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Technical Designer Jobs in Needham, MA (NOW HIRING)

Technical Director

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$57/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Collaborate with scenic designers to realize designs within theatre resources, proposing solutions ... Read scripts and attend rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and previews as necessary to support the ...

Senior Apparel Designer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

This is a technical, function-first role with a contemporary aesthetic. You'll work closely with our Tech Designer and Product Developer to take concepts from first sketch to finished product, and ...

Senior Apparel Designer

Somerville, MA · On-site

$111K - $119K/yr

This is a technical, function-first role with a contemporary aesthetic. You'll work closely with our Tech Designer and Product Developer to take concepts from first sketch to finished product, and ...

Instructional Designer

Mansfield, MA

$68K - $93K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Qualifications Bachelor's degree in a related technical field or equivalent work experience 3+ years of experience as an Instructional Designer Experience designing technical training curricula for ...

Distribution Designer

Franklin, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Distribution Designer / Field Distribution Technician This role combines detailed utility ... Contribute to the preparation of cost estimates, technical specifications, evaluations, and ...

Interior Designer

Acton, MA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Senior Interior Designer Acton, MA | Full-Time or Part-Time (24-40 hrs/week) $80,000 - $100,000 ... We're looking for someone who combines strong design sensibility with technical expertise and ...

Interior Designer

Acton, MA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

Senior Interior Designer Acton, MA | Full-Time or Part-Time (2440 hrs/week) $80,000 $100,000 ... We're looking for someone who combines strong design sensibility with technical expertise and ...

Senior Interior Designer Acton, MA | Full-Time or Part-Time (24-40 hrs/week) $80,000 - $100,000 ... We're looking for someone who combines strong design sensibility with technical expertise and ...

This role combines technical production execution, cross-channel asset delivery, and brand quality ... Reporting to the Creative Director, the Production Designer is responsible for translating big ...

Engineering Designer III

Acton, MA · On-site

$87K - $132K/yr

This position is responsible for providing technical solutions for a variety of design problems of ... May provide direction to less experienced designers and support staff. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Mechanical Project Designer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mechanical Project Designer Location: Woburn, MA (Hybrid) Design Complex Building Systems. Mentor ... This position offers the opportunity to expand your technical expertise, contribute to complex ...

Plumbing Designer

Boston, MA

$45 - $52/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Contribute to technical documentation, specifications, and code compliance. * Leverage BIM/Revit and other digital tools to develop coordinated designs. If you're ready to bring your passion to ...

This position is responsible for providing technical solutions for a variety of design problems of ... May provide direction to less experienced designers and support staff. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

PROJECT DESIGNER

Boston, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PROJECT DESIGNER Department: GENERAL Employment Type: Full Time Location: BOSTON, MA Description Ci ... This position requires strong design and technical skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks and ...

Plumbing Designer

Boston, MA · On-site

$45 - $52/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Contribute to technical documentation, specifications, and code compliance. * Leverage BIM/Revit and other digital tools to develop coordinated designs. If you're ready to bring your passion to ...

Showing results 21-40

Technical Designer information

See Needham, MA salary details

$38.7K

$87.4K

$137.3K

How much do technical designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for technical designer in Needham, MA is $87,438.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,800.00 and $100,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a technical designer?

A technical designer works in the fashion industry to help take a garment from concept to shelf. As a technical designer, it’s your job to take creative designs and adapt these ideas into actual products. Your primary duties include reviewing design work, developing a plan with the manufacturer, and ensuring that the finished product meets the quality standards of your company. You must have knowledge of patterns, fit, and fashion design. As the industry is becoming more modernized, you should also be familiar with the various tech and software tools used in the design process. While this position is most common in fashion apparel, you may find work in other industries as well.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a technical designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Technical Designer, you need a strong background in design principles, garment construction, and technical specifications, often supported by a degree in fashion design or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, pattern-making tools, and PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure accurate product development, clear collaboration between design and production teams, and high-quality finished products.

How does a technical designer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Technical Designers work closely with various departments, such as product development, engineering, and production teams, to ensure that designs are both creative and technically feasible. They frequently translate creative concepts into detailed technical specifications and often participate in meetings to resolve design challenges or clarify requirements. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Technical Designers must balance the creative vision with manufacturing constraints and quality standards throughout the project lifecycle.

How much does a technical designer earn?

The average salary for a technical designer varies by experience and industry, typically ranging from $50,000 to $90,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced technical designers with specialized skills can earn over $100,000. Salaries are also influenced by location, company size, and certifications in design tools or technical skills.

What cities near Needham, MA are hiring for Technical Designer jobs?

Cities near Needham, MA with the most Technical Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Technical Designer job openings in Needham, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,438 per year, or $42 per hour.

Technical Director

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$57/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 619 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join The American Repertory Theater?
A.R.T. is a leading force in American theater, producing groundbreaking work that is driven by risk-taking and passionate inquiry in Cambridge and beyond. Since 2008, Terrie and Bradley Bloom Artistic Director Diane Paulus has pursued A.R.T.'s mission to "expand the boundaries of theater" by programming transformative theatrical experiences, always including the audience as a central partner. A.R.T. is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader of artistic innovation. In recent years, productions that began at A.R.T. have won 19 Tony Awards, and numerous works developed by A.R.T. have been performed throughout the country and around the world.
As the professional theater on the campus of Harvard University, A.R.T. is committed to playing a central role in the cognitive life of the University, catalyzing discourse, interdisciplinary collaboration, and creative exchange among a wide range of academic departments, institutions, students, and faculty members. For more information, please visit our website at: https://americanrepertorytheater.org/.
Job Description
Directs all aspects of scenery, rigging, and automation in coordination with stage operations for A.R.T. Productions, including managing commercial scene shop builds.
Position Responsibilities:
Leadership, Culture, and Safety
  • Promote an inclusive, respectful work environment for staff, overhire employees, and guest artists.
  • Foster both psychological and physical safety through appropriate training, policies, and daily practices.

Production Planning and Artistic Collaboration
  • Support and uphold the mission, vision, and values of A.R.T. in all production activities.
  • Collaborate with scenic designers to realize designs within theatre resources, proposing solutions with production management and producers if issues arise.
  • Work with external scenic shops and internal staff to deliver scenic designs on time and on budget, including approval of technical designs and shop builds.
  • Plan and oversee scenic load-in, rigging, strike, load-out, and storage of closing shows, in collaboration with production management and other department heads.
  • Read scripts and attend rehearsals, technical rehearsals, and previews as necessary to support the production process.
  • Manage scenic, rigging, and automation elements from pre-production through closing.

Staffing, Scheduling, and Training
  • Provide direct supervision to up to three existing production staff.
  • Coordinate scenery load-in and load-out overhire labor.
  • In concert with production management, coordinate external and internal show builds and maintenance schedules.
  • Manage training and meeting schedules and attend required training sessions and shop/company meetings.

Budget and Administrative Management
  • Develop scenery budget estimates, including scenery, rigging, automation, and stage operations budget lines.
  • Submit updated budget and expense reports to production management.
  • Manage weekly payroll for overhire employees and other direct reports.

Facilities, Equipment, and Communication
  • Oversee organization and maintenance of scenic storage in collaboration with the Production Shop Supervisor.
  • Maintain clear and consistent communication with other production departments and creative teams.
  • Clearly articulate resource limitations and collaborate with creative teams to troubleshoot technical issues.
  • Distribute technical ground plans and sections and provide samples and photos as needed, keeping designers and directors informed on scenic builds and support activities.

Working Conditions:
  • A.R.T.'s shops are located 2 miles from the Loeb Drama Center, 3.5 miles from the Goel Center, and 25 miles from the A.R.T.'s warehouse. The shops and the Loeb Drama Center are multistory buildings without elevators, with work taking place on multiple levels. Work will cease at the Loeb Drama Center in Spring of 2027. The Goel Center is a new multi-story building with modern accessibility features.
  • The TD may be required to move scenery weighing upwards of 70 lbs and other materials to and from storage or around the building, as well as loading and unloading material from trucks and vans (both at a loading dock and from the street). They may also assist in the installation of rigging and loading of 40 lb stage weights into counter-weight arbors. During load-in and strike, work may take place on ladders, genies, and the grid. The TD may be required to carry materials up and down stairs and use hand and stationary power tools.
  • This role requires good manual dexterity, strength, coordination, and stamina.
  • Night and weekend work is expected.
  • This role requires work both indoors and outdoors.

Software Used: MS Office, Google Workspace, SharePoint, Slack, Zoom, Dropbox, Vectorworks, AutoCAD, and PeopleSoft (time reporting and human resources software).
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications are the minimum requirements a candidate must meet to be considered for this role.
  • Strong knowledge of AutoCAD or similar programs.
  • Strong knowledge of engineering fundamentals and experience with their application to non-theoretical problems.
  • Hands-on experience with scenic automation.
  • Solid experience with safe, industry-standard rigging practices and hands-on experience building rigging systems. If not OSHA 30 certified, willingness to become so at A.R.T.'s expense upon hire.
  • Advanced knowledge of theatrical construction techniques, including carpentry and rigging.
  • The ability to create and critique technical designs and drawings.
  • The ability to communicate with kindness and clarity, fostering teamwork and a collaborative environment.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:
  • Demonstrated conflict resolution skills, including diffusing tension, navigating difficult conversations, and mediating resolutions.
  • Ability to adapt and quickly communicate changes.
  • Experience working with commercial scene shops.
  • Class D driver's license.
  • Comfortable driving a 26' truck.
  • CNC router experience.

Additional Information
  • Applicants are requested to attach a cover letter with their application.
  • Candidates who move forward in the process should be prepared to submit samples of actual work products, including complex writing and correspondence, working estimate spreadsheets, and technical drawings.
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Harvard University requires pre-employment references and background screenings:Identity
  • Other Information: This position will have a 6-month orientation and review period.

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Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that all duties and responsibilities must be performed at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location. Certain visa types may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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