ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Surface Design Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Dtna

Mechanical Product Design Engineer II

Portland, OR · Hybrid

$86K - $110K/yr

Experience using CAD tools (preferably NX), including surface-based modeling and engineering drawing creation. Solid understanding of upstream and downstream engineering processes, from concept ...

Hp

Senior Experience Design Lead

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$106K - $114K/yr

You will work across a wide design surface. Setup, onboarding, device management, admin workflows, productivity tools, web apps, native apps, and emerging AI-assisted experiences. The variety is real.

Sigma Design

Metrology Inspection Specialist

Camas, WA · On-site

$30 - $45/hr

Sigma Design is a product development, engineering, and manufacturing firm. Based out of the ... Inspect and verify conformance of visual requirements, dimensions, surface finishes, mechanical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSurface Design JobsSurface Design Jobs in Portland, OR

Surface Design information

See Portland, OR salary details

$22

$61

$92

How much do surface design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface design in Portland, OR is $61.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.62 and $77.74 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 Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Surface Design jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Surface Design jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Surface Design jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Surface Design job openings:

Surface Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Design job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,327 per year, or $61.2 per hour.

Apparel Print & Pattern Designer

Pendleton Woolen Mills Inc

Portland, OR • On-site

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Pendleton has been woven in the West since 1863. Built on a legacy of craft, quality, and authenticity, our products are known for their timeless design and enduring stories. The Apparel Print & Pattern Designer is responsible for creating original artwork, prints, graphics, and surface design concepts that bring Pendleton’s heritage, creative direction, and seasonal storytelling to life. This role translates inspiration and creative direction into commercially relevant designs while honoring the brand’s legacy of craftsmanship, pattern, color, and textile innovation.


What You'll Do:


Creative Concept & Brand Storytelling

  • Interpret seasonal creative direction into compelling print, pattern, and graphic concepts across apparel categories.
  • Research and translate inspiration from Pendleton’s archives, art, culture, nature, craft, and market trends into modern, brand-right artwork.
  • Help define and evolve Pendleton’s visual codes through consistent use of pattern language, scale, color, layout, and storytelling.
  • Balance heritage authenticity with innovation to attract both loyal and emerging consumers.

Print, Pattern & Artwork Development

  • Create original artwork including engineered prints, repeat patterns, placement graphics, yarn-dye concepts, and surface applications.
  • Build print packages including repeats, colorways, artwork files, scale specifications, and production-ready details.
  • Partner with textile and material teams to ensure artwork is optimized for the intended fabric, technique, and end use.
  • Explore new applications including jacquard inspiration, embroidery, appliqué, embellishment, and other surface techniques.

Cross-Category Collaboration

  • Partner with Men’s, Women’s, Sweater, Accessories, and Home teams to create a cohesive brand expression.
  • Support seasonal color palette development and ensure artwork aligns with broader color strategy.
  • Collaborate with merchandising and product teams to build balanced assortments across statement, core, and commercial print offerings.
  • Maintain visibility across categories to avoid duplication and strengthen one unified brand point of view.

Archive & Heritage Stewardship

  • Leverage Pendleton’s rich archive as a source of inspiration while creating new expressions relevant for today’s consumer.
  • Identify opportunities to evolve iconic patterns, motifs, and storytelling moments.
  • Support documentation and organization of seasonal artwork libraries and brand design assets.

Technical Excellence

  • Create accurate production-ready artwork using Adobe Creative Suite.
  • Maintain strong understanding of repeat structures, color separation, printing methods, textile construction, and manufacturing requirements.
  • Review samples and strike-offs, providing clear feedback to achieve design intent and quality standards.

Project Management & Organizational Excellence

  • Maintain and manage seasonal design calendars, track project milestones, and ensure all artwork deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule through strong organizational and project management practices.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook).


What You Bring:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Surface Design, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, or related field.
  • 5+ years of experience designing prints, patterns, or surface artwork within apparel, outdoor, lifestyle, or heritage brands.
  • Expert knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
  • Strong understanding of textile design, repeats, color, scale, and manufacturing processes.
  • Experience working with archives, heritage brands, or storytelling-driven product preferred.
  • Ability to balance creative vision with commercial needs.
  • Strong collaboration skills and ability to influence across cross-functional teams.