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Color Material Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Partner with overseas manufacturers and suppliers to communicate design details, review samples, and ensure high-quality execution of CMF (color, material, finish). * Lead design reviews and ...

CMF Developer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$144K - $204K/yr

As a Color, Material, and Finish Developer on the RL Industrial Design team, you bring extensive knowledge of industrial materials and finishes as well as a passion for sourcing and developing new ...

Color Designer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Color Designer Reports to: Sr. Director of Design Location: Carlsbad, CA (hybrid) About REEF: At ... We prioritize sustainable design--using water-based glues, recycled materials, and other low-impact ...

Color Designer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$85K - $100K/yr

Color Designer Reports to: Sr. Director of Design Location: Carlsbad, CA (hybrid) About REEF: At ... We prioritize sustainable design--using water-based glues, recycled materials, and other low-impact ...

Design Engineer

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$70K - $80K/yr

This position will Work with Industrial Designers (ID), Color Material Finish Designers (CMF ... Design experiments to verify design and function. * Learn, understand, and share production ...

Design Engineer

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$70K - $80K/yr

This position will Work with Industrial Designers (ID), Color Material Finish Designers (CMF ... Design experiments to verify design and function. * Learn, understand, and share production ...

Sr. Apparel CAD Artist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$46.21 - $51.34/hr

Develop and present a diverse range of design options, exploring variations in color, material, and graphic elements. * Collaborate seamlessly with cross-functional teams, including design, product ...

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Color Material Design information

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How much do color material design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for color material design in the United States is $20.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Color Material Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Color Material Designer, you need a strong background in color theory, materials science, and design principles, often supported by a degree in industrial, textile, or graphic design. Proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite, 3D modeling software, and material libraries is typically required. Attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication with cross-functional teams are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for developing aesthetically pleasing, functional, and market-appropriate products that meet both user needs and brand identity.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Color Material Design roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Color Material Design frequently encounter challenges such as balancing aesthetic appeal with material functionality and manufacturability. Collaborating with cross-functional teams—including engineering, marketing, and production—requires strong communication to ensure color and material choices align with brand identity and technical constraints. Staying updated on emerging trends and sustainable materials is also critical. Addressing these challenges involves continuous learning, active collaboration, and leveraging digital tools for color visualization and prototyping.

What is Color Material Design?

Color Material Design refers to the practice of selecting and applying colors and materials in the design process to enhance the appearance, functionality, and user experience of a product. This role often involves understanding how color, texture, and finish affect both the aesthetic and usability of physical or digital products. Professionals in this field collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and marketing teams to ensure that chosen materials and colors align with brand identity and meet technical requirements. Their expertise is crucial in industries like automotive, fashion, technology, and consumer goods.

What is the difference between Color Material Design vs Graphic Designer?

AspectColor Material DesignGraphic Designer
CredentialsDesign degrees, UI/UX certificationsDesign degrees, visual communication certifications
Work EnvironmentDigital platforms, product interfacesPrint, digital media, branding projects
Industry UsageTech, app development, product designAdvertising, publishing, branding

Color Material Design focuses on creating visual language and interface elements for digital products, emphasizing usability and consistency. Graphic Designers work across various media to develop visual concepts, branding, and layouts. While both roles require strong design skills, Color Material Design is more specialized in digital UI/UX, whereas Graphic Design covers a broader range of visual communication.

More about Color Material Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Color Material Design jobs? Cities with the most Color Material Design job openings:
What job categories do people searching Color Material Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Color Material Design jobs are:
Infographic showing various Color Material Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,581 per year, or $21 per hour.
Principal Designer, FW Materials & Color NA Express Lane, Jordan

Principal Designer, FW Materials & Color NA Express Lane, Jordan

Nike

Beaverton, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Nike rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 268 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 102 rated fashion retailers


Job description

WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
This is an individual contributor opportunity reporting to the NA GEL Design Director and involves working directly with the NA footwear design team and the NA Product Management and Development teams, as well as Nike creative and business stakeholders. You'll also play a mentorship role, guiding junior designers and contributing to the creative leadership culture within the North America team.
If this is you, you will be helping to lead the NAEL, Jordan design team in creating unique, geo-specific collections across Men's, Women's and Kids product on a seasonal basis. This will include setting distinct color and material direction, developing original content and product storytelling. The Principal Designer will work closely with:
  • Graphic Designers to develop prints, patterns and trims.
  • Product Management teams to build engaging, trend-driven narratives that meet the needs of target consumers
  • Development teams to communicate design intent, help with schematic creation and review and workshop prototypes.
  • The ideal candidate will also be responsible for managing and designing presentation materials and presenting concepts to internal teams and leadership as well as external partners.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Nike Express Lane is one of the fastest product engines at Nike, enabling designers to connect with geo-specific consumers quickly and effectively. This competitive advantage allows the team to capture current and developing market trends as well as regionally relevant narratives with flexibility and speed. We are looking for a candidate who is an experienced creative leader who embraces an entrepreneurial spirit and will thrive in a team environment.
We are looking for an experienced creative leader with an entrepreneurial mindset who thrives in a collaborative environment. This individual embodies our values of authenticity, accountability, collaboration, and courage, while operating with independence and a strong self driven approach. They have a proven track record of influencing internal and external partners, setting a clear vision, and executing decisively.
The ideal Principal Designer will lead seasonal material direction and color strategy for footwear within the North America Express Lane business. They will play an active role in shaping the creative process, bringing strong cross functional communication skills and the ability to present compelling concepts to diverse audiences. This designer is a strategic thinker and versatile problem solver, comfortable navigating ambiguity and delivering high impact solutions in a fast paced environment, with a deep understanding of footwear construction, color theory, textiles, and emerging design and fashion trends.
Education
BA/BFA/MA/MFA preferred in graphic design, fashion design, industrial design, apparel design, material design, or textile design. Will accept any suitable combination of education, experience and training.
Experience:
  • Preferred design experience: 8+ years
  • People management experience: Nice to have
  • Experienced mentor supporting junior designers' growth in a collaborative, inclusive creative team.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of current and emerging design and fashion trends in sportswear and streetwear footwear and apparel.
  • Willingness and ability to travel seasonally.
  • Expert-level knowledge in Color and Materials Design for products.
  • Strong understanding of footwear construction, schematic development and tech pack creation.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and timelines at once.
  • Strong understanding of end-to-end product creation process.
  • Ability to translate consumer insights into thoughtful narratives and graphic storytelling.
  • Strong visual and verbal presentation skills; able to effectively show and communicate design intent to internal and external audiences.
  • Experience in leading a cross-functional team of developers and project managers through design and creation.
  • Professional level experience using Illustrator & Photoshop; Miro

WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON
The Principal Footwear Color & Materials Designer is a creative leader who thrives in fast-paced, multicultural environments, always looking to break new ground and push the boundaries of possibility for Jordan Brand. This role shaping seasonal product stories across for all genders, while actively seeking innovative approaches and new opportunities to elevate the Jordan Brand.
Key responsibilities include developing material and color strategies for NA Express Lane, presenting ideas to varied audiences, and managing complex projects within tight deadlines. The role demands strong problem-solving, project management, and collaboration skills, plus expertise in North America specific design trends. Essential are knowledge of footwear construction, color theory, and textiles, as well as adaptability and experience working with factory partners on innovative designs.
  • Uses sophisticated skills to create product expressions that align with global creative direction, seasonal key concepts, gender strategies, franchise journeys, geo assortments and connect with the NA consumer.
  • Drive the seasonal color and materials strategy for the NA footwear by leveraging consumer insights and market trends to craft innovative palettes, trims, and applications that deliver compelling product stories.
  • Partner with Product Management, and Development to build trend-driven assortments, communicate design intent, review prototypes, and refine execution.
  • Obsess storytelling and share the "why" behind the work. Present concepts clearly to internal teams, leadership, and external partners, effectively communicating the purpose behind design decisions.
  • Manage design deliverables and project timelines, planning and executing product details, reviewing samples, resolving feasibility issues, and ensuring timely project completion.
  • Demonstrate strong trend mining skills with a deep connection to consumer and city trends; in-depth knowledge of Nike DNA and the color blocking of iconic footwear models is an advantage.
  • Mentoring junior designers and contribute to the studio's creative culture.

We offer a number of accommodations to complete our interview process including screen readers, sign language interpreters, accessible and single location for in-person interviews, closed captioning, and other reasonable modifications as needed. If you discover, as you navigate our application process, that you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please complete the Candidate Accommodation Request Form.

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