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Associate Designer Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA (NOW HIRING)

W3Global Inc.

Mold Designer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$30 - $40/hr

About the Role We are seeking a detail-oriented Manufacturing Design Engineer / CAD Designer to ... Currently pursuing an Associate degree in Engineering Technology, CAD Design, Mechanical Design, or ...

CONSOLIDATED SUPPLY CO INC

Senior Designer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$100K - $107K/yr

The Senior Designer position is responsible for generating advanced creative designs and channeling ... Associates or Bachelors degree in Interior Design or related field. AAP/EEO Statement CKF provides ...

CONSOLIDATED SUPPLY CO INC

Senior Designer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$100K - $107K/yr

The Senior Designer position is responsible for generating advanced creative designs and channeling ... Associates or Bachelors degree in Interior Design or related field. AAP/EEO Statement CKF provides ...

Crystal

Senior Mechanical Designer

Hiawatha, IA

Senior Mechanical Designer Reports to: Manager, Mechanical Engineering Department : Engineering ... Associate of Science degree in mechanical engineering with 5+ years of mechanical design experience ...

Crystal Group

Senior Mechanical Designer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

Senior Mechanical Designer Reports to: Manager, Mechanical Engineering Department : Engineering ... Associate of Science degree in mechanical engineering with 5+ years of mechanical design experience ...

Eobrands

Senior Mechanical Designer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$75 - $95/hr

Senior Mechanical Designer**Reports to:** Manager, Mechanical Engineering**Department ... Associate of Science degree in mechanical engineering with 5+ years of mechanical design experience ...

PSC Distribution Inc

Showroom Cabinet Designer

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$20 - $24.50/hr

The Showroom Cabinet Designer is responsible for guiding homeowners, contractors, and designers ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, Construction Management or ...

Ruekert & Mielke

Structural Designer

Iowa City, IA · On-site +1

... Associate's degree, or 5+ years of industry experience * Proficiency in Autodesk Revit and Bluebeam Revu * Experience with commercial building design incorporating concrete, masonry, wood ...

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All JobsAssociate Designer JobsAssociate Designer Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Associate Designer information

See Cedar Rapids, IA salary details

$19.2K

$57.6K

$86.1K

How much do associate designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate designer in Cedar Rapids, IA is $57,618.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,700.00 and $66,900.00 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.
More about Associate Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA?

The most popular types of Designer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA are:

What cities near Cedar Rapids, IA are hiring for Associate Designer jobs?

Cities near Cedar Rapids, IA with the most Associate Designer job openings:

Associate Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Designer job openings in Cedar Rapids, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 49% In-person, 25% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,618 per year, or $27.7 per hour.

Mold Designer

W3Global Inc.

Cedar Rapids, IA

$30 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a detail-oriented Manufacturing Design Engineer / CAD Designer to join our engineering team. In this role, you will use 3D CAD software to develop models, engineering drawings, and bills of materials for plastic injection molds. You will collaborate with engineering and manufacturing teams to deliver high-quality mold designs that support efficient production and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Create 3D models, detailed engineering drawings, and bills of materials using CAD software (e.g., Creo or SolidWorks).

  • Analyze customer-supplied part models for manufacturability and design feasibility.

  • Perform mass property calculations, interference checks, and design validation.

  • Design plastic injection molds and structural foam molds based on OEM-supplied part models and engineering specifications.

  • Ensure designs meet quality, safety, and manufacturing standards.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support product development and continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Maintain accurate engineering documentation and design revisions.

Qualifications Required:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.

  • Currently pursuing an Associate degree in Engineering Technology, CAD Design, Mechanical Design, or a related technical field, or equivalent hands-on experience in manufacturing design or mold design.

  • Experience using 3D CAD software such as Creo, SolidWorks, or similar solid modeling applications.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Self-motivated with strong attention to detail.

  • Commitment to workplace safety and quality.

Preferred:

  • Experience with plastic injection mold design or structural foam mold design.

  • Familiarity with OEM part models, engineering drawings, GD&T, and manufacturing processes.

Benefits

We value our employees and offer a competitive benefits package, including:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Life insurance

  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage

  • 401(k) with company matching

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)

  • Paid holidays

  • Paid Time Off (PTO)

  • Company-sponsored continuing education and professional development

W3Global logo

About W3Global

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs. As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Frisco, TX, US

Year founded

2006

View All W3Global Jobs