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Surface Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adient

Senior Studio Engineer

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$99K - $136K/yr

His/her primary objective is to develop solutions during the design development phase to ensure that the design and Class A Surfaces created by Industrial Design are feasible and meet the ...

Versigent

Design Release Engineer

Troy, NY

$39.50 - $45.25/hr

Utilize CATIA software for advanced 3D modeling, surface design, and mechanical engineering tasks. Your Background: * 5+ years of design/development of vehicle Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS ...

Versigent

Design Release Engineer

Troy, MI · On-site

$37.75 - $43/hr

Utilize CATIA software for advanced 3D modeling, surface design, and mechanical engineering tasks. Your Background: * 5+ years of design/development of vehicle Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS ...

Versigent

Design Release Engineer

Troy, NY · On-site

$39.50 - $45.25/hr

Utilize CATIA software for advanced 3D modeling, surface design, and mechanical engineering tasks. Your Background: * 5+ years of design/development of vehicle Electrical Distribution Systems (EDS ...

LoveShackFancy

Oversee print, pattern, and surface design development, including original artwork and licensed collaborations * Lead design development for softgoods, including bedding, pillows, throws, and other ...

Boll & Branch

Designer - Home Textiles

Summit, NJ · On-site

$75K - $130K/yr

Create technically accurate repeats, alternative design layouts and scales for review and factory ready specs and surface designs * Ensure exceptional attention to detail across all work, with ...

Boll & Branch

Designer - Home Textiles

Summit, NJ · On-site

$75K - $130K/yr

Create technically accurate repeats, alternative design layouts and scales for review and factory ready specs and surface designs * Ensure exceptional attention to detail across all work, with ...

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Surface Design information

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How much do surface design jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface design in the United States is $57.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.07 and $73.32 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.
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Surface Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Design job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,062 per year, or $57.7 per hour.

Senior Studio Engineer

Plymouth, MI • On-site

Avanzar Interior Technologies
Motor Vehicle Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Avanzar Interior Technologiesexternal

$99K - $136K/yr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsibility

The Studio Engineer's primary responsibility is to creatively problem solve design issues that affect either the aesthetics and/or manufacturing goals for any given product during Phase 0, 1, and 2 in the Adient PLUS process. His/her primary objective is to develop solutions during the design development phase to ensure that the design and Class A Surfaces created by Industrial Design are feasible and meet the expectations of both our internal and OEM Design Studios. They accomplish this by working in CAD (primarily CATIA V5/V6) with the data provided by Adient/OEM Engineering alongside the Industrial Designer who will give input on aesthetics and/or ideation for craftsmanship resolutions. This process is culminated by holding a Pre-Surface Design Review (PSDR) in which issues are discussed, and the team determines if Class A surfacing can begin.

Process

Phase 0 Duties:

  • The role of the Studio Engineer is crucial during Phase 0 activities in which the Studio Engineer creates most of the CAD data that the advanced design team to represent a new Adient process/product for target customers.
  • The Studio Engineer will work closely with the Industrial Designer, ADV representative as well as Product Development to determine the appropriate feasibility to support the functionality as well as the prototype deliverable (ex. SLA vs. fiberglass).
  • Hands on work with prototype parts and demonstrators
  • Coordinate work targets with multiple adjacent disciplines (CS, Trim, Foam, S&M, SMEs, Automation teams)
  • The Studio Engineer during this phase can have a wide range of deliverables depending on how those deliverables are going to be used.

Phase 1 and 2 Duties:

  • Assists in gathering data from OEM to which Adient will need to develop a product around.
  • Work with Studio Manager to understand PHASE 1 QBOM/EBOM (Engineering Bill of Material).
  • Determine if the OEM Industrial Design desires are within the scope of what is loaded in Adient's EBOM (Highlight issues/gaps to SDT by utilizing an approved Adient issues list).
  • Take an active role in creating craftsmanship/packaging criteria in the business unit's Layout Drawing (see each business unit's feasibility checklist).
  • Invite SDT and conduct the PSDR (Pre-Surface Design Review) and invite the SDT to determine if class A surfacing can begin.
  • Send copy of PSDR to Studio Engineering Lead who will then kick-off Class-A surfacing.

Reporting Relationship:

  • Studio Engineer reports to Studio Manager

Education Required:

  • Preferably a bachelor's degree in an Engineering or related field.
  • Or an Associates/Technical Degree with Four years automotive Experience
  • Or six years of experience in automotive design.

Skills required:

  • Must be trained and proficient in a Adient approved CAD/PC system
  • Must have great problem-solving skills
  • Must have the ability to create feasibility sections with very little input to no data (experience a plus)

Records/Logs

  • Issues lists for projects should be maintained by Studio Engineer that require SDT resolution.
  • PSDR should be done on time in accordance with program timing.

PRIMARY LOCATION

Central Tech Unit Plymouth MI

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