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Design Associate Jobs in Conover, NC (NOW HIRING)

Floor & Décor

Design Supervisor

Mooresville, NC · On-site

The Design Supervisor is responsible for the training and development of the design team, and for ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

Floor & Decor

Design Supervisor

Mooresville, NC · On-site

The Design Supervisor is responsible for the training and development of the design team, and for ... Paid vacation and sick time for eligible associates * Paid holidays plus a personal holiday * Paid ...

ESP Associates

Survey CAD Technician

Huntersville, NC · On-site

ESP Associates, Inc. is seeking a full-time Survey CAD Technician in our Huntersville office. This is a great opportunity to join a well-established and growing Engineering, Surveying and Planning ...

Hooker Furniture

CAD Technician

Hickory, NC · On-site

CAD Technician For decades, Bradington-Young has been recognized for producing some of the finest ... High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or associate degree preferred. * Experience ...

Hooker Furniture

CAD Technician

Hickory, NC · On-site

CAD Technician For decades, Bradington-Young has been recognized for producing some of the finest ... High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or associate degree preferred. * Experience ...

Design Foundry

Lead - Upholstery

Hickory, NC · On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

The Design Foundry community is seeking a Lead in our Upholstery/Trim Department. This role supports the Operations Manager in coordinating daily operations, supporting associates, and ensuring ...

Design Foundry

Lead - Upholstery

Hickory, NC · On-site

$39K - $51K/yr

The Design Foundry community is seeking a Lead in our Upholstery/Trim Department. This role supports the Operations Manager in coordinating daily operations, supporting associates, and ensuring ...

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All JobsDesign Associate JobsDesign Associate Jobs in Conover, NC

Design Associate information

See Conover, NC salary details

$17.9K

$53.9K

$80.5K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Conover, NC is $53,862.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $62,500.00 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 cities near Conover, NC are hiring for Design Associate jobs?

Cities near Conover, NC with the most Design Associate job openings:

Design Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in Conover, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,862 per year, or $25.9 per hour.

Associate Design Engineer

Mooresville, NC • On-site

American Plastics, LLC
See more jobs at American Plastics, LLCexternal

$114K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Description

American Plastics, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading designer and manufacturer of innovative plastic-injection molded products for the household & garage storage and commercial cleaning end-markets.


We are seeking a skilled Design Engineer specializing in plastics to join our team at our Innovation Center, in Mooresville, NC location. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing and developing plastic components and products, ensuring functionality, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, utilizing CAD software, and staying updated on industry trends and technologies. This position will report to the Vice President of Engineering.


Product Design: Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products according to project requirements, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.


CAD Modeling: Utilize CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA) to create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies.


Prototyping: Oversee the prototyping process, including selecting appropriate materials, collaborating with prototype technicians, and validating designs for fit, form, and function.


Material Selection: Evaluate and select suitable plastic materials based on performance requirements, environmental factors, and cost considerations.


Design Optimization: Continuously improve designs for efficiency, performance, and cost reduction through analysis, simulation, and testing.


Manufacturability: Collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure designs are optimized for production processes such as injection molding, extrusion, and thermoforming.


Quality Assurance: Work closely with quality control teams to establish and implement quality standards for plastic components and products, ensuring compliance with industry regulations.


Documentation: Prepare and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including technical drawings, specifications, and design change records.


Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including product management, manufacturing, quality assurance, and procurement to achieve project goals and deadlines.


Research and Innovation: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in plastic design, and incorporate innovative solutions into product development processes.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in mechanical or plastics Engineering. Will consider new graduates.

Experience of hands-on injection molding experience a plus.

Preferred experience with Product Design of plastic injection molded products

SolidWorks knowledge.

Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes.

Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail.

Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work in cross-functional teams.

Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.

Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Strong communication skills.



If you are interested in joining the American Plastics team and want to work in a fast-paced, progressive environment, we want to hear from you. We offer a competitive salary, full benefit package including medical/dental, 401k, and paid vacation.


Apply