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Set Design Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Set Active

Design Assistant

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

About SET Active SET creates athleisure designed for what's next. Founded on the belief that style ... Position Overview Set Active is looking for a Design Assistant to support our Production Department.

Set Active

Design Assistant

Beverly Hills, CA · On-site

$30 - $36/hr

About SET Active SET creates athleisure designed for what's next. Founded on the belief that style ... Position Overview Set Active is looking for a Design Assistant to support our Production Department.

HIGHSCALE

Set Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

If you're passionate about design, love transforming concepts into immersive environments, and ... Assistants throughout each shoot. Coordinate with production schedules to ensure sets are completed ...

Astranis

CAD Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$105K - $130K/yr

With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog ... Develop, ideate, and document considerate practices that enable good and efficient design * Assist ...

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Set Design Assistant information

What is a set design assistant?

Set Design Assistants are professionals who support set designers and production teams in creating the physical environments for film, television, theater, or events. Their responsibilities include helping with research, sourcing materials, creating models or sketches, and assisting with the construction and dressing of sets. They play a key role in ensuring sets meet the creative vision and practical needs of a production, often working closely with various departments and under tight deadlines.

What are some common challenges faced by a set design assistant and how can they be effectively managed?

Set Design Assistants often encounter tight deadlines and rapidly changing design requirements, which can make managing tasks and communication challenging. To succeed, it's important to stay highly organized, regularly communicate with the set designer and other team members, and be adaptable to last-minute changes. Proactively seeking clarification on assignments and maintaining detailed notes can help ensure that the designer's vision is accurately realized. Building strong working relationships with the construction and props teams also supports smoother workflow and problem-solving on set.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a set design assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Set Design Assistant, you need a solid grounding in art, design principles, and spatial awareness, often supported by a degree in theatre design or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as basic model-making and drafting skills, is typically required. Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate effectively with designers, directors, and production crews. These skills ensure that creative visions are translated accurately and efficiently into practical, visually compelling sets that support the production.

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

AspectSet Design AssistantSet Designer
CredentialsRelevant education in theater, design, or architecture; often entry-levelAdvanced education or extensive experience in set design
Work EnvironmentAssist in creating and organizing set elements, working under supervisionLead the design process, responsible for overall concept and execution
Industry UsageCommonly employed in theater, film, and TV productions as support staffPrimary role in designing and planning sets for productions

The Set Design Assistant typically supports the Set Designer by handling tasks like research, sourcing materials, and preparing set pieces. The Set Designer takes the lead in conceptualizing and creating the overall set design. Both roles are essential in production, but the Assistant focuses on execution and support, while the Designer is responsible for the creative vision.

How to get into set design assistant with no experience?

To become a set design assistant, gaining relevant skills such as knowledge of design software like SketchUp or AutoCAD, and understanding of construction and materials, is helpful. Entry-level candidates often start by volunteering or interning on film, theater, or television productions to build experience and industry connections. Developing a portfolio of design ideas and demonstrating strong organizational and communication skills can also improve chances of entry into the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Set Design jobs in California?

The most popular types of Set Design jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Set Design Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most Set Design Assistant job openings:

Set Design Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Set Design Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution.

Design Assistant

Set Active

Beverly Hills, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

About SET Active

SET creates athleisure designed for what's next. Founded on the belief that style and comfort shouldn't be mutually exclusive, the brand offers versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from workout to weekend, meeting to coffee run. Blurring the line between form and function, SET designs for the everyday girl's ever-changing schedule.

Position Overview

Set Active is looking for a Design Assistant to support our Production Department. Reporting to the Senior Creative Product Design Lead, this role is responsible for supporting trend research, color and silhouette development, CAD design, and supporting technical design processes. This is a hands-on opportunity to support the full design lifecycle, from concept through execution, within a trend-driven, startup environment.

The ideal candidate brings a strong eye for trends, a passion for active lifestyle innovation, and proficiency in design software. You'll thrive here if you're highly organized, detail-oriented, driven, and collaborative, with a love for both fashion and functionality.

Key Responsibilities

  • Supports Senior Creative Product Design Lead and team by creating and managing product CADS (CAD creation, coloring and all updates)
  • Build design tech packs and support sourcing fabrics and trims
  • Create and update graphics as needed
  • Review and evaluate fit samples and create fit deck for weekly fit sessions
  • Track and monitor pending sample submissions (fabric, trim, artwork, fit) to meet department calendar deadline
  • Lead preparation for all in-house design review meetings
  • Conduct trend research on color, fabric, and silhouettes for upcoming collections
  • Participate in design, development and CAD meetings, documenting key discussions/notes and follow-ups
  • Provide scale options of artwork and merch branding for size and placement to review with Design Director before presenting suggestions to upper management.
  • Support the Technical Designer in reviewing fit samples, photoshoot samples, and TOPs for accuracy and design intent
  • Collaborate with Product Development to ensure material sourcing aligns with design intent
  • Partner cross-functionally with Product Development, Technical Production, and Merchandising to ensure design intent is executed effectively

Qualifications

  • 2-4 years of experience as a Design Coordinator, Assistant or related role
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Excel
  • Strong organizational skills and strong ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
  • Highly detail-oriented
  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

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