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Design Associate Jobs in Minnetonka, MN (NOW HIRING)

CAD Designer

Chaska, MN ยท On-site

$29 - $40/hr

Associate's degree and proven experience in mechanical design within a manufacturing environment ... utilizing 2D and 3D CAD programs. * Proficiency in CAD software: SolidWorks preferred. * 2 to 5 ...

Want someone with an associate degree in architectural design. Autocad experience. Want- education. Right chemistry on the team. Only 2 on the team right now so teamwork is important. CTH role. Ok ...

AV Design Engineer

Plymouth, MN ยท On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

HiFyve is hiring a AV Design Engineer in the Commercial Audio Visual Integration industry in ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Audio/Visual Technology, Information ...

Associate's degree in architectural technology, engineering, or equivalent CAD experience. * 2-3 years of SolidWorks experience, especially with assemblies and weldments. * Strong understanding of ...

As a Fire Protection Design Intern, you will exercise your attention to detail while designing ... Candidates should be currently pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in a related field.

Showing results 41-60

Design Associate information

See Minnetonka, MN salary details

$19.9K

$59.7K

$89.2K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Minnetonka, MN is $59,708.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $69,300.00 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 Minnetonka, MN?

The most popular types of Design jobs in Minnetonka, MN are:

What are popular job titles related to Design Associate jobs in Minnetonka, MN?

For Design Associate jobs in Minnetonka, MN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Associate jobs in Minnetonka, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Associate jobs in Minnetonka, MN are:

What cities near Minnetonka, MN are hiring for Design Associate jobs?

Cities near Minnetonka, MN with the most Design Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in Minnetonka, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,708 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

CAD Designer

EXACTEC LLC

Chaska, MN โ€ข On-site

$29 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description

As a leading designer and fabricator of custom acrylic point-of-purchase displays, Exactec associates work directly with leading retailers and brands like Walgreens, Walmart, Target, CVS, Loreal and Philips to create shopping experiences seen every day. ย Our company must foster a creative and self-motivated atmosphere to be relevant in today's retail world and is looking for energetic and industrious people to help us build on our decades of success.

ย The CAD Designer is responsible for several duties at Exactec, including designing and implementing manufacturing processes and introducing new products to production. Identifies and develops processes to improve production of specific products, parts, and components.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Use Solidworks to create 3D models and prints for use in acrylic store display manufacturing

Convert customer designs into manufacturable assemblies

Develop original designs based on customer's art, specifications, and needs

Create prints and assembly instructions for in-house manufacturing

Assists manufacturing team in creating tooling and determining best practices

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Associate's ย ย ย ย ย degree and proven experience in mechanical design within a manufacturing ย ย ย ย ย environment utilizing 2D and 3D CAD programs.
  • Proficiency ย ย ย ย ย in CAD software: SolidWorks preferred.
  • 2 ย ย ย ย ย to 5 years of relevant experience in manufacturing environment
  • Experience ย ย ย ย ย with Excel, Word, Outlook software, MS Project

REQUIRED SKILLS

  • Well developed written communication and interpersonal ย ย ย ย ย skills; "Multi-tasker" with strong analytical skills and attention to ย ย ย ย ย detail
  • 3D CAD Software
  • Sheetmetal, wood fabrication and Plastic knowledge is a must

PREFERRED SKILLS

Understanding of SolidWorks, AutoCAD other lean techniques.

Exactec offers, health, dental and vision, term life, short/long term disability, 401k, accident, cancer care and hospital indemnity. Every employee is eligible for insurance on the first Monday of the following month.ย 

Exactec is an Equal Opportunity Employer.