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Associate Designer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

CRB

Mechanical Designer I

Raleigh, NC · On-site

The Mechanical Designer I performs their job functions under the supervision of a project ... Applicable Associate degree or technical trade school certification * 0 to 3 years of experience ...

Larson Design Group

Sr. Hydraulic Designer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$72K - $108K/yr

The Hydraulic Designer will work extensively on NCDOT bridge and culvert replacement projects ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related technical discipline preferred.

CRB

Mechanical Designer I

Raleigh, NC

The Mechanical Designer I performs their job functions under the supervision of a project ... Applicable Associate degree or technical trade school certification * 0 to 3 years of experience ...

Amphenol TCS

Mechanical Designer (Creo)

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Bachelors or Associates Degree in Engineering, CAD, or a related field * 2+ years parametric ... Family table driven designs * Detailing, dimensional and geometric tolerancing (GD&T) * Familiarity ...

New

K&A Engineering Consulting

Substation Designer

Cary, NC · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Substation Designer to join our team at K&A ... A 2 year associates degree in engineering technology or drafting is preferred * Proficient with ...

K&A Engineering, Inc.

Substation Designer

Cary, NC

$70K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Substation Designer to join our team at K&A ... A 2 year associates degree in engineering technology or drafting is preferred * Proficient with ...

Larson Design Group

Civil Designer - Energy

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$59K - $89K/yr

From designing innovative solutions to building stronger communities, we approach every project ... Education: Associates or Bachelor's degree in a Technical discipline preferred. * Experience:

Larson Design Group

Civil Designer - Energy

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$59K - $89K/yr

From designing innovative solutions to building stronger communities, we approach every project ... Education: Associates or Bachelor's degree in a Technical discipline preferred. * Experience:

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All JobsAssociate Designer JobsAssociate Designer Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Associate Designer information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$19K

$56.9K

$85.1K

How much do associate designer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate designer in Raleigh, NC is $56,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,100.00 and $66,100.00 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.

Is Associate designer higher than designer?

In most organizations, an Associate Designer is considered a junior or entry-level role, while a Designer is typically a more experienced or mid-level position. The hierarchy can vary depending on the company's structure, but generally, Designers have more responsibilities and require a higher skill level than Associate Designers.

What does an associate designer do?

An associate designer supports the design team by creating visual concepts, drafting layouts, and developing prototypes using tools like Adobe Creative Suite. They assist in project development, collaborate with senior designers, and often gain experience to advance in the design field.

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 or more depending on the industry and location.

How much do associate designers make?

Associate designers typically earn between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while those with specialized skills or in high-demand markets can earn more.
More about Associate Designer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC? The most popular types of Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC? For Associate Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Associate Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Designer jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Associate Designer jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Associate Designer job openings:
Associate Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Designer job openings in Raleigh, NC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,926 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

AutoCAD Electrical Designer

ROBERT E MASON & ASSOCIATES INC

Durham, NC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

As a 100% Employee-Owned company, Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc. believes our Associates are the foundation of both our customers’ and our success.  Our strong company culture, and belief in continued investment in our Associates, has helped us realize long Associate tenures, as well as long lasting relationships with our customers.  Under the Robert E. Mason & Associates, Inc. umbrella there are two divisions: R.E. Mason and Apperture Solutions.

R.E. Mason is an Emerson Impact Partner covering North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.  Emerson is the global leader of process systems and solutions.  R.E. Mason provides industry-leading process equipment and service for process control, automation, safety, and reliability.  The industries served include Chemical, Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences, Power & Utilities, Food & Beverage, and Pulp & Paper. 

Apperture Solutions is a technology independent, professional consulting, and implementation services firm.  Apperture Solutions offers Data Enablement, Production Optimization, Operations Management, and Other Value-Added Services.  Apperture Solutions partners with other providers to offer our customers the technologies and solutions that fit their needs.

What R.E. Mason Offers Associates:

R.E. Mason is a 100% employee-owned company that offers a comprehensive, industry leading benefits package to all eligible Associates:

  • Participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
  • Retirement plan, including a Safe Harbor contribution
  • Medical / Dental / Vision Insurance
  • Employer paid Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Generous paid leave options that include vacation time, sick leave, personal leave time, R.E. Mason Way Half Day, paid Jury Duty, and paid Bereavement Leave
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid company holidays
  • Career Development Program
  • Retirement and Financial Wellness program
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Alternative/Hybrid Work Schedules

General Description

The candidate will use AutoCAD, Micro Station and/or EPlan CAD software to provide support to engineers, sales and project managers by preparing layout drawings, detailed control panel drawing packages, shop assembly drawings, electrical schematics, sketches, and diagrams. Details to include all views, dimensional information and electrical schematics necessary for fabrication of control panels as well as formal customer submittal packages. Candidate to be responsible for developing complete drawing packages, provide tracking of revisions and maintaining / managing file storage of this information on the designated project drive. With on-the-job training, the candidate should be able to develop the technical knowledge to perform all design activities independently. When questions/problems arise, candidate should be able to clearly articulate those to the project lead engineer or project manager for guidance on resolution. Candidates need a solid understanding of drafting techniques and familiarity with engineering terminology; mechanical aptitude; electrical design aptitude; ability to complete mathematical calculations.

Specific Responsibilities

  • Prepare clear, complete, and accurate detail drawing packages from rough draft or sketches/notes provided by others on the engineering team.
  • Prepare clear, complete, and accurate detail drawing packages from proposal BOM’s
  • The position entails simultaneously drafting on multiple projects using AutoCAD Electrical, MicroStation and/or EPlan design software packages.
  • Proficiency in the use of AutoCAD Electrical, specifically the Project Manager functionality to create and update:
    • Floor plans for equipment layouts.
    • System architecture diagrams.
    • Control panel layout diagrams.
    • Detailed wiring diagrams.
    • System diagrams with point lists.
    • Sequence of operations documentation.
    • Installation details for field implementation.
  • Other responsibilities may include:
    • Creating equipment / bill of material lists.
    • Performing electrical and heat load calculations using MS Excel spreadsheet
    • Determining weights and other customer required specifications.
    • Define and manage I/O (Input/Output) requirements for control systems.
    • Generate and maintain I/O tables for all project phases.
    • Create equipment datasheets and ensure proper documentation is maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Strong knowledge of control system hardware including PLCs, DCS, and instrumentation.
  • Proven experience in design coordination, vendor management, and documentation control.
  • Decision making will be within the team environment; issues raised will be coordinated with project engineering lead; ability to identify issues/concerns and bring those to the lead engineer’s attention
  • Participate in regular project coordination meetings with internal teams, clients, and vendors.
  • Collaborate on prefabrication activities to ensure designs are ready for efficient build and installation
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • Work will be in the Charlotte NC office.

Required Competencies

  • Critical thinking and problem solving skills
  • Planning and organizing
  • Issue identification
  • Communication skills
  • Teamwork
  • Adaptability
  • Stress tolerance
  • This is a hybrid role requiring three days per week in the office and two days working from home.

Required Education and Experience

  • U.S. Citizen with valid driver’s license
  • Minimum of two (2) year associate’s degree in computer Aided Drafting, Drafting Technology Program + minimum of two (2) years of experience and/or minimum of five (5) years equivalent experience and training.
  • Direct work experience in this capacity
  • Mastery of AutoCAD Electrical; Proficiency in MicroStation and EPlan a plus
  • Proficient in MS Excel, MS Word, MS Outlook and MS Visio
  • Must be adept in using computers and peripherals; typing skills a requirement.
  • Fluent in English Language – written & verbal.
  • Good communications skills.
  • Proven team oriented
  • Proven ability to work in an environment requiring a high level of attention to detail
  • Proven ability to juggle multiple activities & prioritize appropriately to meet deadlines
  • Proven ability to interact with customers & peers relative to project execution activities
  • Ability to wear required PPE without limitations.
  • Organized and able to develop/utilize templates and/or standards.
  • Experience at working both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
  • Must be able to learn, understand, and apply new technologies.
  • Adept at reading and understanding schematics, mechanical and electrical drawings.
  • Work accurately and concisely within a project time-frame.

Preferred Experience/Competencies

  • Ability to read/understand installation & operations manuals and specifications.
  • Knowledge of NEC, ISA, UL508a, and other relevant electrical and instrumentation standards.
  • Experience with various industrial automation systems across building and facility automation, as well as manufacturing environments; Vendors inclusive of Allen Bradley, Rockwell, GE, PROVOX, RS3, DeltaV, Honeywell, ABB, Siemens, etc..
  • Have a working knowledge of basic electrical theory and application pertaining to control systems.
  • Customer service skills are a primary focus.
  • Ability to elicit cooperation from a wide variety of resources.
  • Ability to read communication styles of team members and contractors who come from a broad spectrum of disciplines.
  • React to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently.

Physical Requirements

  • Standing
  • Walking
  • Sitting
  • Kneeling
  • Reaching Overhead
  • Climbing
  • Pushing and Pulling
  • Lifting - 30 pounds
  • Using a Computer
  • Using a Telephone
  • Driving

RE Mason Company is a federal contractor and, as such, is required to solicit the disability status and protected veteran status of candidates. Thus, you are required to answer self-identification questions as part of your application process. These questions are part of RE Mason’s Affirmative Action Plan and the completion of these questions will not have any effect on any consideration of your application materials.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and need to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with RE Mason, please call our office at (704) 375-4465.

This is a drug-free workplace. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of any required pre-employment and, if applicable, ongoing drug testing, including testing mandated by customer site access requirements.

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