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Design Contractor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Hksinc

Sustainable Design Engineer Leader

Detroit, MI · On-site

Guides design decisions across the lifecycle using analysis of energy efficiency, passive and ... contractors, and operators * Predicts building energy use and savings versus baseline using whole ...

Belcan

Electric Motor Design Engineer

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Electric Motor Design Engineer Salary Range $130k - $160k Location: Kalamazoo, MI Area Code: 805 ... contractor contracts. * Prepares and reviews technical project work prepared by others, including ...

Meijer, Inc.

CAD Layout Specialist

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site +1

$55K - $88K/yr

This role acts as liaison between A/E design firms and field contractors to communicate design solutions that meet business needs. Transforms initial conceptual designs using CAD into working layout ...

RealTruck Group Inc

Design Engineer - Product

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$128K - $154K/yr

... contractors. · Perform detailed documentation to track project development and design process. · Ensure project timeline is met and project stays within budget. · Examine total cost of each ...

RealTruck

Design Engineer - Product

Ann Arbor, MI

$128K - $154K/yr

... contractors. · Perform detailed documentation to track project development and design process. · Ensure project timeline is met and project stays within budget. · Examine total cost of each ...

Truck Hero

Design Engineer - Product

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$128K - $154K/yr

... contractors. • Perform detailed documentation to track project development and design process. • Ensure project timeline is met and project stays within budget. • Examine total cost of each ...

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All JobsDesign Contractor JobsDesign Contractor Jobs in Michigan

Design Contractor information

See Michigan salary details

$36.6K

$99.8K

$175.6K

How much do design contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for design contractor in Michigan is $99,790.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,800.00 and $125,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is AI replacing designers?

AI tools are increasingly used in design to automate repetitive tasks and generate ideas, but they do not replace the need for human designers. Design contractors rely on creativity, problem-solving, and understanding client needs, which AI cannot fully replicate. AI serves as a complement to enhance productivity and support decision-making in the design process.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are often senior roles such as Creative Director or Design Director, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually in large organizations. Specialized fields like UX/UI design, product design, and design consulting can also command high compensation, especially with extensive experience and advanced skills in tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Design Contractor, you need strong design fundamentals, portfolio-quality experience, and often a relevant degree or certification in graphic, interior, or industrial design. Proficiency with industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, or SketchUp is typically expected. Excellent communication, time management, and client collaboration skills set standout contractors apart. These skills and qualities are crucial to delivering creative solutions on time and meeting client expectations in a competitive, project-based environment.

What are Design Contractors?

Design contractors are professionals or firms hired on a temporary or project basis to provide design services, such as graphic design, interior design, web design, or architectural planning. Unlike full-time employees, design contractors typically work independently or through an agency, managing their own schedules and clients. They collaborate with businesses or individuals to deliver creative solutions tailored to project needs. Their responsibilities may include conceptualizing ideas, creating drafts, and refining designs based on client feedback.

What types of projects do Design Contractors typically work on, and how do they collaborate with clients and other team members?

Design Contractors often work on a diverse range of projects, including branding, web design, product packaging, or interior layouts, depending on their area of expertise. They usually collaborate closely with clients to understand project goals and requirements, and may also coordinate with other professionals such as copywriters, developers, or project managers to ensure a cohesive outcome. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as project scopes and client preferences can change during the process. Design Contractors typically juggle multiple projects at once, making time management and organization essential skills for success.

What is the difference between Design Contractor vs Interior Designer?

AspectDesign ContractorInterior Designer
CredentialsVaries; often no formal certification requiredTypically requires certification or degree in interior design
Work EnvironmentOn-site construction projects, renovation sitesResidential and commercial interior spaces, client consultations
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, independent contractorsDesign firms, independent interior designers

While both roles involve design work, a Design Contractor primarily manages construction and implementation, whereas an Interior Designer focuses on aesthetic and functional interior spaces. The roles often overlap but serve different project phases and client needs.

What do contract designers do?

Contract designers create visual concepts and designs for clients on a temporary basis, often working on projects such as branding, advertising, or product design. They use tools like Adobe Creative Suite and collaborate with clients to meet specific project goals within deadlines. Their work typically involves understanding client needs, producing prototypes, and revising designs based on feedback.

What design jobs are in demand right now?

Currently, in-demand design jobs include user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) designers, graphic designers, and product designers. Skills in digital tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Figma, and proficiency in web and mobile app design are highly valued, often requiring a strong portfolio and knowledge of user-centered design principles.
Design Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Contractor job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,790 per year, or $48 per hour.
Design Release Engineer

Design Release Engineer

Stefanini Group

Auburn Hills, MI • On-site

$38 - $43.50/hr

Contractor

Life, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Stefanini Group is hiring!

Stefanini is looking for a Design Release Engineer (Auburn Hills, MI)

For quick apply, please reach out to Lovkesh Bharti at 248 727 2506/lovkesh.bharti@stefanini.com

The Design and Release Engineer Fascia/Bumper/Grill will be responsible for developing components/systems from initial design concept through full volume production. The Design and Release Engineer will provide feasibility input for development of designs from Product Design Office (PDO) concepts, sketch, and clay models. Establish and manage development timeline for life of project. Develop functional objectives, build objectives, DVPR, and DFMEA for components. The Engineer will lead design, while leveraging external design source and/or internal CAD design resource. The Engineer will be responsible for the release of completed component geometry using Teamcenter/NX CAD tools. Validate virtual designs using CAE resources and perform physical validation via component, system, and vehicle level testing. Manage internal documentation for release of systems. Plan and oversee tool construction and production of assemblies. On site support for vehicle pilot builds and production launch at assembly plant. Responsible for root cause analysis and determination of corrective action for issues with assembly, fit/finish, and functional performance. Analyze and remediate warranty, identify cost reduction opportunities on production of systems, candidate will also be responsible for safety compliance report documents.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own assigned parts/systems from design through launch 
  • Own and manage BOM, cost, quality, and change management 
  • Work with Studio / Product Design Office to ensure designs are feasible for manufacturing 
  • Work with suppliers to understand feasibility constraints and ensure best practices are incorporated 
  • Complete change management documentation (internal systems) 
  • Follow parts to the assembly plant and resolve any build or launch issues 
  • Act as a lead engineer, bringing cross‑functional teams together to drive issues to resolution

Experience Required

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering
  • Automotive industry experience (required) Minimum 1+ year of experience No maximum cap; open to more senior candidates if aligned on rate
  • Design Release Engineer (DRE) experience
  • Must be true release experience, not just design support 
  • Experience supporting product launches 
  • Plant or supplier launch exposure required
  • Experience with exterior automotive components 
  • Strong focus on plastic components such as:
  • Fascias
  • Grilles
  • Cladding
  • Trim / appliques
  • Experience managing complex assemblies or multi-part systems Ability to clearly explain hands-on responsibilities and ownership of work

Experience Preferred

  • 3-8+ years of relevant experience (preferred range) 
  • Experience at an OEM (strongly preferred) or relevant Tier 1 supplier 
  • Experience with Class A or painted exterior surfaces 
  • Some interior experience with complex components (secondary) Experience working cross-functionally with:
  • Strong understanding of automotive release and development processes

**Listed salary ranges may vary based on experience, qualifications, and local market. Also, some positions may include bonuses or other incentives***

Stefanini takes pride in hiring top talent and developing relationships with our future employees. Our talent acquisition teams will never make an offer of employment without having a phone conversation with you. Those face-to-face conversations will involve a description of the job for which you have applied. We will also speak with you about the process, including interviews and job offers.

About Stefanini Group

The Stefanini Group is a global provider of offshore, onshore and near shore outsourcing, IT digital consulting, systems integration, application, and strategic staffing services to Fortune 1000 enterprises around the world. Our presence is in countries like the Americas, Europe, Africa, and Asia, and more than four hundred clients across a broad spectrum of markets, including financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, chemical services, technology, public sector, and utilities. Stefanini is a CMM level 5, IT consulting company with a global presence. We are a CMM Level 5 company.

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Education:Bachelor (BA, BS...)Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

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