Design Researcher Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Our Company

BrandActive specializes in the financial analysis, strategy, and logistics of rebrand implementation. Since 1998, we’ve helped many of the world’s most valuable brands plan, budget, and implement brand change—optimizing spend, improving efficiency, and reducing complexity along the way. 

Our work combines industry-leading analytics with a proven methodology to help clients make smarter decisions, save time and money, and get more value from their brand investments—whether they’re navigating a major rebrand or managing their brand day to day. You can explore examples of our work in our case studies. 

At BrandActive, we’re committed to building an inclusive, supportive workplace where people can do their best work and grow together. We strive to set the global standard for excellence in our industry while fostering a culture rooted in trust, agility, and growth —guided by our North Star: great people, doing great work, and having a great time doing it.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Application Designer, the Design and Research Intern will support the preparation of artwork, renderings, and design research for brand implementation projects. This internship offers hands-on experience across creative development, technical knowledge, and design processes, with mentorship and guidance from experienced designers.

The intern will gain exposure to real-world production workflows, learning how design intent is translated into technical documentation and final deliverables across signage, fleet, and environmental applications.

As part of the BrandActive team, the intern is encouraged to collaborate across teams, gaining valuable professional experience while developing practical design and production skills.

Responsibilities

With guidance and support from the design team, the intern will:

• Assist in creating and preparing artwork files in Adobe Illustrator for signage, branded environment, and other physical asset applications
• Support design leads in ensuring design intent is accurately reflected in art files 
• Help review files for quality, accuracy, and completeness prior to delivery
• Assist in the creation of sample, prototype, and presentation documentation
• Assist with basic 2D and/or 3D renderings to visualize design concepts
• Support design research by gathering information and data on material, fabrication, regulatory requirements and user experience studies
• Collaborate with studio team members to support project timelines and workflow organization
• Demonstrate a professional, clear, and respectful manner when interacting with clients and external partners (e.g. meetings, site walks, prototyping, etc.), under the guidance of senior team members

Professional Development 

• Learn from feedback and apply it to improve technical and creative skills
• Bring forward smarter, faster, better solutions to processes and identify opportunities to be more agile in day-to-day activities 
• Establish and support an inclusive work environment where team members feel a sense of belonging by demonstrating inclusive values and behaviours 
• Contribute to BrandActive’s core values of trust, agility, and growth 

Qualifications and experience

• Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a graphic design, industrial design, experience design, or related program
• Basic to intermediate proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
• Familiarity with Mac OS and Microsoft Office tools
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn best practices
• Ability to manage time effectively and work on multiple tasks with guidance
• Interest in technical design, UX for spaces or brand implementation
• Exposure to 3D or rendering software (e.g., SketchUp, CAD, Adobe Dimension, Rhino, Revit) is an asset
• Familiarity with collaborative file management tools is a plus
• Comfortable learning how to communicate professionally with clients and external stakeholders
• Curiosity about using AI tools to support creative and production workflows is an asset

Compensation

This is a part-time position for 420 hours from September – December. BrandActive will pay an hourly rate of $25 per hour.

Location 

Toronto, ON

Commitment to Equal Opportunity

BrandActive is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and values inclusion in its workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.

Accessibility Statement

BrandActive is dedicated to ensuring an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require accommodations during the application process, please let the Talent Manager know. We are committed to partnering with you to provide support and make reasonable adjustments throughout the process. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

The Interview Process 

At BrandActive, we use AI within our recruitment process in the following ways: screening applicants and recording calls and interviews. All candidates will be notified of the use of AI at the start of a call or interview and can request to opt out. As part of our broader dedication to EDI, we continuously review and refine our use of AI to support equitable experiences for all applicants. 
 

• Initial Call (Pre-Screen): If your application is selected, you will have a prescreen call with the Talent Manager where we will use AI to transcribe for accurate note taking.
• Virtual Interview: Followed by an interview with the hiring manager. 
• Case Presentation Interview: The last step is a case study and presentation to our team.

We thank all applicants for their interest in BrandActive, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.