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Design Contractor Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Design Systems

Automation Engineer

Farmington, MI

Design Systems, Inc. is looking for a motivated and hands-on Automation Engineer to help design ... Hands-on installation support experience including layout validation and contractor coordination.

Barton Malow

Electrical Design Manager

Southfield, MI · On-site

$112K - $144K/yr

Familiarity with national electrical engineering firms and electrical contractors is a plus. Must ... Engineering Design * The design capabilities are anticipated to cover diverse facilities such as:

Barton Malow

Electrical Design Manager

Southfield, MI · On-site

$112K - $144K/yr

Familiarity with national electrical engineering firms and electrical contractors is a plus. Must ... Engineering Design * The design capabilities are anticipated to cover diverse facilities such as:

Adrian Steel Company

CAD Designer

Adrian, MI

$24.25 - $33.50/hr

... contractors to name a few.We pride ourselves on respect, contribution, stability, and compensation to foster a long-lasting relationship that puts Adrian Steel on the market as an employer of choice.

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Showing results 1-20

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.

Sr. Electrical Design Engineer

Slifco Electric

Sterling Heights, MI

$96K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Vision

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Description
Join Our Team as a Senior Electrical Design Engineer!

Slifco Electric is a premier electrical contracting firm serving the Automotive, Heavy Industrial, and Mission Critical sectors. We specialize in both ground-up construction and major renovations, managing electrical packages ranging from small service work to multi-million-dollar installations.

As a Sr. Electrical Design Engineer, you’ll play a key role in transforming ideas into fully coordinated construction-ready electrical designs. Working alongside senior engineering leadership, BIM teams, Project Managers, and field operations, you’ll design and analyze electrical systems that keep major facilities powered safely and efficiently.

This is a hands-on engineering role ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, collaboration, and seeing their designs successfully built in the field.

What You'll Be Doing:
  • Design and analyze electrical power, lighting, and low-voltage systems for new construction and renovation projects.
  • Develop detailed construction documents for installation, interconnection, and control of electrical and mechanical systems.
  • Apply NFPA codes and industry standards to ensure compliant, high-quality designs.
  • Create electrical layouts using AutoCAD with minimal supervision.
  • Collaborate with BIM teams, Project Managers, and Field Operations to deliver fully coordinated designs.
  • Conduct site visits, field measurements, and system verification.
  • Review shop drawings and project submittals.
  • Create and manage RFIs to support project execution.
  • Maintain organized project documentation, calculations, and engineering records.
  • Support cross-functional teams to bring designs from concept to construction reality.

What We're Looking For:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering required.
  • 8+ years of electrical design engineering experience.
  • Prior consulting engineering experience preferred.
  • Strong working knowledge of NFPA standards.
  • Experience with SKM power analysis or Visual lighting software is a bonus.
  • Strong communication skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to collaborate across engineering, project management, and field teams.
Proficiency in:
  • AutoCAD (required)
  • Bluebeam 
  • BIM 360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC)
  • Navisworks
  • Revit


Why You'll Love Working Here:
  • Work on large-scale, high-impact projects that shape major industries.
  • Collaborate with experienced engineers, builders, and innovators.
  • Exposure to cutting-edge BIM and construction technology.
  • Opportunities for professional growth and technical development.
  • A team culture built on collaboration, problem-solving, and pride in craftsmanship.
  • Competitive compensation, benefits, and career advancement opportunities.
Ready to Power Up Your Career? âš¡
No 3rd party recruiters — please apply directly through Slifco Electric’s careers page.