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Design Associate Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Madison, WI · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 3+ years of product/tool design experience OR Associate degree with 7+ years of plastics industry design experience * Proficiency in ...

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 3+ years of product/tool design experience OR Associate degree with 7+ years of plastics industry design experience * Proficiency in ...

CAD Analyst - Product Design

Kohler, WI · On-site

$62.35K - $93.55K/yr

Associate's degree or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school in Mechanical Design or related engineering field * Experience using 3D parametric CAD modeling software (Siemens NX ...

The Solar Design Technician will work with a project team throughout the design and construction ... Associate's degree in engineering technology or Renewable Energy Systems * Working knowledge of ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$74.90K - $101.50K/yr

Bachelor's or Associate's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design, or a related field is preferred. Equal Opportunity Statement Global Power Components is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action ...

The Solar Design Technician will work with a project team throughout the design and construction ... Associate's degree in engineering technology or Renewable Energy Systems * Working knowledge of ...

The Solar Design Technician will work with a project team throughout the design and construction ... Associate's degree in engineering technology or Renewable Energy Systems * Working knowledge of ...

The Solar Design Technician will work with a project team throughout the design and construction ... Associate's degree in engineering technology or Renewable Energy Systems * Working knowledge of ...

The Solar Design Technician will work with a project team throughout the design and construction ... Associate's degree in engineering technology or Renewable Energy Systems * Working knowledge of ...

Associate's Degree in CAD drafting or related field preferred. * Experience in manufacturing or structural installations such as crane systems is a plus. What does Express offer to you? ? * Weekly ...

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Design Associate information

See Wisconsin salary details

$19.7K

$59.1K

$88.3K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Wisconsin is $59,108.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $68,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Design jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Design Associate jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Design Associate job openings:
Design Engineer

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Placon rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 78 rated plastic manufacturers


Job description

Design Engineer
We're looking for a dependable Design Engineer who will support our Madison, WI facility that thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and takes pride in transforming customer needs into innovative thermoformed packaging solutions. If you're skilled in CAD design, product development, and cross-functional collaboration - and ready to make an impact - this is a great opportunity to grow your engineering career.
Compensation
  • Commensurate with experience, the range is $70,000 - $85,000 annually.

Work Schedule
  • Onsite: 8 AM - 5 PM | Monday - Friday

Why Placon - You'll Love It Here
  • A hands-on technical role where your design and problem-solving skills truly matter
  • Opportunities to grow your skills in product development, tooling design, and customer collaboration
  • A supportive manufacturing environment with modern CAD tools, 3D printing, and advanced technology
  • Competitive pay, great benefits, and a stable onsite Monday-Friday schedule
  • A culture focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement

What You'll Do
  • Partner with Sales and Account Managers to provide technical support and present design solutions
  • Lead ideation, concept development, and product design for customer projects
  • Create complex 2D/3D CAD models, drawings, and specifications for products and tooling
  • Integrate thermoforming and manufacturing knowledge into all design work
  • Ensure tooling specifications and performance standards are met by collaborating with Pricing, Process Engineering, and tooling vendors
  • Support process engineering and production teams with tooling development and optimization
  • Approve parts and maintain specification databases
  • Review and initiate engineering change orders for customer and production updates
  • Support corrective action efforts and evaluate financial impacts of design changes
  • Provide design support for existing tooling through the work order system
  • Comply with all safety, ISO, and documentation procedures

What You Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 3+ years of product/tool design experience OR Associate degree with 7+ years of plastics industry design experience
  • Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD systems
  • Strong communication skills and customer-focused mindset
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently
  • Experience with thermoforming or plastics manufacturing preferred
  • Knowledge of quality systems and controlled documentation
  • Strong problem-solving, multitasking, and analytical skills
  • Ability to use standard office software, ERP systems, and QMS tools
  • Ability to lift 10-50 lbs. and work in office, sample lab, and manufacturing environments
  • Minimal travel (less than 5%) to customers, vendors, and tradeshows

Does this sound like you?
If you feel that this job is what you're looking for, applying is a piece of cake - just follow the instructions on this page. Good luck!
Placon employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks (as applicable).
Placon requires that employees have and maintain authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In general, Placon does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need.
Placon is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.
This role requires the ability to work through differing perspectives and resolve conflict in a respectful and professional manner consistent with The Placon Way.

Placon logo

About Placon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Fitchburg, WI, US

Year founded

1966

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