1

Design Associate Jobs in Chesapeake, VA (NOW HIRING)

Virtual Design Coordinator 100% Employee-Owned Big-firm resources, local-team relationships, ONE ... Associate degree or certificate in Building Information Modeling (BIM) preferred Experience * 4 ...

Must Have Design Apprentice certification or Associate's degree in Design with 6 years of applicable, progressive professional and/or supervisory work experience; Bachelor's degree in a relevant ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Design Associate information

See Chesapeake, VA salary details

$18.9K

$56.9K

$85K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Chesapeake, VA is $56,873.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,100.00 and $66,000.00 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.

What does a design associate do?

A design associate supports the design team by creating visual concepts, drafting layouts, and preparing presentations using tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software. They collaborate with clients and team members to develop design solutions and ensure projects meet specifications and deadlines.

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 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. Specialized fields like UX/UI design or industrial design can also offer high salaries at senior levels.

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.

Is AI replacing designers?

AI tools are increasingly used by design associates to automate repetitive tasks and generate ideas, but they do not replace the need for human creativity, critical thinking, and aesthetic judgment. Designers and design associates still play a vital role in interpreting client needs, making strategic decisions, and ensuring quality. AI serves as a complement to design skills rather than a complete replacement in the design process.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Chesapeake, VA? The most popular types of Design jobs in Chesapeake, VA are:
What are popular job titles related to Design Associate jobs in Chesapeake, VA? For Design Associate jobs in Chesapeake, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Design Associate jobs in Chesapeake, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Design Associate jobs in Chesapeake, VA are:
What cities near Chesapeake, VA are hiring for Design Associate jobs? Cities near Chesapeake, VA with the most Design Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in Chesapeake, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,873 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Associate to Staff Engineer - Civil Design Surry

Dominion Energy

Surry, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Dominion Energy rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 88 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 53 rated energy and utility


Job description

Dominion Energy is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day. If you want to work for a purpose-driven company that values safety and collaboration, we're looking for you. You won't just find a job here; you'll find your career. Review the position below and apply today.
Military service members and veterans with ranks from E5-E9, W1-CW5, or O3-O6, plus appropriate equivalent combination of education and years of experience as outlined below will be considered for this opportunity.
Job Summary
The Nuclear Design Engineering department at Surry Nuclear Power Station in Surry, Virginia is seeking a Civil Design Associate Engineer, Engineer, Senior Engineer, or Staff Engineer. This position will be filled at a level commensurate with the successful candidate's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.
The successful candidate will be responsible for evaluating design modifications to nuclear plant systems including the preparation and review of
  • Design modification packages using the standard design process
  • Site/System/Construction drawings
  • Calculations and analysis to support modification and operation of plant systems
  • Impact on plant design and licensing basis

Additionally perform field support for inspections of plant equipment and structures
Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Experience
The knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience required for this job include the following: Associate Engineer: 0-2 years of relevant engineering experience; Engineer: 2+ years of relevant engineering experience; Senior Engineer: 5+ years of relevant engineering experience; Staff Engineer: 8+ years of relevant engineering experience. The candidate should have a commitment to safety and quality assurance in all aspects of design and operations at the station
-Extensive knowledge of engineering theories, principles, and practices to a broad variety of assignments and related field.
-Extensive skilled in use of advanced techniques and modification and extension of theories, precepts and practices of the field and related sciences and disciplines.
-Full Knowledge of business/financial and contractual matters.
-Recognized expert by other engineers and management in assigned area.
-Provides expert technical advice to other engineers and management in assigned area.
-Skilled in the use of advanced engineering techniques.
-Strong planning and project management skills.
-Strong technical and organizational leadership skills.
-Strong oral and written communication skills (includes technical writing).
-In depth knowledge of various computer applications, with the ability to manipulate personal computer applications and perform engineering calculations using applicable software programs (e.g., Matlab, Excel, etc.).
-Proven decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to think analytically and solve complex problems.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply codes, regulations, and practices.
- Demonstrated ability to process information quickly and effectively manage multiple tasks.
-Equally effective working independently or in team environment
Nuclear employees: Must have at least one year of Nuclear power experience.
REQUIRED ENGINEERING CRITERIA:
For placement of a candidate in the Engineer job series, the following criteria must be met:
Possess a 4-year Engineering degree from an ABET accredited Engineering program based on the year that the Engineering program was accredited by ABET, or
Possess a 4-year Engineering degree from an institution outside of the U.S. which is accredited through the country's own Engineering accrediting body under the Washington Accord as a full signatory, and is a degree that was recognized by the country's accrediting body on or after the date that full signatory status was achieved, or
Possess a 4-year degree in Engineering (non-ABET accredited), Physics, Chemistry, Math or Engineering Technology and a post-graduate Engineering degree from an institution where the undergraduate degree in the same Engineering discipline is ABET-accredited based on the year the Engineering program was accredited by ABET, or
Holds or has previously held a valid U.S. Professional Engineer license.
Preferred Quals:
Familiarity with regulatory requirements for commercial nuclear power plants, including those from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO). Experience with performing 10 CFR 50.59 screens and evaluations. Nuclear Design Engineering experience with relevant analytical capabilities
Previously qualified or ability to qualify in the Standard Design Process, Engineering Calculations, Specifications and similar Nuclear Qualifications
Professional Engineering license, Civil Engineering
Familiarity with Crane design and applications including NUREG-0612
Experience with foundation, steel and concrete structure, pipe support, pipe stress, and rigging
An understanding of Engineering Specifications (Procurement, Design, Installation, etc.)
Knowledge of ASCE, AISC and ACI Codes
Knowledge of primary systems (NSSS) and Balance of Plant (BOP) systems
Education Requirements
Required Degree (equivalency not accepted in lieu of required degree):
Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, structural concentration preferred.
Licenses, Certifications, or Quals Description
Note: Dominion Energy minimum experience and education requirements may exceed stated ANSI standards and candidates must meet the Dominion Energy minimum requirements.
For Nuclear employees, this ANSI standard must be met, all of which is met or exceeded in the Engineer series job summaries with the exception of the Nuclear Power experience requirement of at least 1 year:
ANSI/ANS-3.1-2014, Section 4.6.1 Education requirements: Baccalaureate or associate degree in engineering or related science. Minimum experience for the position: Related experience which shall include 2 years; Nuclear power plant experience to include 1 year.
Working Conditions
Cold Up to 25%
Dust / Grease / Oil Up to 25%
Energized Wires Up to 25%
Fumes Up to 25%
Heat Up to 25%
Loud Noise Up to 25%
Office Work Environment 76 -100%
Outdoors Up to 25%
Pressurized Lines & Valves Up to 25%
Radiation Up to 25%
Travel Up to 25%
Other Working Conditions
Test Description
No Testing Required
Export Control
Certain positions at Dominion Energy may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in Dominion Energy limiting its consideration of certain applicants.
What You'll Get
Expected Hiring Base Salary Range:
Associate Engineer: $73,200.00 - $95,000
Engineer: $81,900.00 - $106,400
Sr Engineer: $90,900.00 - $118,100
Staff Engineer: $102,300.00 - $132,800
The expected hiring base salary range is the range we anticipate hiring within for this position. The actual salary offered may vary based on factors such as the selected candidate's qualifications, skills, experience, and work location. This is not intended to represent the full salary range for the position or limit future compensation growth.
At Dominion Energy, we offer excellent plans and programs for employees. Employees are rewarded with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which includes: health, dental, and vision benefits with coverage for families and domestic partners, vacation, retirement plans including 401k contributions and matches, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, bonus eligibility, sick leave, and disability insurance. To learn more about our benefits, click here: dombenefits.com.
Dominion Energy is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin and/or status as a protected veteran or individual with a disability.
You can experience the excitement of our company - it's the difference between taking a job and starting a career.
Top 3 Reasons to Work at Dominion Energy
There are many reasons to work at Dominion Energy, but below are the top three reasons employees have shared with us. Click on each of the links to learn more!
1. Safety Centric Work Environment
2. Generous Pay and Benefits
3. Collaborative & Inclusive Culture

About Dominion Energy
I am your warm cup of coffee in the morning and I light your home at night. I am the cool breeze from your A/C on the hottest day in summer, and the red coil that heats your soup pot on a frigid winter's day. I am sustainable, reliable and affordable.
I am not just any energy... I am Dominion Energy.
We're transforming the way we do business to build a more sustainable future for the planet, our customers, our team and our industry. We're shaping the future of energy in America.
Join us!

Facts:
• 17,000 employees
• Headquarters: Richmond, VA
• 16 states in the US
• $100 billion of assets
• Nearly $35 million in charitable contributions
• 100,000+ volunteer hours recorded in the community
Our Commitment to NetZero by 2050
Dominion Energy is committed to helping address climate change. We have cut emissions sharply as we aim for Net Zero carbon and methane emissions by 2050. Learn more at sustainability.dominionenergy.com.

What Dominion Energy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Dominion Energy logo

About Dominion Energy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a leader in the clean energy transition, with a clear strategy to achieve Net Zero carbon and methane emissions. Headquartered in Richmond, VA, we're creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

Industry

Utilities

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Richmond, VA, US

Year founded

1983

Social media