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Design Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview TheOps Label & Kit Design Associate IV role will assist in a variety of design transfer and continuous improvement activities facilitating new labeling and kitting implementation ...

Position Overview TheOps Label & Kit Design Associate IV role will assist in a variety of design transfer and continuous improvement activities facilitating new labeling and kitting implementation ...

CAD Drafter

Columbus, WI · On-site

$25.25 - $34/hr

Core & Main's 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more. Job Summary The CAD drafter will be ...

CAD Drafter

Columbus, WI · On-site

$25.25 - $34/hr

Core & Main's 5,700 associates are committed to helping their communities thrive with safe and reliable infrastructure. Visit coreandmain.com to learn more. Job Summary The CAD drafter will be ...

Perform other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications / Experience Associate degree in drafting & design is required. A certificate in CAD drafting & design with relevant work experience may be ...

Perform other duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications / Experience Associate degree in drafting & design is required. A certificate in CAD drafting & design with relevant work experience may be ...

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Design Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$19.6K

$59K

$88.2K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Madison, WI is $59,007.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,900.00 and $68,500.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Design jobs in Madison, WI?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Madison, WI are:

What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Design Associate jobs?

Cities near Madison, WI with the most Design Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,007 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Ops Label & Kit Design Associate IV

Abbott

Madison, WI • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Abbott rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Abbott is a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Our portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the spectrum of healthcare, with leading businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic medicines. Our 115,000 colleagues serve people in more than 160 countries.JOB DESCRIPTION:

Position Overview

TheOps Label & Kit Design Associate IV role will assist in a variety of design transfer and continuous improvement activities facilitating new labeling and kitting implementation into production. This position will support development, documentation, validation, and implementation of new labeling and kitting processes, documents, parts/BOMs, and procedures into production as part of the design transfer process. This role may also train to and participate in Production functions supporting labeling and kitting of development materials or finished goods using manual or automated processes.

This position is based at our 650 Forward Drive location in Madison, Wisconsin. The role works standard business hours and requires onsite work at least four days per week, with the flexibility to work remotely one day per week based on business needs.

Essential Duties

Include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Essential Duties

    Include but are not limited to the following:

  • Support design and development of labeling and kitting for reagents to be used in In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) or Research Use Only (RUO) medical device manufacturing processes and procedures in accordance with cGMP, ISO13485, and FDA guidelines.
  • Establish Production Label Templates and Kitting Work Instructions, Receiving Inspection Methods, Technical Summary Reports, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and other technical and GMP labeling and kitting documents, as required.
  • Support implementation of new part numbers and Bills of Material (BOMs) via the Change Request / Change Order process, or via other means.
  • Identify and support sourcing of raw materials or equipment necessary for labeling and kitting.
  • Lead or support training and transfer of new processes and procedures to production operators.
  • Mentor and develop junior level associates via training programs.
  • Work externally to understand raw material sourcing, specifications, and risks in collaboration with Manufacturing Sciences, Quality Engineering, and Supply Chain teams.
  • Act as project team member and Enterprise Labeling team representative for key business initiatives and continuous improvement projects.
  • Participate in investigations and risk assessment activities, including Process Failure Mode Effects Analysis (pFMEA).
  • Ability to design basic experimental plans and document results in technical reports.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills and ability to coordinate work with other sites, enterprise wide.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with Production, Manufacturing Sciences, Quality Control, R&D, Quality Engineering, Regulatory Affairs, Supply Chain, and other functions, to meet business objectives.
  • Work collaboratively with external vendors to meet labeling requirements and collection kit packaging requirements defined by internal standards.
  • Support processes and exhibits capability through execution of development, pilot scale, and process validation batch production.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and adhere to project schedules and timelines while effectively working on several varied projects at one time, with frequently changing priorities in an evolving environment.
  • Ability to work designated schedule with regular and reliable attendance.
  • Ability to complete tasks onsite.
  • Ability to work effectively in team situations, as well as independently.
  • Strong attention-to-detail.
  • Uphold company mission and values through accountability, innovation, integrity, quality, and teamwork.
  • Support and comply with the company's Quality Management System policies and procedures.
  • Ability to act with an inclusion mindset and model these behaviors for the organization.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds for approximately 5% of a typical working day.
  • Ability to work on a mobile device, tablet, or in front of a computer screen and/or perform typing for approximately 90% of a typical working day.
  • Ability to comply with any applicable personal protective equipment requirements.
  • Ability to use laboratory equipment and moving machinery.
  • May be exposed to hazardous materials, tissue specimens and instruments with moving parts, lasers, heating and freezing elements, and high-speed centrifugation.
  • Ability and means to travel between Madison locations.
  • Ability to travel 5% of working time away from work location, may include overnight/weekend travel.
  • Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, Chemistry, or a related life science field. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of education.
  • 3+ years of experience with daily operations, SOP documentation, instrument use in a heavily regulated environment such as biotech manufacturing in an FDA GMP or ISO 13485 environment for IVD or Research Use Only.
  • 2+ years of experience with Agile or other electronic Quality Management Systems (eQMS) for creating documentation or reports, or process implementation through the change control process.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform the Essential Duties of the position with or without accommodation.
  • Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
  • Preferred Qualifications

  • Professional working knowledge or coursework with IVD product labeling, kitting processes, and/or medical device products in a cGMP manufacturing and/or technical role.
  • Experience with NiceLabel, BarTender, Adobe Illustrator, or other labeling software for label generation and creation.
  • Knowledge in continuous improvement methodologies/principles, such as LEAN Six Sigma.
  • Experience with project management principles and practice.
  • We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, and any other status protected by applicable local, state or federal law. Applicable portions of the Company's affirmative action program are available to any applicant or employee for inspection upon request.

The base pay for this position is

$61,300.00 - $122,700.00

In specific locations, the pay range may vary from the range posted.

JOB FAMILY:ManufacturingDIVISION:ONCO Cancer DiagnosticsLOCATION:United States > Madison : 650 Forward DrADDITIONAL LOCATIONS:WORK SHIFT:StandardTRAVEL:NoMEDICAL SURVEILLANCE:NoSIGNIFICANT WORK ACTIVITIES:Continuous sitting for prolonged periods (more than 2 consecutive hours in an 8 hour day), Keyboard use (greater or equal to 50% of the workday)Abbott is an Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities/Women/Individuals with Disabilities/Protected Veterans.EEO is the Law link - English: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_English.pdfEEO is the Law link - Espanol: http://webstorage.abbott.com/common/External/EEO_Spanish.pdf

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