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Design Associate Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Design Engineer with deep expertise in plastics and ... related field preferred (Associate degree with extensive relevant experience considered)

More than a decade ago, Ledge introduced America to the first-in pool chaise and modern design ... related field preferred (Associate degree with extensive relevant experience considered)

DESIGN CONSULTANT

Friendswood, TX ยท On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

Our training programs are designed to help each associate create a meaningful career at Bassett. As part of our in-depth training program, you'll learn: product knowledge, sales techniques, design ...

DESIGN CONSULTANT

Friendswood, TX ยท On-site

$70K - $105K/yr

Our training programs are designed to help each associate create a meaningful career at Bassett. As part of our in-depth training program, you'll learn: product knowledge, sales techniques, design ...

Associates Degree in Interior Design is required; Bachelors Degree is a plus! * One-on-One work experience with buyers in a structured setting * Previous design experience, preferably with a ...

Associates Degree in Interior Design is required; Bachelors Degree is a plus! * One-on-One work experience with buyers in a structured setting * Previous design experience, preferably with a ...

Associates Degree in Interior Design is required; Bachelors Degree is a plus! * One-on-One work experience with buyers in a structured setting * Previous design experience, preferably with a ...

Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school. * One to two ... Certification in CAD software, specifically AutoCAD Civil 3D. * General CAD and Civil 3D experience ...

... team: โ€ข Associate's degree in drafting and design or relevant experience โ€ข Minimum 5-10 years of civil design experience โ€ข Proficient with AutoCAD and Civil3D โ€ข Revit, Recap, Edgewise ...

Associate's degree in drafting and design or relevant experience * Minimum 5-10 years of civil design experience * Proficient with AutoCAD and Civil3D * Revit, Recap, Edgewise experience a plus

Responsibilities $45 Qualifications โ€ข Associate or Bachelor's degree in Interior Design, Architecture, or related field โ€ข Minimum of 2 to 4 years of experience at a fast-paced design firm โ€ข ...

Showing results 41-60

Design Associate information

See Houston, TX salary details

$18.6K

$55.9K

$83.6K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Houston, TX is $55,924.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,300.00 and $64,900.00 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 Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Design Associate jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Design Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in Houston, TX as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,924 per year, or $26.9 per hour.

Design Engineer

Katy, TX โ€ข On-site

Ledge Lounger
Furniture Manufacturingย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
More than a decade ago, Ledge introduced America to the first-in pool chaise and modern design forward furniture for a more compelling outdoor living experience. Today the award-winning brand is recognized as the in-pool and poolside leader, adopted by discerning homeowners and five-star resort and residential properties around the world.
Our continued success is very much a consequence of our team members, the Ledge culture of collaboration and innovation, and our unwavering belief in the importance of design distinction in everything we do. If you are committed to your growth, collaborative both in spirit and action, and seeking to join a high performing team that both works hard and plays hard, we encourage you to apply.
Job Overview:
At Ledge, we believe outdoor spaces are not just extensions of the home-they're living works of art. As pioneers in the premium in-pool and poolside product design space, our mission is simple yet powerful: to help our customers manifest their identity by elevating their approach to outdoor living.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Design Engineer with deep expertise in plastics and fabrication to join our Product Development team. In this role, you will bridge the gap between creative design and flawless execution for both outsourced and in-house production. You will be responsible for transforming concepts into production-ready 3D CAD models, collaborating with external vendors on molded parts (injection molding, rotomolding, and blow molding), and directly owning the design and prototyping for our in-house manufacturing line. The candidate will apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) methodologies to ensure premium quality, structural integrity, and efficient production.
Key Responsibilities:
  1. Advanced 3D Modeling: Create, edit, and update complex 3D parametric models and engineering drawings for new and existing products using SolidWorks and Rhino.
  2. In-House CNC & Sheet Design: Design parts and products specifically optimized to be cut from High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) sheets, maximizing material yield and minimizing waste.
  3. DFM & DFA Optimization: Apply rigorous Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to all products. Ensure in-house items feature intuitive, efficient, and robust assembly methods.
  4. Vendor Collaboration: Act as the primary technical point of contact with external tooling and molding vendors. Review tool drawings and make necessary design adjustments (draft angles, wall thickness, parting lines) to achieve a flawless finished goods.
  5. Prototyping & CNC Programming: Program toolpaths for CNC machines using CAMWorks. Hands-on fabrication, cutting, and assembly of physical prototypes to validate design concepts.
  6. Testing & Documentation: Perform physical testing on prototypes, track engineering changes, and create highly accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) and consumer instruction manuals.
  7. Continuous Improvement: Identify process or design deficiencies in both molded and sheet-routed products, developing engineering solutions to improve quality and throughput.

What Success Looks Like:
Success in this role is measured by the ability to transform innovative concepts into manufacturable, high-quality products that reflect Ledge's commitment to design excellence. The Design Engineer will:
  • Design production-ready products that balance aesthetics, functionality, manufacturability, durability, and cost while maintaining Ledge's premium brand standards.
  • Deliver accurate 3D models, engineering drawings, Bills of Materials, and technical documentation that enable efficient production and minimize engineering changes.
  • Partner effectively with Product Development, Manufacturing, and external vendors to accelerate product launches, resolve manufacturing challenges, and continuously improve product quality.
  • Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to reduce complexity, improve assembly efficiency, and optimize production processes for both in-house and outsourced manufacturing.
  • Develop and validate prototypes through hands-on testing, using findings to refine designs and ensure products meet performance, quality, and customer expectations.
  • Foster a mindset of continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance product performance, manufacturing efficiency, material utilization, and overall customer experience.

Requirements
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related field preferred (Associate degree with extensive relevant experience considered).
  • Plastics & Molding Expertise: Proven experience designing parts for Injection Molding, Rotomolding, and Blow Molding, with a strong understanding of tooling constraints.
  • Sheet Fabrication & Assembly: Experience designing products utilizing CNC routing and mechanical assembly methods.
  • CAD/CAM Proficiency: Advanced proficiency in 3D Parametric Modeling and surface modeling (SolidWorks required) . Strong working knowledge of CAM software (CAMWorks preferred) for generating CNC toolpaths.
  • Vendor & Project Management: Experience collaborating with external toolmakers and internal production teams to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and refine designs.
  • Hands-On Skills: Proficiency with CNC machinery, basic hand tools, and small power tools for prototype fabrication.
  • Soft Skills: Effective time management and logical decision-making ability. Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
  • Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Must be able to lift 75+lbs on a regular basis (with support).
  • Moving, bending, kneeling, and handling is required.

At Ledge, we value diversity and inclusion and are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We offer a competitive salary, benefits package, and the opportunity to work with a dynamic team in a positive and supportive work environment.