1

Product Design Assistant Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

CAD Designer

Plymouth, IN · On-site

$24.50 - $33.75/hr

Work with production teams to resolve drawing or design issues that arise during fabrication. * Assist in standardizing drawing templates, documentation practices, and CAD processes across the team.

CAD Designer

Plymouth, IN

$24.50 - $33.75/hr

Work with production teams to resolve drawing or design issues that arise during fabrication. * Assist in standardizing drawing templates, documentation practices, and CAD processes across the team.

Senior Design Engineer

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$112K - $169K/yr

Create product validation plans and lead execution of these plans * Assist in teardown/inspection ... Product Design and Development: Extensive knowledge of product features; ability to design, build ...

Key Areas of Responsibility * Assist engineer with new product concepts, design modifications, and the creation of engineering drawings. * Participate in product development by following prototype ...

Key Areas of Responsibility * Assist engineer with new product concepts, design modifications, and the creation of engineering drawings. * Participate in product development by following prototype ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Product Design Assistant information

See Indiana salary details

$30.9K

$182.6K

$232.7K

How much do product design assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for product design assistant in Indiana is $182,569.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,800.00 and $232,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Product Design Assistant do?

A Product Design Assistant supports the product design team in developing new products or enhancing existing ones. Their tasks often include creating sketches or prototypes, conducting research on materials and trends, preparing presentation materials, and assisting with administrative duties. They collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and marketing teams to ensure ideas are accurately translated from concept to production. This entry-level role is ideal for those looking to gain hands-on experience in the design process while learning from experienced professionals.

Is AI replacing product designers?

AI is transforming the role of product design assistants by automating repetitive tasks and supporting data analysis, but it does not replace the need for human creativity, user empathy, and strategic thinking. Product designers continue to focus on user experience, innovation, and problem-solving, often using AI tools to enhance their work. The role remains essential for guiding design direction and ensuring products meet user needs.

What is a design assistant's salary?

A product design assistant's salary typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced assistants or those in high-cost areas can earn more. Skills in design tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma can influence compensation.

What are some common challenges faced by Product Design Assistants when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Product Design Assistants often work closely with graphic designers, engineers, marketers, and product managers. A common challenge is balancing input from multiple stakeholders while ensuring the design vision remains consistent and practical. Managing feedback, prioritizing tasks, and adapting to shifting project requirements are key aspects of the role. Strong communication and organization skills help Product Design Assistants navigate these challenges and contribute effectively to the team's success.

What is the difference between Product Design Assistant vs Product Designer?

AspectProduct Design AssistantProduct Designer
CredentialsTypically a degree in design, art, or related field; entry-level experienceAdvanced degree or extensive experience in product design
Work EnvironmentSupports design teams, assists with research, sketches, and prototypesLeads design projects, creates concepts, and finalizes product designs
Industry UsageCommon in tech, manufacturing, and consumer goods companiesSenior roles in similar industries, often overseeing design teams

The Product Design Assistant role is an entry-level position supporting product design teams with research, sketches, and prototypes. In contrast, the Product Designer takes the lead on creating and finalizing product concepts. While both roles require design knowledge, the assistant focuses on support tasks, whereas the designer handles core design responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Product Design Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Product Design Assistant, you need a foundational understanding of design principles, proficiency in design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite or Sketch), and often a relevant degree or coursework in design. Familiarity with prototyping tools, CAD software, and digital asset management systems is typically expected. Strong attention to detail, creativity, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with design teams and contribute original ideas. These skills are essential for supporting the design process, ensuring design quality, and facilitating smooth project workflows.

What is the highest paid product design job?

Senior roles such as Lead Product Designer, Design Director, or Head of Product Design tend to have the highest salaries in product design, often exceeding $150,000 annually depending on experience, location, and company size. Executive-level positions like Chief Design Officer can earn significantly more, especially in large tech firms or corporations with extensive design teams.

What do production design assistants do?

Production design assistants support the production design team by organizing and managing design materials, preparing set layouts, and assisting with visual concepts. They often use design software like AutoCAD or Photoshop and coordinate with other departments to ensure the visual elements align with the project's vision.
What are the most commonly searched types of Product Design jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Product Design jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Product Design Assistant jobs in Indiana? For Product Design Assistant jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Lead Design Engineer - Elkhart, IN

Lead Design Engineer - Elkhart, IN

Placon Corporation

Elkhart, IN

$98K - $129K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Placon rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

70th of 81 rated plastic manufacturers


Job description

The Lead Design Engineer is responsible for direction and leadership to the Design department at Barger ensuring project management, design accuracy, and timeliness that meet or exceed customer expectations. In addition, the position is responsible for the process of transforming customer needs and requirements into thermoforming packaging solutions through creation of product designs and specifications, as well as, tool designs and specifications. In collaboration with the customer, account managers, new product development team, tooling vendors, and other applicable parties, the designer is to implement packaging designs into finished goods, implement tooling designs, and procure production tooling which meet or exceed overall expectations of all parties.

Essential Accountabilities

  1. Provide direction and leadership to the Barger design department; scheduling and prioritization of workloads including external design resources when they are utilized.
  2. Evaluate team and individual performance. Identify team and individual development goals that align to strategic initiatives and department objectives.
  3. Create and manage metrics to track and measure the design department performance to meet customer expectations.
  4. Lead the external tool procurement efforts and manage their performance to established criteria and specifications.
  5. Assist Account Managers with technical support for specific projects, present design solutions, and build strong working relationships. Be able to represent company with customers in the absence of Account Manager.
  6. Create and lead the efforts of ideation, concept, and product design resources for specific projects; coordinate the sample creation and approval process.
  7. Create complex computer aided design geometry, product and tool drawings based on the project analysis, customer specifications, and the assumption spreadsheet that the quote was based on.
  8. Integrate full proficiency of thermoforming and manufacturing processes with design projects and customer needs. Relate knowledge of plastic formulation and characteristics to customer requirements.
  9. Ensure tooling specifications, optimization, and performance standards are in place through working with Pricing, Process Engineering, internal and external tooling vendors, and other applicable parties.
  10. Provide development support to process engineering and production teams for tooling with additional input to product design, machine, process operation, and material suitability.
  11. Approve parts and confirm specification database.
  12. Review and initiate engineering change orders related to customer design changes, purchasing changes, and evaluations of possible specification changes.
  13. Production lifecycle support by supporting corrective action efforts along with financial analysis of changes.
  14. Comply with all safety, ISO procedures and work instructions related to job responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related field with 5 years design (product or tooling) experience or Associate degree with 9 years design (product or tooling) experience in the plastics industry with project management and supervisory leadership experience.

Proficient in the use of Computer Aided Design (CAD) systems in both 2D and 3D.

Desired Skills

  • Standard office professional software (i.e. word processing, spreadsheets)
  • Thermoform plastics manufacturing experience
  • Knowledge of quality systems and controlled documentation systems
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Supervisory leadership experience
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Self-directed with ability to work without close direction


Position Requirements

Work Environment Conditions:

Inside: Office, Manufacturing, Tool Vault.

Equipment/Tools Used:

Computer, fax, phone, copier, measurement tools, 2D and 3D Modeling CAD, MS Office, Oracle

Physical Requirements: Light work (lift 10 lbs): consistently (samples, cases of parts)

Medium Work (lift 11-30 lbs.): frequently (cases of parts, tooling) Heavy Work (lift 31-50 lbs.) occasionally (tooling) Mental Requirements Reading, writing, calculating

Interpersonal skills

Reasoning / Analysis

Works with minimal supervision

Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Travel Frequency (in addition to seminars or related training):

Minimal (less than 5%) – travel to customers/vendors/tradeshows


What Placon employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Placon logo

About Placon

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Plastics packaging film and sheet (including laminated) manufacturing

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Fitchburg, WI, US

Year founded

1966

Social media