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Surface Design Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Surface Experts

Surface Repair Specialist

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$23 - $27/hr

Becoming a Surface Experts Technician could pair your interests perfectly with your job! Take ... Every repair has a different design, sheen, and material, so creativity is a must. QUALIFICATIONS

Integrate

Agentic Operations Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$79K - $107K/yr

... surface design. • Comfort with Python and a typed language -- Go and/or TypeScript preferred. • Comfort with ambiguity & rapid iteration -- Can talk to stakeholders, prototype fast. • 3-5 years ...

City of Shoreline

Surface Water Inspector

Seattle, WA · On-site

$41.95 - $51.04/hr

Computer-aided design tools. Public works infrastructure. Geographical information systems (GIS ... Surface water hydraulics. Budget formulation. Mathematics as applied to storm and surface water ...

Interlune

Lunar Surface Test Engineer

Seattle, WA · On-site

$110K - $195K/yr

Design and implement test setups, including fixtures, instrumentation, data acquisition systems ... Working knowledge of lunar regolith behavior, planetary surface environments, or related surface ...

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Surface Design information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$23

$65

$99

How much do surface design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface design in Seattle, WA is $65.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.88 and $83.41 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 Seattle, WA? For Surface Design jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Surface Design jobs in Seattle, WA look for? The top searched job categories for Surface Design jobs in Seattle, WA are:
Surface Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Design job openings in Seattle, WA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,634 per year, or $65.7 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer: Robotics Hardware Engineering, Surface Design

Meta

Redmond, WA

$173K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Meta rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

135th of 241 rated software companies

Job description

At Meta, we're building the future of human connection and the technology that enables it. This means continuously inventing and developing technologies for the next generation of experiences.To continue our efforts in the path to AGI, and as we move closer to a future with intelligent robots and advanced AI models, we're hiring talent across a broad range of disciplines from robotics hardware to system software, machine perception, and artificial intelligence. These crucial projects and initiatives taken on by this team have never been done before, so you have a rare opportunity to help us create new ways people connect around the world.The Meta Robotics Hardware team is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer focused on Robot Design with expertise in both advanced complex surface modeling and design for safety to exist between mechanical and industrial design teams. You will own the mechanical design of structural components, impact-attenuating structures, and human-contact surfaces — ensuring every external element of the product is both aesthetically refined and engineered to protect people during interaction. This role requires someone equally comfortable running crush-force calculations and building Class-A surfacing in CAD. This role will be part of a ME team responsible for concept development, analytical modeling, prototype design, first article build, fabrication, vendor management, and testing. Candidates should be comfortable working in a high ambiguity, fast paced environment where full system requirements are seldom known. This team is dedicated to building hardware that enables learning through data collection and system testing.
Mechanical Design Engineer: Robotics Hardware Engineering, Surface Design Responsibilities:
  • Translate industrial design intent (from ID models, renderings, and printed busts) into CAD geometry with complex, multi-patch surface construction
  • Build and maintain Class-A and high-quality B-surface models for exterior robot panels, covers, and housings using advanced surfacing techniques (G2/G3 continuity, multi-span lofts, curvature-matched blends)
  • Manage the tension between aesthetic design intent, safety, structural, thermal, and manufacturing feasibility — negotiate changes that satisfy all three
  • Develop parametric surfacing strategies that allow rapid iteration on form while preserving engineering constraints (wall thickness, draft, undercut limits, parting lines)
  • Define and enforce safe-by-design guidelines: minimum edge radii, maximum surface hardness, breakaway/compliant panel strategies, and finger/limb entrapment gap standards
  • Design protective structures that limit contact force and pressure to safe thresholds during intended and unintended human-robot interaction
  • Own the mechanical safety architecture of the humanoid platform — exterior shells, padding systems, compliant covers, pinch-point elimination, and edge-radius standards
  • Conduct and maintain risk assessments (per ISO 10218, ISO/TS 15066, and emerging collaborative/humanoid robot safety standards) to identify hazards from moving parts, contact forces, and entrapment geometries
  • Perform hand calculations and FEA for impact, crush, and pinch scenarios
  • define material and geometry requirements that bound contact forces within safety limits
  • Collaborate with controls and firmware teams to ensure mechanical safety features complement electronic safety systems (force limiting, collision detection, safe stop)
  • Support safety certification efforts — prepare design evidence packages, test plans, and compliance documentation for regulatory submissions
  • Investigate and resolve safety-related findings from testing, user studies, and hazard reviews
  • Define and enforce surface quality standards: curvature continuity specs, reflection line criteria, and acceptable deviation from design intent
  • Work closely with DFMA engineers and molding vendors to ensure complex surfaces are manufacturable via injection molding, thermoforming, or composite layup — resolving draft, undercut, and flow challenges
  • Generate and manage scan-to-CAD workflows when iterating from physical models or prototypes
  • Produce rendered visualizations and surface analysis outputs (zebra stripes, curvature combs, deviation maps) to communicate design quality to stakeholders
  • Partner with industrial designers to jointly develop forms that are safe, beautiful, and buildable
  • Collaborate with mechanical design engineers on structural integration — mounting, sealing, cable routing, and serviceability behind exterior panels
  • Work with materials engineers on surface material selection: soft-touch elastomers, impact-absorbing foams, rigid plastics, and fabric/textile outers
  • Support user research and human factors teams with physical mock-ups and rapid prototypes for ergonomic and safety validation

Minimum Qualifications:
  • BS degree in Mechanical Engineering or relevant field
  • 8+ years of mechanical design experience with significant work in complex surface modeling
  • Strong CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, NX, or CREO, Rhino)
  • Working knowledge of CNC machining processes — understanding of fixturing, tool access, setup minimization, and achievable tolerances
  • Experience with rapid prototyping manufacturing processes and materials
  • Experience designing exterior enclosures or covers for electromechanical products with high aesthetic standards
  • Working knowledge of mechanical safety principles — contact force limits, entrapment hazards, edge/radius requirements, and energy-absorbing material systems
  • Familiarity with injection molding, thermoforming, or composite manufacturing as it relates to complex-geometry parts
  • Ability to interpret and apply GD&T for sculptural parts with compound curvature
  • Strong collaboration skills — comfortable working at the intersection of industrial design, mechanical engineering, and safety
  • Experience managing time-sensitive projects through to completion while balancing evolving priorities and a broad range of stakeholders
  • Experience in tolerance analysis, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T per ASME Y14.5)
  • Experience in Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to influence design decisions across multidisciplinary teams
  • Background in high-mix/low-volume transitioning to mid-volume production environments

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Direct experience with robotic systems — BLDC motors, actuators, gearboxes, linkage mechanisms
  • MS in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or related discipline
  • Background in impact biomechanics or human injury tolerance thresholds (e.g., pain onset, bruising limits per ISO/TS 15066 body model)
  • Experience with Autodesk Alias or ICEM Surf for Class-A surface development
  • Familiarity with soft robotics materials — silicone skins, TPU, EVA foams, viscoelastic padding
  • Experience with physical prototyping methods for form validation: CNC foam milling, 3D printing, vacuum forming
  • Background in consumer electronics, automotive interiors, medical devices, or wearables where safety and surface quality are co-equal requirements
  • Knowledge of FEA for non-linear contact and soft material deformation (Abaqus, LS-DYNA, or similar)
  • Experience in thermal management
  • Familiarity with statistical tolerance analysis and process capability (Cp/Cpk)
  • Experience with additional manufacturing processes: sheet metal, additive manufacturing, anodizing, and plating
  • Experience with PLM/PDM systems (Teamcenter, Solidworks PDM, Windchill, or similar)
  • Experience writing a clear failure report that a cross-functional team can act on

About Meta:
Meta builds technologies that help people connect, find communities, and grow businesses. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward immersive experiences like augmented and virtual reality to help build the next evolution in social technology. People who choose to build their careers by building with us at Meta help shape a future that will take us beyond what digital connection makes possible today—beyond the constraints of screens, the limits of distance, and even the rules of physics.
Meta is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Meta participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations, as required by law. Please note that Meta may leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies in connection with applications for employment.
Meta is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities in our recruiting process. If you need any assistance or accommodations due to a disability, please let us know at accommodations-ext@meta.com.
$173,000/year to $245,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits
Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Compensation details listed in this posting reflect the base hourly rate, monthly rate, or annual salary only, and do not include bonus, equity or sales incentives, if applicable. In addition to base compensation, Meta offers benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.

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