1

Design Associate Jobs in Whitehall, MI (NOW HIRING)

General Production Associate 2026

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

The Production Associate is a key position and responsible for the efficient and safe daily ... As a leading Tier One automotive supplier, we are a pioneer in the design and manufacturing of ...

General Production Associate 2026

Muskegon, MI · On-site

$13.50 - $17.25/hr

The Production Associate is a key position and responsible for the efficient and safe daily ... As a leading Tier One automotive supplier, we are a pioneer in the design and manufacturing of ...

Design and drafting experience, or an associate degree with a major focused in Design or CAD. * Hands-on experience with design software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, MicroStation, or similar ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Design Associate information

See Whitehall, MI salary details

$18.5K

$55.7K

$83.2K

How much do design associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for design associate in Whitehall, MI is $55,687.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,100.00 and $64,700.00 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 Whitehall, MI are hiring for Design Associate jobs?

Cities near Whitehall, MI with the most Design Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Associate job openings in Whitehall, MI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,687 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

CAD Engineer / Specialist

Whitehall, MI • On-site


Howmet Aerospace
Aviation • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 163 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated aerospace companies

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a CAD Engineer/Specialist to join our Whitehall, MI location as a member of the Whitehall Casting Layout Dept and Engineering teams.  This position will be responsible for working with engineering on process improvement initiatives, customer qualification activities, and product tooling design.

Responsibilities:

  • Complete customer First Article inspection packages using various metrology tools including structured light, GOM, CMM, and various mechanical measurement tools
  • Prepare and complete customer reports with detailed inspection data
  • Work with engineering and quality on customer approval packages, and quotes
  • Provides technical support to engineers, and other departments to support tooling development and process improvements
  • Ability to work in a team environment and collaborate with others
  • Self-motivated

Job Roles 

  • Systems thinker--sees the business and its operation holistically; understands actions and reactions; considers multiple pathways of potential effect before decisions; thinks strategically about interventions with an eye toward scale
  • Optimizer--constantly challenging the organization to work smarter; supports others to ensure they have what they need to do their work successfully
  • Anticipation--looks ahead to minimize potential issues and maximize advantages; prepares others for what comes next
  • Operational accelerator--drives continuous improvement; understands ramifications of automation and other advances; advocates for safety, ergonomics and scalable solutions
  • Organization and structure--works within existing structures while striving to improve and standardize them; provides accurate information; galvanizes others toward common goals
  • Influence--leverages knowledge, relationship, data and perspective to persuade, educate and navigate; gains buy in and adoption of ideas and practices at scale; interacts with a variety of stakeholders
  • Data informed--focused on things that drive quantifiable business outcomes; evaluates based on quantitative feedback; knows and explains the “why” behind actions
  • Prioritized reaction--handles the unexpected without losing sight of important objectives; reacts where greatest leverage points exist
  • Relationship--connects individually and with teams across shifts and practices; builds rapport and commonality; creates a “win together” ethic; serves as liaison between shop floor and engineering; keeps the pulse of the floor; helps people feel heard

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Engineering or CAD Discipline OR an Associate’s Degree with 4 years of related experience
  • Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States.  Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.  Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office suite
  • Modeling in Siemens and ability to utilize expressions, macros and grips
  • Knowledge of investment casting manufacturing process and/or aerospace industry manufacturing
  • Experience in designing tooling to support a manufacturing environment
  • Experience with blueprint reading and GD&T
  • Highly detailed and organized

Howmet Aerospace logo

About Howmet Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Howmet Aerospace Inc. (NYSE: HWM), headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a leading global provider of advanced engineered solutions for the aerospace and transportation industries. The Company's sales for 2021 approximated $5 billion. The Company's primary businesses focus on jet engine components, aerospace fastening systems, titanium structural parts and forged wheels. With nearly 1,150 granted and pending patents, the Company's differentiated technologies promote more fuel efficiency for aircraft and commercial transportation. Howmet is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Pittsburgh, PA, US

Year founded

1888


What Howmet Aerospace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom