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Design Lab Assistant Jobs in Owatonna, MN (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Automotive Test Technician

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Gather data from failed tests and assist engineers in problem analysis. * Plan, conduct, and ... Familiarity with automotive design or manufacturing. * Working knowledge of OBD II and CAN vehicle ...

All JobsDesign Lab JobsDesign Lab Assistant JobsDesign Lab Assistant Jobs in Owatonna, MN

Design Lab Assistant information

See Owatonna, MN salary details

$10

$20

$30

How much do design lab assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for design lab assistant in Owatonna, MN is $20.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design lab assistant?

Design Lab Assistants are support staff who help maintain and manage operations in design laboratories, such as those found in schools, universities, or creative studios. They assist students, faculty, or professionals by preparing materials, setting up equipment, ensuring lab safety, and sometimes providing technical guidance on design software or tools. Their role is essential for keeping the lab organized and facilitating a productive environment for creative work. Depending on the institution, they may also help with troubleshooting equipment and supporting design projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design lab assistant?

To thrive as a Design Lab Assistant, you need foundational knowledge of design principles, familiarity with lab protocols, and typically a degree or coursework in design or a related field. Proficiency with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite or CAD programs), 3D printers, and other fabrication tools is often required. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help you manage projects and collaborate with team members. These skills and qualities are essential for supporting creative processes, ensuring safety, and maintaining efficient lab operations.

What are some common challenges faced by design lab assistants, and how can they be successfully managed?

Design Lab Assistants often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple projects with tight deadlines, maintaining organized workspaces, and troubleshooting equipment issues. Successfully managing these challenges involves developing strong time-management skills, staying proactive with regular equipment maintenance, and communicating clearly with team members and supervisors about project priorities. Embracing a collaborative attitude and being open to feedback can also help Design Lab Assistants adapt quickly and contribute effectively to the creative process.

What is the difference between Design Lab Assistant vs Design Intern?

AspectDesign Lab AssistantDesign Intern
CredentialsRelevant coursework, basic design skillsEnrolled in design or related degree program
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, studios, collaborative spacesDesign firms, studios, educational settings
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, research labs, design companiesDesign agencies, corporate teams, startups
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding support roles in design labsGaining internship opportunities in design

Design Lab Assistants typically support design projects with basic skills and work in educational or research environments, while Design Interns are students gaining hands-on experience in professional design settings. Both roles involve collaboration and learning but differ mainly in experience level and purpose.

Are design lab assistants in high demand?

Design lab assistants are in moderate demand, especially in educational institutions, research facilities, and creative organizations that focus on innovation and prototyping. The role often requires skills in design software, technical tools, and collaboration, with demand influenced by industry growth in design and technology sectors.

How to become a design lab assistant?

To become a design lab assistant, candidates typically need a background in design, engineering, or related fields, along with proficiency in design software and tools. Relevant skills include technical knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a lab environment. Some positions may require prior experience or certifications in design or prototyping methods.

What exactly does a design lab assistant do?

A design lab assistant supports the design team by preparing materials, setting up equipment, and assisting with prototypes and experiments. They may also help with research, documentation, and maintaining the lab environment, often using design software and tools. The role requires attention to detail and basic technical skills related to design processes.

What job categories do people searching Design Lab Assistant jobs in Owatonna, MN look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Lab Assistant jobs in Owatonna, MN are:

What cities near Owatonna, MN are hiring for Design Lab Assistant jobs?

Cities near Owatonna, MN with the most Design Lab Assistant job openings:

Design Lab Assistant jobs near you

Product Development and Design Engineer

Gopher Sport

Owatonna, MN • On-site

$75K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Description

Gopher Sport is looking for a passionate, creative, and technically skilled Product Design Engineer to join our team and help bring innovative, manufacturable products to life.


Who we are:
Gopher Sport is an industry-leading inventor and seller of high-quality, innovative products used by teachers, coaches and kids for physical education, athletics, fitness and recreation.


Our mission is "To help teachers and coaches show kids how to have fun and be healthier through physical activity". Started in 1947, we are committed to giving our customers innovative, high-quality products; fast, friendly, easy, right service; and an unconditional satisfaction guarantee.


Our Values:

We create delighted fans

We are one dependable and trustworthy team

We are passionate about quality and excellence

We move fast to innovate, simplify, and improve


Description

You will design new products and improve existing ones, transforming concepts into manufacturable solutions used by millions worldwide.

You will brainstorm design solutions, prototype physical models and proof of concepts, create CAD models and renders, define colors, materials and manufacturing processes, understand cost and vendor constraints, turn CAD models into technical drawings, review samples and troubleshoot quality issues, and develop engineered solutions for part connections, tolerancing, and manufacturing methods to ensure reliable assembly and production.


This is a full time, in-person position in Owatonna, MN.


What will you be doing? 

1. Create designs that satisfy the product's performance, appearance, design, functionality, quality and cost requirements. 

2. Provide design options with alternative solutions. 

3. Create designs that are manufacturable. 

4. Recommend ideas for design modifications to improve the performance, appearance, design, functionality, quality, or cost of each product. 

5. Troubleshoot and modify existing designs in order to solve manufacturability, cost or other obstacles. 

6. Improve design for improved durability, appearance, manufacturability, quality and cost. 

7. Confirm product specifications, BOM's, product descriptions and presentations are correct. 

8. Research patents in concept phase. Create patentable ideas. Avoid infringement.   

9. Move assigned product projects through the design stages, meeting or exceeding deadlines. 

10. Create technical drawings and product specification documents for manufacturing, following company standard processes. 

11. Update and correct any product designs or technical or manufacturing specifications that change or are incorrect. 

12. Store working and completed design and specification files according to department processes. 

13. Collaborate with others internally or externally on complex designs and diverse product categories. 

14. Assist in the completion of customer-facing product use and product assembly instructions. 

15. Assist in other activities associated with receiving and confirming prototypes, samples, first shipments, quality issues, returns, etc. 

16. Build physical proof of concept prototypes for product projects as needed or directed. 

17. Maintain lab tools and machines, including required maintenance and supplies, as well as make determinations on additional tools to expand prototyping capabilities. 

18. Oversee material management and ordering, ensuring necessary materials are stocked and available for prototype building. 

Keep lab up to safety standards, clean and organized. 

Requirements

4 year Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design / Product Design / Mechanical Engineering 

3+ yrs experience in Industrial Design / Product Development 

SolidWorks proficiency; including technical drawings and 3D modeling 

Advanced understanding of materials and manufacturing 

Hands-on experience building and testing early-stage prototypes using diverse materials, tools, and maker-space equipment 

Ability to balance multiple priorities and adapt quickly

 

Why join our Team?
You'll get satisfaction knowing you're helping millions of kids around the world have fun and become more active and healthy. Plus, you'll get a competitive compensation and benefit package, including traditional and HSA Health Insurance options, Vision, 3 weeks of Paid Time Off accrued the first year, 3 weeks of remote work flexible hours, 8 company paid holidays, profit sharing, 401K, a Lifestyle Spending Account, tuition reimbursement, product discounts, an onsite fitness center and so much more!


Salary Range is $75,673 to $88,326


To apply:

1. A short, clear Cover Letter that explains WHY you are interested in this specific position and?gives examples of your prior successes performing the responsibilities listed above.

2. Your Resume

Apply