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Design Assistant Jobs in Maple Grove, MN (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Electrical Design Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Follow applicable UL, NEC, and related standards in support of safe and compliant electrical design. * Assist in the integration and programming of control systems, including PLCs and related ...

Mid-Continent Engineering, LLC

Painter

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

... other design-assist services. A few things we have to offer: * Competitive Wages * Medical, Dental & Vision for employee & family including domestic partners. * 401k with match * Tuition ...

Mortenson

Assistant Design Phase Manager

Minneapolis, MN · Hybrid

$102K - $137K/yr

The Assistant Design Phase Manager is responsible for providing technical project leadership during the design phase as it relates to customer experience, financial performance, schedule, estimating ...

Closets By Design

Carpentry Install Assistant

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$21 - $25/hr

We design, manufacture, and install a complete line of custom closets, home office furniture, media ... Carpentry Installer Assistant assist Installers with installation of products in a safe, high ...

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Design Assistant information

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How much do design assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for design assistant in Maple Grove, MN is $25.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $29.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design assistant?

Design Assistants are professionals who support designers or design teams in various creative industries, such as fashion, interior, graphic, or product design. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with research, organizing materials, preparing presentations, managing schedules, and helping with the execution of design projects. Design Assistants play a crucial role in ensuring that projects run smoothly and efficiently by handling administrative and creative tasks. They often collaborate closely with senior designers, clients, and vendors to bring creative concepts to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Assistant, you need a solid grasp of design principles, proficiency in graphic design or interior design basics, and a relevant educational background such as a degree or diploma in design. Familiarity with industry-standard software like Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, or SketchUp is commonly required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly help you stand out in supporting senior designers and collaborating with clients. These competencies ensure efficient workflow, high-quality deliverables, and effective teamwork in fast-paced design environments.

What are some common challenges design assistants face when collaborating with senior designers and clients?

Design Assistants often navigate balancing creative input with following the vision set by senior designers and clients. Communication is key, as misunderstandings can arise regarding project expectations, deadlines, or feedback. Additionally, adapting to shifting priorities and managing multiple tasks simultaneously can be challenging, but these experiences help develop multitasking and problem-solving skills. Building strong relationships with team members and clients fosters a supportive work environment and facilitates professional growth.

What is the difference between Design Assistant vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesign AssistantGraphic Designer
CredentialsAssociate's degree or related certificationBachelor's degree in Graphic Design or related field
Work EnvironmentSupportive role in design teams, often in studios or corporate settingsIndependent or team-based projects, creative agencies, or in-house departments
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with design tasks, preparing materials, organizing projectsCreating visual concepts, designing layouts, producing final artwork

While both roles involve visual design, a Design Assistant primarily supports senior designers by handling preparatory and organizational tasks. A Graphic Designer takes on the core creative responsibilities, producing original designs and visual content. The roles often overlap in work environment and credentials, but differ in scope and level of creative independence.

How do you become a design assistant?

To become a design assistant, candidates typically need a relevant associate's or bachelor's degree in design, art, or a related field. Gaining proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and building a strong portfolio are important steps, along with relevant internship or work experience. Strong communication skills and attention to detail are also valuable in this role.

What skills do you need to be a design assistant?

A design assistant needs strong creativity, attention to detail, and proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite. Good communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively, and basic knowledge of design principles are also important for supporting creative projects effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Maple Grove, MN?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Maple Grove, MN are:

What job categories do people searching Design Assistant jobs in Maple Grove, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Assistant jobs in Maple Grove, MN are:

What cities near Maple Grove, MN are hiring for Design Assistant jobs?

Cities near Maple Grove, MN with the most Design Assistant job openings:

Design Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Assistant job openings in Maple Grove, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,449 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Director of Preconstruction

Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors

Eden Prairie, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

The Director of Preconstruction leads all design-assist, and early-stage project development activities for the company's large project and mission-critical portfolio. This role is a senior preconstruction leader who drives MMC's win strategy, owns the estimate-to-contract handoff, and builds the organizational capability (people, tools, and process). This position enables the company to compete and win in complex mechanical scopes including healthcare, industrial, large commercial construction, and hyperscale data centers.
The Director partners closely with Estimating, Operations, BIM/VDC, Procurement, and executive leadership to ensure that preconstruction deliverables are accurate, competitive, and position the project team for a profitable, buildable outcome.
Estimating & Bid Leadership:
  • Direct bid and proposal activity for many large, complex, and design-assist mechanical scopes from initial RFP through GMP or lump-sum award.
  • Establish and enforce estimating standards: labor productivity benchmarks, material pricing strategy, escalation assumptions, and scope coverage checklists.
  • Coordinate directly with Chief Estimator, to assign and review work product of estimating staff on concurrent bids.
  • Own the proposal evaluation process, ensuring resource commitment aligns with win probability and strategic fit.

Design-Assist & Preconstruction Services:
  • Manage design-assist and design-build engagements from owner/GC relationship through construction documents, including scope coordination with MEP engineers, VDC teams, and trade partners.
  • Lead or supervise the development of design-assist proposals, budgets, and value engineering recommendations that advance project design while protecting company margin.
  • Coordinate with the BIM/VDC team to ensure constructability, prefabrication strategy, and system-level design decisions are incorporated into preconstruction deliverables.
  • Develop and present owner and GC-facing technical proposals, including project approach narratives, schedule assumptions, qualifications, and staffing plans.

Commercial & Contract Strategy:
  • Review and provide input on subcontract terms, scope of work, and commercial structures during preconstruction; identify exposure items and recommend protective language before execution.
  • Collaborate with operations leadership on project kickoff, ensuring estimate assumptions and scope inclusions/exclusions are clearly communicated to the project team.
  • Develop and maintain standard qualifications, clarifications, and exclusion language for proposals across project types and delivery methods (lump sum, GMP, T&M, unit price).

Client & Market Development:
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with general contractors, owners, developers, and design teams in the company's target markets, with an emphasis on mission-critical, hyperscale, and large commercial segments.
  • Represent the company at industry events, client meetings, and pre-bid interviews; serve as a senior technical voice during owner presentations and GC selection processes.
  • Maintain awareness of market pipeline, competitor positioning, labor market trends, and material cost drivers to inform pricing strategy and business development planning.
  • Provide leadership input on target accounts, pursuit prioritization, and strategic partnership opportunities.

Team Leadership & Development:
  • Establish performance expectations, conduct regular reviews, and actively develop staff through mentorship, training, and stretch assignments.
  • Partner with HR and executive leadership on recruiting, headcount planning, and compensation benchmarking for the preconstruction function.
  • Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement across all preconstruction activities.

Requirements:
  • 7-10+ years of experience in mechanical contracting, with at least 5 years in a senior estimating or preconstruction leadership role.
  • Demonstrated experience estimating large, complex mechanical scopes ($20M+) including HVAC, plumbing, process piping, and/or hydronic/chilled water systems.
  • Strong knowledge of mechanical systems design and construction methods applicable to data centers, healthcare, or large commercial facilities.
  • Proficiency with industry estimating tools and Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Proven ability to lead and manage client-facing presentations and GC/owner relationships at a senior level.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce and review proposal documents, contract qualifications, and executive-level presentations.

Preferred:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) License, a significant plus.
  • Familiarity with BIM/VDC coordination workflows and prefabrication strategies in the context of estimating and design-assist.
  • Knowledge of MCAA labor standards, and prevailing wage applications.
  • Experience with design-assist and design-build delivery, including owner and GC contract structures (GMP, CMAR, IPD).
  • Background with multi-site or multi-OpCo contracting organizations; experience working across shared-services or Centers of Excellence models.
Work Environment:
This position is primarily office-based with regular travel to project sites, client offices, and industry events. Site visits may involve exposure to standard construction environments including noise, temperature extremes, and physical terrain.
Company Overview:
For more than 60 years, Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors, Inc. (MMC) has been designing, building and maintaining complex mechanical systems for some of the most well-known buildings in the Midwest. We are a fully-integrated large commercial mechanical contractor. We employ some of the industry's best talent of engineers, tradesmen, project managers, and customer support. With over 1,400 years of combined experience, you'd be hard pressed to find a contractor who knows more about mechanical systems than we do.
MMC has been involved in the design and construction of some of the most prominent structures in the Midwest including, but not limited to: Walker Art Center, Target Field, Target Center, Xcel Energy Center, Mall of America, Radisson Blu Mall of America, Guthrie Theater, University of Minnesota (Multiple Buildings), Accenture Tower, LaSalle Plaza, and Wells Fargo Center.
Specialties
Temperature Controls, Plumbing, Pipefitting, Sheet Metal, Ventilation, Data Center Operations and Repairs, Mechanical Engineers, Mechanical Contracting, Mechanical Construction, Mechanical Engineering, Specialty Subcontractor, HVAC.
Why work at MMC?
We Work As a Team. MMC fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. We operate as a team to design, build and maintain complex mechanical systems for some of the most well-known buildings in the Midwest.
Benefits
  • Estimated Salary range of $140,000 to $170,000 (depending on experience) plus Incentive.
  • 401(K) match
  • Competitive salary and PTO package.
  • Eligible for ESPP(Employee Stock Purchase Plan)
  • Profit Sharing
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Incentives for environmentally-friendly behavior
  • Educational Opportunities

Metropolitan Mechanical Contractors is a division of APi Group, Inc. (www.apigroupinc.com), an energetic organization providing leadership to a diverse family of companies dedicated to delivering innovative solutions to the construction industry.
EEO Statement
APi Group is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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