collaboration with fabrication and mechanical teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Lake Crystal, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $35.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Lake Crystal,MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


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About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

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