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Surface Design Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

Careers | CET

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bristol, RI

$79K - $107K/yr

Computes angles, weights, surface areas, dimensions, clearances, and tolerances. * Analyzes engineering sketches, specifications and related data and drawings to determine design factors such as size ...

Noblis

Computer Engineer III

Newport, RI · Hybrid

$178K/yr

Research, design, develop, and test computer hardware and software programs. * Provide support for ... Experience using NAVWAR software related procedures on submarines, surface, or shore installations.

Noblis

Computer Engineer III

Newport, RI · On-site

$112K - $132K/yr

Research, design, develop, and test computer hardware and software programs. * Provide support for ... Experience using NAVWAR software related procedures on submarines, surface, or shore installations.

Greystone of Lincoln

Toolroom Machinist

Providence, RI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Required to give input to design but may be required to design simple fixtures and jigs. * Orders ... Lifts machined parts and positions and secures parts on surface plate or worktable. Education ...

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Surface Design information

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$20

$56

$85

How much do surface design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface design in Rhode Island is $56.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.20 and $71.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is AI taking over surface pattern design?

AI is increasingly used in surface design to generate patterns and assist in the creative process, but it does not replace the role of a surface designer. Designers often use AI tools to enhance productivity and explore new ideas, while human creativity and expertise remain essential for unique and marketable designs.

What are the typical challenges surface designers face when collaborating with product development teams?

Surface designers often work closely with product development teams to ensure their patterns and textures are both visually appealing and technically feasible for manufacturing. A common challenge is balancing creative vision with production constraints, such as material limitations, color fastness, and print methods. Effective communication and flexibility are key, as designers may need to adjust their designs to meet technical requirements or feedback from other departments. Regular collaboration helps ensure the final product maintains design integrity while being practical to produce.

What does a surface designer do?

A surface designer creates patterns and artwork that are applied to products such as textiles, ceramics, packaging, and home decor. They use design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and often collaborate with manufacturers to ensure their designs are suitable for production and printing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Surface Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Surface Designer, you need expertise in pattern creation, color theory, and an understanding of textile or product materials, often supported by a degree in surface design, textile design, or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as familiarity with digital printing techniques, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help distinguish outstanding surface designers. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating visually appealing, market-ready designs that meet client or industry specifications.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the field of surface design, high-paying roles such as senior creative directors or art directors in large companies can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced skills in design software. Typically, these roles involve overseeing design teams, managing brand visuals, and working in industries like fashion, product development, or entertainment. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and company size, with top-tier professionals often earning this level of income.

How much do surface designers make?

Surface designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized designers with strong portfolios and skills in design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop can earn higher salaries, especially in competitive markets.

What is the difference between Surface Design vs Textile Design?

AspectSurface DesignTextile Design
CredentialsPortfolio, possibly a degree in design or related fieldDegree in textile design, fashion, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, print shops, digital platformsFabric mills, fashion houses, print studios
Industry UsageApplied to various surfaces like packaging, ceramics, wallpapersFocused on fabric and textile patterns for clothing, home decor

Surface Design involves creating patterns and visuals for a variety of surfaces, including packaging, ceramics, and wallpapers. Textile Design specifically focuses on designing patterns for fabrics used in fashion and home textiles. While both roles require strong artistic skills and knowledge of pattern creation, Surface Designers often work across multiple materials, whereas Textile Designers specialize in textiles and fabrics.

What is surface design?

Surface design refers to the creation and application of artwork, patterns, or textures onto surfaces such as textiles, ceramics, paper, and other materials. Surface designers develop original motifs and repeat patterns, often using techniques like painting, drawing, digital illustration, or printmaking. Their work is widely used in industries like fashion, home decor, stationery, and product packaging. A career in surface design blends creativity with technical skills and often requires knowledge of digital design tools.
What are popular job titles related to Surface Design jobs in Rhode Island? For Surface Design jobs in Rhode Island, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surface Design jobs in Rhode Island look for? The top searched job categories for Surface Design jobs in Rhode Island are:
Surface Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Design job openings in Rhode Island as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,578 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Surface Warfare Operations Analyst

Sonalysts, Inc.

Middletown, RI • On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

Sonalysts, Inc. is seeking a surface warfare operations analyst to leverage their understanding of at-sea operations and tactics in order to help the Navy shape acquisitions requirements. The successful candidate will be a key contributor to the development of innovative technologies and prototype projects that will expand the capabilities of the surface force and the Navy at large.
Who are we:
Sonalysts, Inc. is a small, 100% employee owned business (ESOP) which supports a very diverse set of customers. While the company was originally founded in 1973 with a focus on sonar analysis (hence the name) for the Navy, Sonalysts has since expanded into a variety of other Defense and Commercial spaces. With current contracts supporting the Navy, Air Force, and Army and many other customers, Sonalysts relies on the skills and knowledge of its employee owners to help solve the Department of Defense's most challenging problems while providing the best benefit to our customers. Ranging from retired service members from all branches of the military, to professionals with a wide mix of different commercial and technical backgrounds, Sonalysts has a diverse and capable workforce. From software development, to operations analysis, engineering, wargaming, targeted knowledge elicitation, or large group facilitation - Sonalysts is capable of meeting any challenge.
By utilizing a small central corporate structure, coupled with a largely de-centralized approach to project management, Sonalysts is competitive with larger Defense Contractors while remaining agile and entrepreneurial at heart to provide rapid and innovative responses to customer requests. This allows our employee-owners to lead and support existing projects and to get involved with developing new business and winning new work. If you are looking for a way to use your technical or operational knowledge to support solving challenging problems for the military while being afforded the flexibility and empowerment of being a contractor or potential future leader in a small business, then Sonalysts may be the place for you.
What you will be doing:
  • Develop tactics, operating considerations, and processes for surface ship torpedo defense
  • Work on interesting and challenging analysis, research, development, and acquisition projects such as:
    • Advanced weapon systems
    • Torpedo countermeasures that will enhance survivability
    • Unmanned Undersea Vehicles working both with and independent of surface ships
  • Serve as a liaison between active-duty service members, engineers, and program offices on new acquisition programs
  • Use analytical and problem-solving skills to help inform government program decisions
  • Support industry and/or government teams in the transition of concepts to prototypes to fleet release
  • Design and execute modeling and simulation (M&S) studies to develop and refine tactical guidance
  • Leverage previous experience to support government engineering teams in the development of new technologies
  • Apply knowledge and experience in the surface force to a wide variety of non-DoD projects and initiatives
  • Use strong oral and written communication skills to perform independent work directly with sponsors

The Opportunities of Employee-Ownership
  • Providing important support to various projects and key systems across the company.
  • Salary ranges between $110,000-$165,000, dependent on experience, qualifications and other relevant business criteria.
  • Becoming an integral part of an innovative employee-owned company which includes:
    • Flexible Time Program enabling an optimal work-life balance by permitting partners to arrange their work around personal appointments, parent-teacher conferences, children's activities and the like, so long as the partner gets the job done on-time.
    • Paid Time Off
    • 401(k) Plan with company match
    • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
    • Sales Bonus Program
    • Special Performance and Retention Bonus Program
    • Health and Dental Insurance
    • Dependent Care Assistance Plan
    • Health Care Reimbursement Plan
    • Employee Referral Bonus Program
    • Professional Development through Tuition Reimbursement Program, Online Training Program and Targeted Skills Program
    • Relocation Assistance

Required Qualifications:
  • U.S. Citizen, possessing an active Department of Defense SECRET security clearance*
  • Bachelor's degree
  • At least 3 years of experience in surface warfare operations
  • Candidates must include a cover letter explaining how your previous experience is relevant and prepares you to participate as an analyst on a team conducting M&S supported operations analysis

Strongly Desired Experience/Qualifications:
  • Experience as a Surface Warfare Officer, qualified as a Tactical Action Officer (TAO) on a DDG/CG.
  • Qualified as an Anti-Submarine and Surface Warfare (ASW/SUW) Warfare Tactics Instructor (WTI)
  • Qualified as a Surface Anti-Submarine Warfare Evaluator (ASWE)
  • Shore duty experience as staff for a tactical trainer
  • Bachelor's degree in mathematics, engineering, operations research, or an applied science
  • Experience conducting statistical data analysis
  • Experience using Python

*Maintaining a U.S. Government security clearance involves a comprehensive background check. Candidates are eligible for a clearance if they have demonstrated sound financial management (including good credit) over time, are free of criminal records, have limited foreign contacts or ties, and other factors indicative of a position of trust to protect information sensitive to the U.S. Government.
Sonalysts, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of, race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, disability, or other basis protected by law.
This job is not available to residents of New York City because of local law restrictions there.
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www.sonalysts.com

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