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Entry Level Industrial Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Acuity Brands

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO

$108.90K - $143.50K/yr

... industrial design, and product teams to shape concepts that can progress toward commercialization. Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Acuity Brands, Inc.

Illumination Engineer Lead

Wheat Ridge, CO · On-site

$108.90K - $143.50K/yr

... industrial design, and product teams to shape concepts that can progress toward commercialization. Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels: * Entry Level: Contributes to optical ...

Aquent

Entry-level Architectural Designer

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Aquent is seeking an Entry-level Architectural Designer to join our client's in-house creative ... Bachelor's degree in environmental design, interior design, industrial design, or a related field.

Aquent

Entry-level Architectural Designer

Bentonville, AR · On-site

$25 - $34/hr

Aquent is seeking an Entry-level Architectural Designer to join our client's in-house creative ... Bachelor's degree in environmental design, interior design, industrial design, or a related field.

Olsson

Design Technician - Site Design

Omaha, NE

... with industrial, sports, schools, and other site development types. The Design Technician works ... sheet creation, and entry-level design principles undermoderate direction and supervision.

General Motors

Entry-Level Wheel Designer

Warren, MI · On-site

We are seeking an entry-level Wheel Designer to join the Wheel Design team at General Motors. This ... Bachelor's degree (or in final year of study) in Transportation Design, Industrial Design ...

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Entry Level Industrial Design information

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$13

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$35

How much do entry level industrial design jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level industrial design in the United States is $21.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Industrial Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Industrial Designer, you need a strong background in design principles, sketching, and proficiency in 3D modeling, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in industrial design or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as CAD software (SolidWorks, Rhino), Adobe Creative Suite, and rapid prototyping techniques is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help you stand out in this position. These abilities are crucial for transforming ideas into functional, aesthetically pleasing products that meet user needs and manufacturing constraints.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry level industrial designer?

As an entry level industrial designer, you'll typically work closely with senior designers and engineers to assist in developing product concepts, creating prototypes, and preparing presentations. Your daily tasks may include conducting research on materials and user needs, producing sketches or 3D models, and participating in team brainstorming sessions. You'll also collaborate with marketing and manufacturing teams to ensure your designs are both innovative and feasible. This role offers excellent opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and build a strong portfolio early in your career.

What are entry level industrial designers?

Entry level industrial designers are professionals who create and develop concepts for manufactured products, such as cars, home appliances, and toys, at the start of their careers. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced designers to help turn ideas into functional and appealing products. Entry level industrial designers use a combination of artistic skills, technical knowledge, and software tools to assist with sketches, 3D models, and prototypes. They often collaborate with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to ensure product designs are both attractive and practical.

What is the difference between Entry Level Industrial Design vs Entry Level Graphic Design?

AspectEntry Level Industrial DesignEntry Level Graphic Design
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Industrial Design, Engineering, or related fieldBachelor's in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing firms, product development teamsAdvertising agencies, media companies, marketing departments
Industry UsageProduct development, consumer goods, transportationBranding, advertising, digital media
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Industrial Design focuses on creating physical products and prototypes, often working closely with engineers and manufacturers. Entry Level Graphic Design emphasizes visual communication through digital and print media, collaborating with marketing teams. While both roles require creative skills and a design background, they differ in their focus on physical versus digital outputs and industry applications.

More about Entry Level Industrial Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Industrial Design jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Industrial Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Industrial Design jobs? The most popular types of Industrial Design jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Industrial Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Industrial Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Industrial Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Industrial Design jobs are:
Entry Level Industrial Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Industrial Design job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,888 per year, or $21.1 per hour.
Illumination Engineer Lead

Illumination Engineer Lead

Acuity Brands

Wheat Ridge, CO

$108.90K - $143.50K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Acuity Brands rating

4.5

Company rating: 4.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 137 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Acuity Inc. (NYSE: AYI) is a market-leading industrial technology company. We use technology to solve problems in spaces, light and more things to come. Through our two business segments, Acuity Brands Lighting (ABL) and Acuity Intelligent Spaces (AIS), we design, manufacture, and bring to market products and services that make a valuable difference in people's lives. 

We achieve growth through the development of innovative new products and services, including lighting, lighting controls, building management solutions, and an audio, video and control platform. We focus on customer outcomes and drive growth and productivity to increase market share and deliver superior returns. We look to aggressively deploy capital to grow the business and to enter attractive new verticals. 

Acuity Inc. is based in Atlanta, Georgia, with operations across North America, Europe and Asia. The Company is powered by approximately 13,000 dedicated and talented associates. Visit us at www.acuityinc.com. 

Work location:

  • This position requires on-site presence in Wheat Ridge, CO, following a hybrid work model.
Job Summary

The Illumination Engineer is a core contributor to the Nexus team, Acuity Brands' lighting innovation group. This role focuses on early-stage illumination concepts, optical system design, and photometric analysis to translate customer problems and emerging trends into differentiated lighting solutions.

Operating at the front end of the product lifecycle, the role emphasizes optical exploration, performance discovery, and concept validation. The position collaborates closely with mechanical, electrical, industrial design, and product teams to shape concepts that can progress toward commercialization.
Open to considering candidates at the following skill levels:

  • Entry Level: Contributes to optical design, simulation, and analysis under guidance; develops foundational skills and supports concept development.
  • Senior Level: Independently drives optical concepts and analysis; owns key portions of projects and influences design direction.
  • Lead Level: Sets optical strategy, leads complex concept development, and influences long-term innovation direction across programs.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities (Essential Functions)

Invent Early-Stage Illumination Concepts

  • Collaboratively generate ideas for new products and develop those ideas into product concepts.
  • Translate customer needs, application requirements, and business objectives into illumination concepts and system-level performance targets.
  • Perform competitive analysis and market research to set project objectives and performance criteria

Optical Design & Simulation

  • Develop optical designs using ray trace and simulation tools to evaluate and refine light distribution, efficiency, glare, uniformity, and visual comfort.
  • Design optical architectures including lenses, reflectors, diffusers, and mixed systems.

Photometric Calculation & Analysis

  • Perform photometric calculations to quantify and set luminaire performance targets and application outcomes.
  • Interpret key metrics such as intensity, illuminance, luminance, uniformity, efficacy, and glare.

Prototype, Test, and Validate Concepts

  • Develop, build, and evaluate proof of concept prototypes and mockups using lab measurements and group visual review of subjective criteria
  • Correlate simulation results with measured performance.

Conduct Experiments & Design of Experiments (DoE)

  • Plan and execute experiments to explore materials, architectures, and system behaviors.
  • Use data to guide concept evolution and optimization.

Lead or Contribute to Innovation Activities

  • Participate in ideation sessions and innovation events.
  • Generate novel approaches to light delivery, visual experience, and system integration.

Research Technologies & Industry Trends

  • Monitor emerging optical technologies, research, standards, and competitors.
  • Identify opportunities for new illumination approaches.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work with mechanical, electrical, controls, industrial design, manufacturing, sourcing, and product teams.
  • Balance performance, cost, manufacturability, and user experience.

Communicate Concepts and Tradeoffs

  • Develop clear presentations of optical concepts, simulations, test results, and tradeoffs.
  • Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders how design decisions impact user experience and the lighting application.

Support Intellectual Property Development

  • Document innovations and support patent development efforts.

Support Broader Product Development Efforts

  • Provide optical expertise across projects, including reviews, benchmarking, application and product performance analysis.
Skills and Minimum Experience Required

Education

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Illumination Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field

Experience (by level)

  • Entry Level: 0-3 years in illumination engineering, optics, or related fields
  • Senior Level: ~5-10 years of relevant experience with demonstrated ownership of optical design and analysis
  • Lead Level: 10+ years with experience leading complex optical development and influencing product direction

Technical Skills

  • Experience with optical simulation tools (e.g., Photopia, LightTools, or equivalent)
  • Experience with CAD and photometric tools (e.g., Visual, AGI32, Dialux, Rhino, Grasshopper, SolidWorks, or equivalents)
  • Knowledge of photometric analysis and lighting performance metrics
  • Experience with prototype development and validation

Additional Attributes

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to collaborate across disciplines
  • Clear communication of complex technical concepts
  • Familiarity with lighting standards and measurement practices (preferred)
  • Experience with IP or patent processes (preferred)

The range for this position is $104,200.00 to $149,500. Placement within this range may vary, depending on the applicant's experience and geographic location. Acuity offers generous benefits including health care, dental coverage, vision plans, 401K benefits, and commissions/incentive compensation depending on the role. For a list of our benefits, click here.

We value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regards to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity or national origin, disability, pregnancy, religion, covered veteran status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. 

Please click here and here for more information.  

Accommodation for Applicants with Disabilities: As an equal opportunity employer, Acuity Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in its application process for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you have difficulty using our online system due to a disability and need an accommodation, you may contact us at (770) 922-9000, select option 4. Please clearly indicate what type of accommodation you are requesting and for what requisition. 

Any unsolicited resumes sent to Acuity Inc. from a third party, such as an Agency recruiter, including unsolicited resumes sent to an Acuity Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Acuity Inc. employees, or to Acuity Inc. resume database will be considered Acuity Inc. property. Acuity Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. 

Acuity Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. This includes any Agency that is an approved/engaged vendor, but does not have the appropriate approvals to be engaged on a search. 

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