1

Surface Design Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design ... Surface Grinder located in Buffalo Grove IL. 1st shift - from 6 am to 2.30 pm (Monday - Friday ...

Senior Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$180K - $240K/yr

Own the visual and interaction design of our core product surfaces, then build them in production React and TypeScript * Set the bar for UX quality across the product: interaction states, motion ...

Design Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.10 - $37.30/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring preferred * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Design and sell complete, functional and aesthetically appealing solutions * Manage multiple ...

Design Supervisor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$19.10 - $37.30/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring preferred * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Design and sell complete, functional and aesthetically appealing solutions * Manage multiple ...

Design Supervisor

Arlington Heights, IL · On-site

$18.87 - $36.33/hr

Knowledge of hard surface flooring preferred * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Design and sell complete, functional and aesthetically appealing solutions * Manage multiple ...

Knowledge of hard surface flooring preferred * Proficient in basic mathematical skills * Must be ... Design and sell complete, functional and aesthetically appealing solutions * Manage multiple ...

Own the visual and interaction design of our core product surfaces, then build them in production React and TypeScript * Set the bar for UX quality across the product: interaction states, motion ...

Own the visual and interaction design of our core product surfaces, then build them in production React and TypeScript * Set the bar for UX quality across the product: interaction states, motion ...

Design Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$85K - $96K/yr

Overview Filtran is seeking a Design / Project Engineer to lead the design and development of ... Advanced surfacing knowledge is a plus * Ability to understand and interpret detailed engineering ...

Design Engineer

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$85K - $96K/yr

Filtran is seeking a Design / Project Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced ... Advanced surfacing knowledge is a plus * Ability to understand and interpret detailed engineering ...

Design, develop, and modify automotive parts per customer specifications and internal requirements ... CATIA, UG/NX and/or Solidworks, Solid modeling and/or Surface modeling, FEA · Knowledge of ...

Transportation Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$79K - $98K/yr

Use manuals, guidance, standards, and engineering judgment to provide infrastructure solutions on regional surface transportation projects. * Provide design and construction management services for ...

Transportation Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$79K - $98K/yr

Use manuals, guidance, standards, and engineering judgment to provide infrastructure solutions on regional surface transportation projects. * Provide design and construction management services for ...

Transportation Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$79K - $98K/yr

Use manuals, guidance, standards, and engineering judgment to provide infrastructure solutions on regional surface transportation projects. * Provide design and construction management services for ...

Transportation Design Engineer

Chicago, IL · Hybrid

$79K - $98K/yr

Use manuals, guidance, standards, and engineering judgment to provide infrastructure solutions on regional surface transportation projects. * Provide design and construction management services for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Surface Design information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$21

$59

$89

How much do surface design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface design in Chicago, IL is $59.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.32 and $75.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Surface Design jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Surface Design jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Surface Design job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,682 per year, or $59.5 per hour.

Precision Surface Grinder

Buffalo Grove, IL

Flex
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

$34.40 - $47.30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world.A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.Job Summary

To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we're looking to add a Precision Surface Grinder located in Buffalo Grove IL.

1st shift - from 6 am to 2.30 pm (Monday - Friday)

What a typical day looks like:

  • Operates various conventional machine shop equipment such as grinders, Okamoto water grinders to produce and detail a variety of small parts, ranging form simple to complex, which are within prescribed tolerances.
  • Performs machine set-ups, adjusting speeds, feeds, and depth of cut, to machined parts to specifications set forth in blueprints, drawings, engineering orders, etc.
  • Checks machined parts for conformance to prescribed tolerances.
  • May be required to operate numerical control machines.
  • CNC Grinding and ID/OD Grinding

The experience we're looking to add to our team:

  • Associate's Degree in related field, military technical training or equivalent education and training.
  • 2+ years experience in CNC is required
  • Grinding experience with small details
  • Manuel machine experience is preferrable
  • Machine shop experience is preferable
  • Accuracy and attention to details is critically important
  • CNC Grinding and ID/OD Grinding

What you'll receive for the great work you provide:

  • Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Life Insurance
  • Short-term and Long-term Disability
  • Matching 401(k) Contributions
  • Vacation and Paid Sick Time
  • Tuition Reimbursement

Application Deadline:

Applications for this job position will be accepted for at least five days following the job posting start date below and continuing until the end date below or until the position is filled. This posting may close sooner due to application volume.

Job Posting Start Date 08-27-2026 Job Posting End Date

The base pay range for this position is provided below. The final base rate offered will be determined using job-related, non-discriminatory criteria, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, geographic location, education, external market data, and internal equity.

$34.40 USD - $47.30 USDHourlyJob CategoryOperationsRelocation:Not eligible

Is Sponsorship Available?

NoFlex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email accessibility@flex.com and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).

Flex Personnel logo

About Flex Personnel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Flex Team is made up of Staffing Industry experts committed to serving the needs of businesses and workers by bringing people together. We are guided by our Core values Integrity, Courtesy, and Respect. At Flex we bring Businesses and People together. We carefully assess both the needs of our Business clients and the complete profiles of each candidate, and then make the connections we believe will be most mutually beneficial. With offices in select markets throughout the Country, We are continually expanding our industry reach nationwide.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

Social media