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Freelance Surface Pattern Design Jobs in Baltimore, MD

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Mural Pro

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$4.50 - $18/hr

This is a freelance, project-based opportunity--not a full-time or salaried position. Joining our ... Preparing surfaces and work areas for painting. * Transferring the approved design accurately to ...

New

Be Seen First

Mural Pro

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$4.50 - $18/hr

This is a freelance, project-based opportunity--not a full-time or salaried position. Joining our ... Preparing surfaces and work areas for painting. * Transferring the approved design accurately to ...

New

Senior Software Engineer

Gambrills, MD · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Overview As part of the Wabtec Digital Intelligence organization, the Surface Transportation ... Knowledge of design patterns and Restful API patterns * Experience with applying data structures ...

New

Senior Software Engineer

Gambrills, MD · On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

As part of the Wabtec Digital Intelligence organization, the Surface Transportation software group ... design patterns and Restful API patterns * Experienced with applying data structures, algorithms ...

Senior Software Engineer

Gambrills, MD · On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

As part of the Wabtec Digital Intelligence organization, the Surface Transportation software group ... design patterns and Restful API patterns * Experienced with applying data structures, algorithms ...

Senior Software Engineer

Gambrills, MD

$119K - $157K/yr

As part of the Wabtec Digital Intelligence organization, the Surface Transportation software group ... design patterns and Restful API patterns * Experienced with applying data structures, algorithms ...

Senior Software Engineer

Gambrills, MD

$119K - $157K/yr

As part of the Wabtec Digital Intelligence organization, the Surface Transportation software group ... design patterns and Restful API patterns * Experienced with applying data structures, algorithms ...

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Freelance Surface Pattern Design information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$14

$47

$131

How much do freelance surface pattern design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance surface pattern design in Baltimore, MD is $47.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.13 and $61.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in freelance surface pattern design, and why are they important?

To excel as a Freelance Surface Pattern Designer, you need a strong foundation in illustration, color theory, and design principles, often supported by a portfolio showcasing your work. Proficiency with digital design tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is essential, and familiarity with surface pattern industry standards is an advantage. Effective communication, time management, and self-motivation help freelancers succeed in managing multiple projects and clients. These skills are crucial for producing high-quality, marketable designs while building a reliable client base and staying competitive in a creative industry.

What are some of the biggest challenges freelance surface pattern designers face, and how can they overcome them?

Freelance surface pattern designers often face challenges such as finding consistent clients, managing fluctuating workloads, and keeping up with changing design trends. To overcome these obstacles, it's helpful to build a strong online portfolio, actively network within the design community, and regularly update your skills through industry resources and workshops. Many successful freelancers also dedicate time to researching current market needs and establishing a reliable workflow to balance creativity with business responsibilities. By staying organized and proactive, designers can build a sustainable career and maintain a steady stream of engaging projects.

What is a freelance surface pattern design?

A Freelance Surface Pattern Design job involves creating repeating patterns or illustrations for use on products like textiles, wallpapers, stationery, and packaging. Designers work independently, licensing or selling their designs to brands, manufacturers, or print-on-demand platforms. They may also take on custom design projects for clients. This role requires creativity, knowledge of design software, and an understanding of industry trends. Freelancers manage their own business, handling marketing, contracts, and client relationships.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surface Pattern Design jobs in Baltimore, MD? The most popular types of Surface Pattern Design jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs in Baltimore, MD? For Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs in Baltimore, MD, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs in Baltimore, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
What cities near Baltimore, MD are hiring for Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs? Cities near Baltimore, MD with the most Freelance Surface Pattern Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Freelance Surface Pattern Design job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 8% Temporary, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,599 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Advanced Optical Component Design and Characterization Researcher

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Description

Are you an optical physicist or engineer who enjoys both modeling/simulation and performing experiments to characterize optical and infrared interactions with novel 2D optical surfaces?

Do you have experience with commercial computational software and optimization tools to gain insight into the interplay between novel materials and electromagnetic fields-specifically optical and infrared-and improve the design accordingly?

Do you seek to collaborate with an interdisciplinary team to carry your solutions through the full cycle of design, fabrication, characterization, and prototyping?

If so, we're looking for someone like you to join our team at APL!

As part of a multi-disciplinary research team, you will join computational and experimental scientists and engineers who are passionate about developing innovative solutions that can impact the future development and application of electromagnetic devices using novel metasurface and phase-change material designs. Our team is committed to scientific excellence and continuous learning, valuing high-risk, high-reward ideas, honest discussion, and open collaboration.

We are seeking a creative and multidisciplinary scientist to help us mature existing projects and grow new ones by identifying emerging sponsor challenges that require novel electromagnetic solutions in the optical frequency range. The scope of the projects can range from fundamental discovery through advanced prototype demonstration. As a member of our team, you'll contribute to research that proceeds from computational modeling and optimization through prototyping and characterization to real-world transitioned technologies.

As a Design and Characterization Researcher:

Your primary responsibilities will be to (1) utilize computational tools to design and simulate the performance of optical metasurfaces, and (2) perform experiments to characterize the performance of metasurfaces in the optical frequency range. The former responsibility will leverage commercial computational tools to build simulations and develop numerical solutions. In addition, you will be encouraged to help develop independent research and development ideas that demonstrate the potential of new and emerging technologies for groundbreaking applications within the APL sponsor base.

You will collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team of physicists, engineers, and fabrication technicians to gain deeper insights into sensors, devices, and related phenomena.


Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you:

  • Hold a Ph.D. degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with at least one year of experience.
  • Have a record of creatively applying physics knowledge and performing experimental characterization of novel electromagnetic structures.
  • Possess familiarity with the physics of tailoring electromagnetic fields to control reflection, transmission, and absorption through patterned surfaces and engineered material properties.
  • Have previous experience with laboratory characterization of optical materials or components using hardware such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometers and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometers.
  • Write scientific programs in at least one high-level language (e.g., C, C++, Java) or an interpreted language (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret-level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you:

  • Possess insight into various fabrication methods and related tolerances pertinent to engineered electromagnetic surfaces.
  • Have working experience building numerical models for solving electromagnetic problems using commercial tools such as CST and COMSOL.

#LI-AG1


About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities athttps://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contactAccessibility@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.


Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$290,000 Annually