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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 ...

Coach associates on customer engagement, clienteling, and service excellence standards. * Build ... Support design consultations by helping customers create stylish, functional spaces that fit their ...

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 ...

The Design Specialist - Test is responsible for the design, performance, deployment, and ongoing ... Assign tasks to technical support associates and monitor progress to ensure timely execution

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Design Associate information

See Ontario salary details

$22K

$47.5K

$82.5K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 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 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.

Is graphic design good for ADHD?

Graphic design as a profession can be suitable for individuals with ADHD because it often involves creative tasks, visual thinking, and flexible schedules. However, it may require strong organization skills and the ability to manage multiple projects, which can be challenging for some with ADHD. Using tools like design software and setting structured routines can help improve focus and productivity in this field.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are often senior roles such as Creative Director or Design Director, which can earn six-figure salaries. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software, often in industries like advertising, technology, or architecture.

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 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 Design Associates?

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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A Design Associate typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized experience or a strong portfolio, as this level of income is uncommon for entry-level design roles. High earnings in design fields usually require advanced skills, freelance work, or working with high-profile clients, often supplemented by certifications or self-directed learning. Most jobs paying $10,000 monthly without a degree are in sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship rather than entry-level design positions.

Is AI replacing designers?

AI is transforming the role of design associates by automating repetitive tasks and assisting in generating ideas, but it does not replace the need for human creativity, critical thinking, and aesthetic judgment. Designers who adapt by learning new tools and integrating AI into their workflow can enhance productivity and innovation. The role continues to require skills in visual communication, software proficiency, and understanding client needs.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Ontario? The most popular types of Design jobs in Ontario are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Associate jobs in Ontario? For Design Associate jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Ontario are hiring for Design Associate jobs? Cities in Ontario with the most Design Associate job openings:
Engineer or Senior Officer, Signals and Communication Design

Engineer or Senior Officer, Signals and Communication Design

Canadian National Railway Company

Concord, ON • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Canadian National Railway rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 340 rated logistics


Job description

At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you're part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely-helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The Engineer or Senior Officer, Signals and Communication Design is responsible for Signal Design and is in charge of modifying existing or designing new signal circuits for railway Centralized Traffic Control (CTC). The role is accountable for all aspects of safe and effective design of circuits, hardware and software for highway crossing and wayside signalling projects with focus specifically on the crossing infrastructure design, estimating and material logistics. Furthermore, the role understands and applies all government standards and regulations per published documents and to meet location-specific requirements. 

Main Responsibilities Project Design and Estimating 

       Perform the role of primary engineer for signal design projects, including handling and controlling project budgets, schedules, and quality

       Perform the role of principal design checker for in-house and contractor circuit design

       Develop overall design concepts for projects and monitor progress of signal design contractors

       Coordinate with wiring vendors with work order requests for Signals and Communication (S&C) projects

       Work with the S&C material coordinators to ensure approved work orders are converted to Purchase Orders (POs) as well as all other supporting crossing material is being processed and ordered as required

Field and Technical Support 

       Provide field and technical support to install and maintain crossing warning systems functions within the railway

       Act as a technical resource for other department personnel in the area of signal design for installation and construction functions within the railway

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday with intermittent periods of overtime. The role is partially performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions and requires being available on-call 24/7 to respond to critical incidences. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure and manage stress. The role requires minimal travel (10%) within the assigned territory.

Requirements Experience

       Between 3 to 5 years of experience in the following areas:

o   Designing or testing signal circuits for CTC, interlocking and highway-railway grade cross warning system locations as well as estimating signal design projects

o   Scheduling and reviewing projects to ensure they meet government regulations, American Railway Engineering and Maintenance of Way Association (AREMA) and CN's S&C standards

o   Programming logic controllers using Boolean or Ladder logic

o   Computer aided drafting software (CAD) and Bentley MicroStation CONNECT Edition and Microsoft Project

Education/Certification/Designation

       Associate or Bachelor's Degree in Computer, Electrical, Electronic, Systems Engineering or Engineering Technology

Competencies

       Communicates with impact

       Applies critical thinking

       Knows the business and stays current on industry needs

       Demonstrates agility and drives change

       Considers environmental impacts in every decision and action

       Identifies potential safety and security risks

       Collaborates with others and shares information

Technical Skills/Knowledge

       Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

       Knowledge of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) or Transport Canada (TC) standards, rules, and regulations

       Knowledge of AREMA railway standards and recommendations


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