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Surface Design Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Anton Cabinetry

WI · On-site

Collaborate around design concepts and requirements with customers and internal partners ... surfaces, dusty conditions. This position may be required to sit at a computer terminal for long ...

Delan Associates, Inc

Creo Designer

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates who have hands-on expertise in Creo design tools, surfacing, sheet metal, plastic, and casting component design. *Job Responsibilities* Create and ...

Delan Associates, Inc.

Creo Designer

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates who have hands-on expertise in Creo design tools, surfacing, sheet metal, plastic, and casting component design. *Job Responsibilities* Create and ...

Delan Associates, Inc

Creo Designer

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

This is an excellent opportunity for candidates who have hands-on expertise in Creo design tools, surfacing, sheet metal, plastic, and casting component design. *Job Responsibilities* Create and ...

Varsity Tutors

Rhino Tutor

Milwaukee, WI · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain NURBS curves and surfaces, Grasshopper algorithmic design nodes, and fabrication file preparation while preparing students for architecture, industrial design, jewelry design, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Rhino Tutor

Madison, WI · Remote

$40/hr

Ability to explain NURBS curves and surfaces, Grasshopper algorithmic design nodes, and fabrication file preparation while preparing students for architecture, industrial design, jewelry design, and ...

Harley-Davidson

Designer - Chassis Systems

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$74K - $112K/yr

Creates and maintains complex CAD models, large virtual assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings using Creo Parametric, including advanced surfacing techniques as required. * Collaborates with ...

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Surface Design information

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a surface designer?

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 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 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.

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 does a surface designer do?

A surface designer creates patterns and artwork for surfaces such as textiles, wallpapers, packaging, and home decor. They use design software like Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator and often collaborate with manufacturers or brands to develop visually appealing designs that align with product specifications.

What are popular job titles related to Surface Design jobs in Wisconsin?

For Surface Design jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Surface Design jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Surface Design jobs in Wisconsin are:

Surface Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Design job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Principal Designer - HT Engineering

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

Milwaukee Tool
See more jobs at Milwaukee Toolexternal

$26.50 - $36.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Execute a wide range of CAD assignments, from quick-turn modeling and drawing updates to complex surfacing, assemblies, and tooling-ready models.

  • Own existing and develop newly defined CAD workstreams or portions of larger projects, coordinating deliverables and maintaining model and drawing quality through release.

  • Lead a small team of CAD designers while remaining a highly engaged individual contributor.

Job description

Job Description:
Principal CAD Designer- Hand Tools Engineering
Role Summary
As a Principal CAD Designer for Milwaukee Tool, you will be a highly experienced, hands-on CAD professional responsible for developing creative and original design solutions from general specifications and cross functional team collaboration. You will work with speed, agility, and urgency across a wide range of assignments, from quickly completing straightforward CAD requests to creating complex surfaced models, complete product layouts, and tooling-ready designs while balancing product performance, manufacturability, and schedule. Working with limited direction, you will own significant CAD workstreams within larger development projects and partner closely with Engineering, Industrial Design, Manufacturing, and prototyping labs, to move designs from concept through release. You will also serve as a working lead for a small group of CAD designers by coordinating project and task loading, providing technical guidance and mentorship, developing team capability, anticipating timing and resource risks, and escalating concerns.
Core Responsibilities
  • Execute a wide range of CAD assignments, from quick-turn modeling and drawing updates to complex surfacing, assemblies, and tooling-ready models.

  • Own existing and develop newly defined CAD workstreams or portions of larger projects, coordinating deliverables and maintaining model and drawing quality through release.

  • Create and maintain 3D models, drawings, assemblies, BOM inputs, and change documentation using Siemens NX.

  • Partner with engineers, industrial designers, manufacturing teams, and global CAD resources to translate technical direction into robust CAD deliverables.

  • Lead a small team of CAD designers while remaining a highly engaged individual contributor.

  • Manage team project loading, balance assignments against skills and capacity, and help establish clear priorities.

  • Coach and develop CAD designers through technical guidance, work reviews, knowledge sharing, and targeted skill development.

  • Anticipate CAD capacity, timing, quality, and capability risks; communicate concerns early and escalate resource or schedule needs when appropriate.

  • Promote consistent CAD standards, modeling practices, release quality, and continuous improvement across the team.

  • Support onboarding and help build team flexibility by developing broader capability across products, tools, and project types.

Qualifications
  • Technical Associate Degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

  • 7+ years of experience in CAD modeling, drafting, product design support, and related technical assignments.

  • Expert-level Siemens NX (or comparable) 3D CAD experience, including complex surfacing and multi-component assemblies.

  • Demonstrated ability to work efficiently across both quick-turn requests and complex, longer-duration assignments.

  • Strong working knowledge of component design and manufacturing methods such as plastic molding, forging, die casting, sheet metal, machining, and related processes.

  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

  • Self-directed, adaptable, and able to operate with limited day-to-day direction while knowing when to engage engineering or functional leadership.

  • Preferred: Practical Understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, drawing practices, model quality, and product release requirements.

  • Preferred: Experience leading, mentoring, or coordinating the work of other CAD designers

  • Preferred: Ability to assess workload, match assignments to team capability, recognize delivery risks, and communicate escalation needs clearly.

Working conditions:
Office Environment
  • Primarily working in an indoor office environment at the Downtown Milwaukee location

  • May sit for several hours at a time

  • Prolonged exposure to computer screens

  • Moderate noise i.e. business office with computers, phone, and printers.

Travel Requirements
  • Up to 5%

We provide these great perks and benefits:
  • Comprehensive health, dental and vision insurance plans

  • Generous 401(K) savings plan

  • Education assistance

  • On-site wellness, fitness center, food, and coffee service

  • And many more, check out our benefits site HERE.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.

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