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Set Design Assistant Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Long Island Rail Road

Engineer ET Design

Jamaica, NY

$129K - $172K/yr

Engineer - ET Design Department: Engineering MTA Agency: Long Island Rail Road Primary Location(s ... Provide guidance, direction and leadership to the Assistant Engineer. Set goals and priority as ...

Rockwell Group

Design Technology Specialist

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

Design Technology The Design Technology department at Rockwell Group drives effective BIM ... Troubleshoot and assist staff with day-to-day technical BIM issues Set up initial Revit model for ...

HLB Lighting Design

Senior Designer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Serve as a mentor and knowledge resource to Design Assistants in delivering necessary additional ... the areas set forth above. Work from home allowed 2 days per week. Must live within commuting ...

Rockwell Group

Design Technology Specialist

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Design Technology The Design Technology department at Rockwell Group drives effective BIM ... Responsibilities: • Troubleshoot and assist staff with day-to-day technical BIM issues • Set up ...

Archinect

Design Technology Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Design Technology The Design Technology department at Rockwell Group drives effective BIM ... Troubleshoot and assist staff with day-to-day technical BIM issues * Set up initial Revit model for ...

Rockwell Group

Design Technology Manager

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$100K - $125K/yr

Design Technology The Design Technology department at Rockwell Group drives effective BIM ... and assist staff with day-to-day technical BIM issues Set up initial Revit model for new projects ...

Rockwell Group

Design Technology Manager

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$100K - $125K/yr

Design Technology The Design Technology department at Rockwell Group drives effective BIM ... and assist staff with day-to-day technical BIM issues • Set up initial Revit model for new ...

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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 New York?

The most popular types of Set Design jobs in New York are:

What cities in New York are hiring for Set Design Assistant jobs?

Cities in New York with the most Set Design Assistant job openings:

Set Design Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Set Design Assistant job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% Internship, 46% Full Time, 42% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 91% In-person, 6% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Design Center Graduate Assistant

Barnard College

New York, NY • On-site

$33/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Barnard College rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

488th of 620 rated colleges and universities

Job description

If you are a current Barnard College employee, please use the internal career site to apply for this position.
Job:
Design Center Graduate Assistant
The Barnard College Design Center is seeking a part-time Graduate Assistant to support the Design Center's service model, programming, and maintenance. This position will be central to supporting general tool and equipment use, helping with machine maintenance, supporting undergraduate student employees while on-shift, and assisting the Design Center Associate Director and Coordinator with providing instruction and workshops within the Center.
Job Description:
1) Daily Operations: the Graduate Assistant will
  • Provide front-facing support for Design Center users during designated "open-hour" periods, emphasizing safe and responsible tool-use throughout the space. Monitor undergraduate staff members especially during weekends and evenings when full-time staff are not available.
  • Assist the Associate Director and Coordinator with training new student employees who are learning Center tools and equipment for the first time; supporting student employees while on-shift, should they run into troubleshooting issues or user questions they need help answering.
  • Ensure that the Design Center stays clean and organized. Some light cleaning tasks include sweeping, wiping down surfaces, rinsing out paint brushes and silk screens, etc. Assist with unpacking and organizing deliveries of materials. Assist with inventory and identifying materials in need of restocking.
  • Provide basic equipment maintenance as needs arise. (Examples include unclogging 3D printers, rethreading sewing machines, replacing drill bits.) Communicate with the Coordinator when more significant machine maintenance needs are identified.

2) Instructional and Curriculum Support: the Graduate Assistant will
  • Assist with workshops including material preparations and co-teaching support as needed.
  • Support Undergraduate Design Assistants through guidance and feedback as they lead Safety Orientations and Getting Started Workshops.

3) Community Building: the Graduate Assistant will
  • Contribute to inclusive and welcoming makerspace shop culture, and help ensure that users adhere to similar practices when interacting with others throughout the space.
  • Assist the Associate Director and Coordinator in communications tasks including social media posts, event flyering, etc.

4) Additional job responsibilities and duties as needed
Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Demonstrated ability to work on a team in a collaborative environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously.
    Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.

Required Qualification Summary
  • Bachelor's degree
  • Enrollment in a Graduate Degree program
  • Competencies in one or more of the following areas: intermediate to advanced sewing skills, textile artistry, hand or machine embroidery, 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking (with handheld tools or power tools), or experience programming arduinos/raspberry pis/wearable microcontrollers.
  • Proficient with one or more of the following software: Adobe Illustrator (Photoshop and/or InDesign is a plus, but not required); AutoCAD or Rhino, Tinkercad, or similar software.

Preferred Qualification Summary
  • Degree (or minor) in a design-adjacent subject area, such as architecture, urban planning, fashion design, engineering, or others.
  • At least 1 to 3 years of related work experience, or a combination of education and related experience.
  • Demonstrated experience providing technology or makerspace tool support to student, staff, or faculty communities.
  • Experience working in education, especially higher education.

Pay $33/hour
Looking for about 10-15 hours per week. Weekend and evening availability required. Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application, design portfolio optional.
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the College's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Company:
Barnard College
Time Type:
Part time

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About Barnard College

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1889

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