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Design Associate Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Burnside & Associates Limited (Burnside) is seeking a client-focused Structural Lead to join our Building Design Team. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives on building client ...

Engineering Associate

Hamilton, ON ยท On-site

$70K - $80K/hr

What will you do you as the Engineering Associate ... Perform structural design and analysis for substation foundations, steel structures, and existing ...

Engineering Associate

Hamilton, ON ยท On-site

CA$70K - CA$80K/yr

What will you do you as the Engineering Associate ... Perform structural design and analysis for substation foundations, steel structures, and existing ...

Design Engineering Lead

Tiverton, ON ยท On-site

CA$95K - CA$135K/yr

Design Engineering Lead/Owner's Engineer Tetra Tech Canada Inc. CNU Division Discover your full ... Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees - 25,000 associates ...

Design Engineering Lead

Tiverton, ON ยท On-site

CA$95K - CA$135K/yr

Design Engineering Lead/Owner's Engineer Tetra Tech Canada Inc. CNU Division Discover your full ... Our reputation rests on the technical expertise and dedication of our employees - 25,000 associates ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Associate information

See Ontario salary details

$22K

$47.5K

$82.5K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Ontario is $47,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $55,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design associate?

Design Associates are entry- to mid-level professionals who support design teams in creating visual concepts, layouts, and presentations for projects across industries such as graphic design, interior design, fashion, and architecture. They assist senior designers by conducting research, preparing materials, and using design software to bring creative ideas to life. Design Associates often collaborate with clients and other team members to ensure that the final product aligns with project goals and brand standards.

What are some common challenges design associates face when working on multiple projects simultaneously?

Design Associates often juggle several projects at once, which can make managing deadlines and shifting priorities a challenge. Effective communication with team members and clear organization of tasks are essential to ensure all projects move forward smoothly. Additionally, adapting quickly to feedback from clients or senior designers is key, as project requirements can change rapidly. Building strong time management skills and staying flexible will help you thrive in this fast-paced environment.

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

To thrive as a Design Associate, you need a solid understanding of design principles, proficiency in graphic design, and a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with industry-standard design software such as Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate creatively are essential soft skills. These skills and qualities enable effective project execution, ensure design consistency, and foster successful teamwork in a fast-paced creative environment.

What is the difference between Design Associate vs Design Coordinator?

AspectDesign AssociateDesign Coordinator
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or relevant certification, some experienceSimilar credentials, often with additional project management skills
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, retail, or corporate settingsDesign teams, client-facing roles, project management settings
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in interior, graphic, and product designOften used interchangeably or in larger firms for project oversight

The main difference between a Design Associate and a Design Coordinator lies in their focus. Design Associates typically assist with design tasks and client support, while Design Coordinators often handle project coordination, timelines, and communication. Both roles require similar credentials, but Design Coordinators usually have additional organizational responsibilities.

What are 20 careers in design?

Design associates can pursue careers in graphic design, interior design, industrial design, fashion design, web design, user experience (UX) design, user interface (UI) design, animation, product design, landscape design, architectural design, textile design, game design, exhibit design, branding, packaging design, furniture design, visual merchandising, illustration, motion graphics, and CAD drafting. Many roles require proficiency with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite or CAD tools and may involve collaboration with clients or teams. Certifications or degrees in design or related fields can enhance job prospects in these careers.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Ontario?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Ontario are:

What cities in Ontario are hiring for Design Associate jobs?

Cities in Ontario with the most Design Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in Ontario as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 31% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,452 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Electrical Design Engineer - Associate Principal

TalentSphere

Toronto, ON โ€ข On-site

CA$130K - CA$150K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Associate Principal – Electrical Engineering (Building Consulting)
Location:
Toronto, ON
Compensation: $130k - $150k+ (Based on Experience) + Ownership & Equity

Lead with Purpose. Build Your Legacy.

Are you an experienced Electrical Engineer looking for more than your next leadership position?

This is an opportunity to join an established consulting engineering firm as an Associate Principal, where you'll immediately become part of the firm's leadership team with ownership and equity participation. You'll have a genuine voice in the strategic direction of the business while leading a talented electrical team and delivering some of the region's most exciting building projects.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys developing people, building strong client relationships, growing a business, and helping shape the future of a firm - not just managing projects.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Lead the Electrical Engineering practice across a diverse portfolio of commercial, institutional, healthcare, mixed-use, residential, and other complex building projects.
  • Provide technical leadership and oversight from concept through construction.
  • Mentor and develop junior, intermediate, and senior engineers while fostering a collaborative and high-performing team culture.
  • Oversee project delivery, quality assurance, financial performance, staffing, and resource planning.
  • Build and strengthen long-term relationships with clients, architects, developers, and industry partners.
  • Drive business development initiatives, identify new opportunities, and contribute to strategic growth.
  • Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver integrated engineering solutions.
  • Work alongside the firm's leadership team to influence strategic planning, operational initiatives, and long-term business decisions.
  • Help shape the future direction of the electrical practice while contributing to the continued success and growth of the organization.

What We're Looking For

  • Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation in Ontario.
  • 10+ years of consulting engineering experience within the building design industry.
  • Demonstrated experience leading complex building projects and managing client relationships.
  • Strong technical expertise in power distribution, lighting, fire alarm, emergency power, and building electrical systems.
  • Proven leadership, mentoring, and project management abilities.
  • Business development experience or a genuine interest in growing client relationships.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a desire to contribute beyond project delivery.

Please note: Only candidates with consulting engineering experience in building design will be considered.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

  • Ownership and equity participation from day one, allowing you to directly share in the firm's success.
  • Become part of the leadership team with a meaningful voice in strategic decisions, business planning, and the future direction of the company.
  • Lead and continue building a respected Electrical Engineering practice with the support of an established multidisciplinary team.
  • Enjoy the autonomy to make decisions, mentor your team, and influence how projects are delivered.
  • Work in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment where leadership is accessible, ideas are welcomed, and contributions are recognized.
  • Competitive executive-level compensation, comprehensive benefits, professional development support, and long-term wealth-building potential through equity ownership.

If you're looking for an opportunity where you can lead, influence, and truly become invested in the long-term success of a consulting engineering firm, we'd love to have a confidential conversation.

If you're interested in learning more, apply directly through this posting or send your resume in confidence to: Jennifer Ramos, jramos@talentsphere.ca