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Surface Design Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Materials Scientist 4

Tualatin, OR ยท On-site

$80 - $110/hr

... and surface treatments * Utilize best practices in experimental design, structured problemโ€‘solving, data interpretation, and additional disciplined approaches to enhance material performance

Senior Civil Project Manager

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$124K - $202K/yr

Oversee planning, design, and construction support services for fisheries, fish passage, hydropower, dams, flood control, pump stations, water treatment, stormwater, surface water management, and ...

Senior Civil Project Manager

Portland, OR ยท On-site

$124K - $202K/yr

Oversee planning, design, and construction support services for fisheries, fish passage, hydropower, dams, flood control, pump stations, water treatment, stormwater, surface water management, and ...

Leads design and development of technically sophisticated manufacturing processes and/or repair ... Expert level understanding of plasma physics, plasma-surface interactions, pattern fidelity ...

Module Development Engineer

Vernonia, OR ยท On-site

$201K - $284K/yr

Leads design and development of technically sophisticated manufacturing processes and/or repair ... Expert level understanding of plasma physics, plasma-surface interactions, pattern fidelity ...

Showing results 41-60

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 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:

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.

Aviation Project Engineer

Century West Engineering

Vancouver, WA โ€ข On-site

$81K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Century West Engineering is seeking an Aviation Project Engineer to support our airport design projects. While aviation experience is preferred, skills developed using AutoCAD/Civil3D for the design of alignments, profiles, corridors, site grading, and surfaces for transportation projects are also desirable and highly transferable. Project Engineers should thrive on working as part of a team to build their own skills while contributing positively to the development of those around them.
Benefits:
  • 2 to 4 weeks of vacation depending on experience
  • 1 hour of sick leave for every 30 hours worked
  • 8 paid holidays
  • 3 days paid bereavement leave, as needed
  • 401k retirement account match
  • Health (PPO and HSA options), dental, and vision insurance fully covered for full-time employees and available for family and dependents
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Bonus program
  • Professional training and development opportunities
  • Reimbursement for continuing education
  • Flexible schedule

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Collaborating with project managers and other design team members on engineering deliverables, calculations, and project closeout
  • Providing actionable feedback on design work from other engineers and technicians
  • Visiting project sites to observe field activities
  • Managing small projects under the supervision of a project manager

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or appropriate discipline
  • Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in Oregon, Washington, or Idaho
  • Experience and knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration design standards and project development process preferred, but not required
  • Minimum of four years of relevant civil engineering with some aviation and/or transportation experience

An Equal Opportunity Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected status