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Design Assistant Jobs in San Ramon, CA (NOW HIRING)

Conduct preliminary studies and site investigations to gather data for project planning and design. * Assist in the preparation of design calculations, drawings, and specifications using CAD software.

Electrical Estimator

San Jose, CA · On-site

$70K - $112K/yr

The work spans hard bid, design-assist, and design-build, including conceptual budgets developed from preliminary information. You will also direct and check junior takeoff resources, and coordinate ...

Electrical Estimator

Martinez, CA · On-site

$70K - $112K/yr

The work spans hard bid, design-assist, and design-build, including conceptual budgets developed from preliminary information. You will also direct and check junior takeoff resources, and coordinate ...

Manage and lead Owners, the design team, and design-assist trade partners during preconstruction projects. This includes creating and managing preconstruction schedules and preliminary construction ...

Showing results 41-60

Design Assistant information

See San Ramon, CA salary details

$12

$27

$43

How much do design assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for design assistant in San Ramon, CA is $27.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.49 and $31.97 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 San Ramon, CA?

The most popular types of Design jobs in San Ramon, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Design Assistant jobs in San Ramon, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Assistant jobs in San Ramon, CA are:

What cities near San Ramon, CA are hiring for Design Assistant jobs?

Cities near San Ramon, CA with the most Design Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Assistant job openings in San Ramon, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,242 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Senior Design Engineer HVAC (Union City)

Southland Industries Inc.

Union City, CA • On-site

$155K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Southland Industries rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

Position: Senior Design Engineer – HVAC

We Drive Innovation and Build Careers

As a company that prides itself on innovation and collaboration, Southland Industries continues to pave the way as an industry leader in constructability, sustainability and energy efficiency so as to improve the way buildings are designed, built, and operated. Founded in 1949, Southland Industries is one of the nation’s largest MEP building systems experts. We provide innovative yet practical solutions through a holistic approach to building construction and performance. Through our extensive resources, we are able to optimize each stage of the building lifecycle through customized engineering, construction, building automation, service and energy solutions. Watch your engineering designs come to life. As a Senior Design Engineer at Southland Industries, you'll experience the excitement of working on design-build and design-assist projects in healthcare, education, biotech, mission critical, commercial and entertainment markets. You’ll work hand in hand with our model coordinators, estimators, and trade staff through all aspects of a project to create a design that is practical, efficient and cost effective. You’ll also have access to internal teams using the most innovative practices in virtual construction design (VDC) and computational fluid dynamics, along with just-in-time feedback from the field.

Responsibilities
  • Serves as design professional at project team design meetings
  • Prepares complex preliminary Bluebeam design layouts for estimating
  • Performs more complex calculations for a project, such as heating/cooling loads, equipment selection and sizing, friction loss calculations, etc
  • Performs site inspections to determine compliance with construction documents and resolves design issues during construction phase
  • Supervises or directs the workflow of less-experienced engineers in performing HVAC or other system designs
  • Provides conceptual design for specific projects
Qualifications
  • Four-year degree in Engineering or related field
  • 5+ years experience min, 10+ years experience preferred, specifically working in design as an HVAC engineer
  • PE License required
  • Excellent knowledge of applicable systems design, such as HVAC, piping, etc., as well as general understanding of system operations
  • Understanding of Process Piping is a plus
  • Ability to manage and mentor junior level engineers
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate with all levels of employees, clients and general contractors
  • Strong public communications skills
  • Capable of using REVIT
  • Process Piping knowledge a plus
  • Strong computer skills, including Revit, CADD and Microsoft Office Products, such as Excel
  • Strong public speaking skills
Benefits

As an employee-owned company, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent benefits for you and your family:

  • 401(k) Plan with 50% Company Match (no cap) and immediate 100% vesting
  • Annual incentive program based upon performance, profitability, and achievement
  • Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance – 100% Paid for Employee
  • Term Life, AD&D Insurance, and Voluntary Life Insurance
  • Disability Income Protection Insurance
  • Pre-tax Flexible Spending Plans (Health and Dependent Care)
  • Holidays/Vacation/Personal Time/Life Events Leave
  • Numerous training opportunities and company paid membership for professional associations and licenses

Pay: Final pay is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data. For (Colorado/New York City/California/Washington) this ranges from $155,000.00-$175,000.00 plus annual incentive, benefits and retirement program as outlined above.

For more information on Southland Industries, please visit our website: Southland Careers or on Facebook or LinkedIn

To hear what our employees are saying about working at Southland Industries, check out our Career Video - Working at Southland

Equal Opportunity

Southland Industries and all its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing our employees with a safe work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Southland Industries are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, gender, gender identity, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Southland Industries will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

All employment offers are contingent upon successful drug tests, background checks and professional reference checks. We are not able to offer sponsorship of employment at this time.

If you don’t feel this position is a match for you, we encourage you to share it with others. Feel free to share throughout your social networks and follow us on social channels to keep up to date on what we’re doing as a company.

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