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Design Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Interest in seeking sustainable design credential(s) such as LEED, WELL, LFA * Knowledge of, or interest in learning about, Critical Race Theory or other anti-racist / equity frameworks Who is Hacker?

Interest in seeking sustainable design credential(s) such as LEED, WELL, LFA * Knowledge of, or interest in learning about, Critical Race Theory or other anti-racist / equity frameworks Who is Hacker?

Physical Design Engineer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$141K - $145K/yr

Participate in establishing CAD and physical design methodologies for correct by construction designs. Assist in flow development for chip integration. Minimum Qualifications Bachelors of Science in ...

Physical Design Engineer

Beaverton, OR

$141K - $145K/yr

Participate in establishing CAD and physical design methodologies for correct by construction designs. Assist in flow development for chip integration. Preferred Qualifications The ideal candidate ...

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES • Assist Custom Engineering Lead/Project Manager--will work under the guidance of a Lead Design Engineer who assigns all engineering tasks; may also be assigned directly to ...

Plan & Spec, Design-Assist, and Design-Build. Quick learner to grasp existing estimating process and procedures. * Experience with the appropriate application of a wide variety of electrical ...

Plan & Spec, Design-Assist, and Design-Build. Quick learner to grasp existing estimating process and procedures. * Experience with the appropriate application of a wide variety of electrical ...

New

Transportation Design Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$79K - $98K/yr

Transportation Planning and Design Join our dynamic team of transportation planners and designers ... May assist with some assistant project management tasks. Education and/or Experience * Bachelor ...

Transportation Planning and Design Join our dynamic team of transportation planners and designers ... May assist with some assistant project management tasks. Education and/or Experience * Bachelor ...

Plan & Spec, Design-Assist, and Design-Build. Quick learner to grasp existing estimating process and procedures. * Experience with the appropriate application of a wide variety of electrical ...

Project Engineer

Camas, WA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Be part of a team with decades of experience in design-build and design-assist projects. * Direct Impact: We self-perform major scopes, ensuring quality from start to finish. * Safety & Collaboration:

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Design Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

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$26

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How much do design assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for design assistant in Portland, OR is $26.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $30.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 does an assistant designer do?

An assistant designer supports lead designers by helping develop concepts, creating sketches, preparing design presentations, and managing project details. They often use design software such as Adobe Creative Suite and collaborate with teams to ensure project deadlines are met. This role typically requires strong organizational skills and a basic understanding of design principles.

What is the role of a design assistant?

A design assistant supports designers by preparing sketches, managing project materials, and coordinating schedules. They often use design software like Adobe Creative Suite and assist with research, drafting, and presentation tasks to ensure smooth workflow in creative projects.

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.

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.

How much do design assistants make?

Design assistants in Florida typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end, while experienced assistants with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Salaries may also include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

What are Design Assistants?

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 is a design assistant's salary?

A design assistant's salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those with specialized skills can earn more. Salaries often include benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Portland, OR? The most popular types of Design jobs in Portland, OR are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Assistant jobs in Portland, OR? For Design Assistant jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Assistant jobs in Portland, OR look for? The top searched job categories for Design Assistant jobs in Portland, OR are:
What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Design Assistant jobs? Cities near Portland, OR with the most Design Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,322 per year, or $26.1 per hour.
Preconstruction Design Manager

Preconstruction Design Manager

Hoffman Construction

Lake Oswego, OR • Hybrid

$130K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

The Design Manager will work within the Preconstruction department and will report to the respective project managers on the projects they support. They will work closely with the project designers, owners, and construction team to bridge the gap between design and construction.  They will oversee and coordinate design efforts performed by 3rd party architects and engineers.  Primary focus will be on Design/Build (DB), Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), and Engineering/Procurement/Construction (EPC) construction delivery models. The Design Manager will also provide design guidance and interface on other project types to ensure that the architectural/engineering vision is not only technically sound but also executable within the constraints of the project budget and schedule. 

Salary: $130,000 to $165,000 DOE

Essential Responsibilities: 

  • On selected new projects, guide the owner/design/contractor team through a project chartering session to establish a shared mission statement and communication ground rules.
  • Build and sustain an open and trusting relationship with the design team. Be the conduit for program-level design progression, improvement & opportunities.
  • Lead and facilitate design milestone planning sessions to align the design deliverables with the construction schedule needs.
  • Organize and support design cluster work groups (CSA, MEP, ELIT) and support and participate throughout the design phase.
  • Lead and facilitate design document quality and constructability reviews (Using self and in-house SME's)
  • Guide Design-Build subcontract permitting by local AHJs (Ex, fire protection, Pipe supports, Stairs, etc.)
  • Review design for opportunities for Off-site Manufacturing (OSM) prefabrication, self-performed work, modularization, safety, and efficiency of construction. Work with Hoffman's OSM department to guide design packaging to support any modularization.
  • Monitor and manage design-related project risk
  • Evaluate and define design scope and responsibilities, including design assist, design build, and delegated design. 
  • Engage with the owner throughout the design process to ensure all reasonable client expectations are being met or exceeded. Conduct a post-mortem of the design process with the team to identify wins and future opportunities.
  • Investigate local permitting process and work with AHJs to establish permitting strategies and design review durations.      When possible, ensure AHJ can support model-based design reviews (in lieu of 2D flats).
  • Develop design change and decision-making process in conjunction with the Owner. 
  • Ability to monitor and report on design progress, forecast upcoming design packages, and review and advise on future design package content.
  • Utilize current tools for tracking design decisions during preconstruction that create dashboards to track forecasted cost against budget.
  • Evaluate design model level of development (LOD) and align with construction deliverables.
  • Identify and propose to the construction team any possible construction efficiency strategies identified in response to the design content
  • Engage key trade partners as needed during the design process to provide trade design input for future deliverables
  • Guide in-house Power BI experts to develop and produce monthly design management status reports representing progress against schedule (PAS) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) for design deliverables. Provide these reports to stakeholders monthly.
  • Work with our In-House QA/QC managers to identify potential failure points and propose associated Mock-ups or first-in-place reviews. 
  • Identify the owner's sustainability goals and ensure compliance is integrated into design packages

Qualifications:

Professional Experience and Education

  • High School diploma or GED required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Architecture required (licensing not required).
  • A minimum of 5 years of construction and 5 years of design experience preferred.
  • Specific experience in industrial and/or hi-tech semiconductor manufacturing projects is preferred. 
  • LEED Accreditation or the ability to become certified in 18-24 months preferred.
  • Experienced in coordinating and understanding multiple design scopes (Civil, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Process, etc.).
  • Experience in the delivery of large, complex projects 
  • Experience in the design and construction workflow and interface

Position Related Skills 

  • Emotional intelligence (EQ) to interface with the design team and owner to maintain strong relationships
  • Technical skills to discuss design deliverables and how that impacts our work (LOD, deliverable methods, file types, file sharing, etc)
  • Strong communication skills to maintain continuity between design team and the field construction team
  • Ability to report out on upcoming design changes and potential impacts to the program
  • Proficient in Windows and Microsoft Office 365 (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Teams), and have a general understanding of working within a computer network.
  • Experience with project management software such as Prolog, Procore, E-Builder, Bluebeam, ACC.
  • Experience with design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and Navisworks.
  • Proficient in design and construction document reading, design specifications, soils reports, etc.
  • Experience in organizing technical data neatly and accurately. Familiar with the CSI specification system for construction
  • Experience with field and office personnel management.
  • Highly developed visual observation and interpretation skills.
  • Ability to maintain a cooperative attitude through high-pressure situations.
  • Excellent time-management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize work.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Must be a strong team player with the ability to collaborate with various personnel within and across departments and at all levels of experience.
  • Work schedule must be flexible to allow extended hours or off-shift work to accommodate any critical project-related deliverables.
  • Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies, including scheduling tools (Primavera P6 & MS Project).
  • Self-starter who is proactive in finding issues and pushing towards resolutions

Physical and Mental Requirements:

  • Standing/Walking/Sitting: Workday is a combination of being stationary and moving about the work location.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on active construction sites.
  • Must be able to climb stairs, ascend and descend ladders, and inspect confined or underground spaces.
  • Hands/Arms: Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery.      
  • Sight: Specific vision abilities required include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus in an outdoor environment. Must be able to safely operate a vehicle with a valid driver's license. The work is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, reading print, and digital documents.
  • Hearing: Must be able to work in proximity to loud equipment more than 75% of the time. Must be able to wear hearing protection, as necessary.  Often required to communicate with customers and co-workers in an office setting and on the job site.
  • Speech: Ability to communicate laws, ordinances, plans, regulations, protocols, directives, and standard operating procedures related to project scope in English.
  • Lift/Carry: Must have the ability to lift or manipulate fifty pounds to a height of three feet and carry or push it 50-100 feet.
  • Bending/Twisting: Frequent.
  • Kneeling/Crouching/Crawling: Must be able to regularly position oneself in a kneeling, crouching, or crawling position for the purpose of examining project work.
  • Must be able to physically access all areas and levels of the construction site for work progress review.
  • Work schedule must be flexible to allow for extended hours or off-shift work to accommodate changing construction schedule and sequences.
  • Must use independent judgment, organizational, and critical thinking skills to determine the best method to accomplish desired results.
Build What Matters. Create What's Next.  

Hoffman Construction is a forward-thinking, self-performing builder specializing in technically complex, sustainable projects across advanced technology, mission critical, life sciences, healthcare, higher education, and commercial markets. Since 1922, we've grown from entrepreneurial roots into a multi-billion-dollar, employee-owned enterprise-now a dynamic family of companies with a national presence and a legacy of excellence.

At Hoffman Construction, your potential has room to grow. Whether you're on a jobsite or in a corporate office, you'll be empowered to take initiative, explore new paths, and shape the future of construction. We believe in building opportunity together-by unlocking talent, inspiring innovation, and driving forward the ideas that make a difference.

Join us and benefit from:

  • Competitive pay and advancement opportunities

  • Ongoing professional training and development

  • Comprehensive benefits-including free primary care for you and your family through our dedicated clinics, health insurance, paid time off, and a generous retirement plan.

  • A culture rooted in inclusion, collaboration, and respect.

We're hiring across all departments. Discover your future with us.

https://www.hoffmancorp.com/careers/


Application review will consider without limitation the following criteria: qualifications, education, and experience specific to the job description/duties as well as prior experience with Hoffman Construction. Applicants must be able to pass the Hoffman Drug and Alcohol test. 

Hoffman Construction is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. 

This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work being performed by employees. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of responsibilities, duties, or skills required of the employee of this job. Furthermore, this description is subject to change at the discretion of the company, with or without notice. 

**Please note, we are not able to offer sponsorship for this position. **