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Design Innovation Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Shop Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$100K/yr

The Grainger Engineering Design Innovation Laboratory (GEDIL) facilitates design and prototyping across the College of Engineering, comprising the Machine Shop (Engineering Centers Building), the ...

Shop Manager

Madison, WI · On-site

$100K/yr

The Grainger Engineering Design Innovation Laboratory (GEDIL) facilitates design and prototyping across the College of Engineering, comprising the Machine Shop (Engineering Centers Building), the ...

The Grainger Engineering Design Innovation Laboratory (GEDIL) facilitates design and prototyping across the College of Engineering, comprising the Machine Shop (Engineering Centers Building), the ...

Bachelor's degree in design, innovation, business or equivalent. * Typically requires a minimum of 5 years' experience leading innovation projects within a stage-gate process. * Strong leadership ...

Bachelor's degree in design, innovation, business or equivalent. * Typically requires a minimum of 5 years' experience leading innovation projects within a stage-gate process. * Strong leadership ...

Proficient in leading design innovation and managing the design process from conception through to production. * Exceptional skill in using advanced design software including SolidWorks, Adobe ...

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Design Innovation information

What does an innovation designer do?

An innovation designer develops new products, services, or processes by combining creativity with user-centered research and design thinking. They often use tools like prototyping and brainstorming to solve complex problems and improve existing solutions, working closely with cross-functional teams. Strong skills in design, research, and collaboration are essential for success in this role.

Is AI replacing designers?

AI is transforming the design industry by automating repetitive tasks and providing new tools for creativity, but it does not replace the need for human designers. Design professionals still rely on their creativity, critical thinking, and understanding of user needs to create effective and innovative solutions. AI serves as a complement to designers' skills rather than a complete substitute.

What is a Design Innovation job?

A Design Innovation job focuses on creating new, user-centered solutions by combining design thinking, technology, and business strategy. Professionals in this role research trends, identify user needs, and develop innovative products, services, or experiences. They collaborate across disciplines to prototype, test, and refine ideas that drive growth and differentiation. This role is common in industries like tech, consumer goods, healthcare, and consulting, where innovation is a key competitive advantage.

What can I do with a design and innovation degree?

A design and innovation degree prepares individuals for roles such as product designer, user experience (UX) designer, innovation consultant, or design strategist. Graduates can work in industries like technology, manufacturing, or marketing, utilizing skills in creative problem-solving, prototyping, and design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Design Innovation position, and why are they important?

To excel in Design Innovation, you need a strong background in design thinking, creative problem-solving, and user-centered design, often supported by a degree in design, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, CAD software, rapid prototyping methods, and familiarity with agile project management is highly valuable. Effective communication, collaboration, and an open-minded approach to feedback are crucial soft skills in this field. These abilities ensure the development of innovative, impactful solutions that align with user needs and organizational goals.

What is the highest paid design job?

The highest paid design jobs are often in user experience (UX) design, industrial design, or creative director roles, with senior positions earning six-figure salaries. Specialized skills, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities typically contribute to higher compensation in these fields.

What types of projects or challenges do Design Innovation professionals typically work on?

Design Innovation professionals are often tasked with tackling complex, multifaceted problems across a variety of industries, such as product development, service design, and business process improvement. Their projects commonly involve leading collaborative brainstorming sessions, developing prototypes, and synthesizing feedback to iterate on solutions. Team members frequently engage with stakeholders from diverse disciplines, such as marketing, engineering, and user research, to ensure holistic and user-driven outcomes. The dynamic, project-based work environment provides ongoing opportunities for creative thinking and professional growth.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Innovation jobs in Wisconsin? The most popular types of Design Innovation jobs in Wisconsin are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Design Innovation jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Design Innovation job openings:
Infographic showing various Design Innovation job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Shop Manager

$100K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 25 days ago


University Of Wisconsin-Madison rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 538 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.
Job Category: Academic Staff
Employment Type: Regular
Job Profile: Teaching, Learning, & Tech Mgr
Job Summary:
The Grainger Engineering Design Innovation Laboratory (GEDIL) facilitates design and prototyping across the College of Engineering, comprising the Machine Shop (Engineering Centers Building), the Design Hub (Engineering Centers Building), and the Makerspace (Wendt Commons).
This highly collaborative, hands-on role focuses on overseeing all Machine Shop operations. The Shop Manager supervises three full-time staff and approximately 30 part-time student staff (graduate and undergraduate) and assists a wide range of users with course, research, and personal design projects.
Key areas of focus include:
Technical Support: Providing direct, hands-on assistance to students utilizing shop tools.
Innovative Training: Updating and improving the facility's hands-on training curriculum.
Instructional Liaison: Serving as the primary point of contact for instructors using the lab for course projects or labs.
Student Leadership: Managing the hiring and supervision of student staff to cultivate a positive culture and high-quality educational experience.
Additional Information:
The Grainger Engineering Design Innovation Laboratory aims to foster:
  • Hands-on Learning: Bridging the gap between theory and application.
  • Student Empowerment: Empowering students to design and prototype on their own initiative.
  • Peer Learning: Students teaching and learning from other students.
  • A Diverse Community: A welcoming community that enables collaborations that are diverse in terms of gender, race and discipline.
  • Design Innovation: A hub for designing and prototyping innovative products.
  • Open Access to Technology: An expansive library of technology, equipment and tools.

The Shop Manager reports to the Director of the Grainger Engineering Design Innovation Laboratory.
This position can be full or part-time, between 80%-100%.
Key Job Responsibilities:
  • Advises unit staff in the areas of learning theory, instructional design models, assessment, and instructional methods
  • Manages instructional equipment and supplies
  • Provides instructional design and/or technology services and support directly to faculty, staff, or other customers
  • May exercise supervisory authority, including hiring, transferring, suspending, promoting, managing conduct and performance, discharging, assigning, rewarding, disciplining, and/or approving hours worked of at least 2.0 FTE or equivalent employees
  • Serves as the subject matter expert and unit liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing operational and strategic information and representing the interests of the unit, division, or institution
  • Provides effective project management and overall coordination of project teams to meet deadlines
  • Manages a portfolio of instructional design and/or technology services and support. May recommend, test, and audit selected learning technologies and/or methods
  • Manages faculty development and engagement programs
  • Develops and maintains knowledge of the specific and unique needs of the unit, division, or institution. Develops or assists with the development of strategic planning initiatives and objectives
  • May monitor the unit budget and/or approve expenditures

Department:
College of Engineering, The Grainger Engineering Design Innovation Laboratory
Compensation:
The starting salary for the position is $100,000 (but is negotiable based on experience and qualifications).
Required Qualifications:
Professional Experience:
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in engineering design, manufacturing, and/or design-related instruction.
  • Minimum of 5 years of supervisory or leadership experience managing technical staff.

Core Competencies:
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with students, staff, and faculty.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of, and a demonstrated commitment to current shop safety procedures, including the proper handling of tools, machinery, and materials.

Technical Expertise:
  • Computer Aided Design (CAD)
  • Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
  • Operation of both manual and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) mills and lathes.
  • Welding processes.
  • Creating, managing, and delivering a hands-on engineering curriculum.

Education:
Required: Bachelor's degree in engineering.
Preferred: Master's degree in engineering.
How to Apply:
Click the "Apply" button on the jobs.wisc.edu website to start the application process. Please submit a resume and cover letter. Important: The application only has one attachment field. Upload your documents as a single combined file, PDF preferred.
University sponsorship is not available for this position, including transfers of sponsorship and TN visas. The selected applicant will be responsible for ensuring their continuous eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment. This position is an ongoing position that will require continuous work eligibility. If you are selected for this position, you must provide proof of work authorization and eligibility to work.
Contact Information:
Lennon Rodgers, lennon.rodgers@wisc.edu
Relay Access (WTRS): 7-1-1. SeeRELAY_SERVICEfor further information
Institutional Statement on Diversity:
Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background - people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is an Equal OpportunityEmployer.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, including but not limited to, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, or status as a protected veteran and other bases as defined by federal regulations and UW System policies. We promote excellence by acknowledging skills and expertise from all backgroundsand encourage all qualified individuals to apply. For more information regarding applicant and employee rights and to view federal and state required postings, visit the Human Resources Workplace Poster website.
To request a disability or pregnancy-related accommodationfor any step in the hiring process (e.g., application, interview, pre-employment testing, etc.), please contact the Divisional Disability Representative (DDR)in the division you are applying to.Please make your request as soon as possible to help the university respond most effectively to you.
Employment may require a criminal background check. It may also require your references to answer questions regarding misconduct, including sexual violence and sexual harassment.
The University of Wisconsin System will not reveal the identities of applicants who request confidentiality in writing, except that the identity of the successful candidate will be released. See Wis. Stat. sec. 19.36(7).
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. UW-Madison will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the University of Wisconsin Police Department.

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About University of Wisconsin

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The University of Wisconsin, based in Madison, WI, US, functions in the educational industry and is a renowned and respected institution for higher education. Its official website is wisc.edu. Established in 1848, this public research university is recognized globally for its innovative approach to education, research, creativity, and public service. It embodies a strong commitment to academic freedom and academic excellence. As a major contributor to the Wisconsin Idea, it aims to accomplish its mission of generating well-rounded individuals who will contribute substantially to society, the local community, and the global economy.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Madison, WI, US

Year founded

2005