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Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design Jobs in Wisconsin

Actalent

Cad Programmer

Neenah, WI

$34.50 - $36.50/hr

Develop flat patterns and ensure programs support manufacturability and production efficiency ... If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: * Medical ...

Hive-X

WI · On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Supporting cloud-based data exchange patterns and AWS-connected services * Ensuring code quality ... Solid knowledge of API design, security, and system integration * Experience with relational ...

Waupaca Foundry, Inc.

Tooling Engineer

Waupaca, WI

Understand the design and build of Disamatic mold patterns, core setters, Laempe / CB / D75 core ... surfacing as well as knowledge of Magmasoft. * Knowledge of iron gating best practices. * Ability ...

Waupaca Foundry, Inc.

Tooling Engineer

Waupaca, WI · On-site

Understand the design and build of Disamatic mold patterns, core setters, Laempe / CB / D75 core ... surfacing as well as knowledge of Magmasoft. * Knowledge of iron gating best practices. * Ability ...

Waupaca Foundry, Inc.

Tooling Designer

Waupaca, WI · On-site

Understand the design and build of Disamatic mold patterns, core setters, Laempe / CB / D75 core ... 3D CAD systems utilizing surfacing. * Ability to create 3D models from 2D layout drawings.

Euroclear

WI · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Lead end‑to‑end design, architecture, and delivery of large‑scale, mission‑critical systems ... Please note that this is a permanent position, and we do not offer freelance or contract ...

Jobtailor

Lead, AI Governance - Enablement

Madison, WI · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

... design and maintain the AI compliance monitoring approach, defining what gets monitored, how exceptions are surfaced, and how remediation is tracked. * Proactively identify emerging risk patterns and ...

BARCO

WI · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Design, implement, and manage comprehensive global benefits programs that attract, retain, and ... We are not considering freelance or temporary applications for this role. * We also kindly request ...

VollRath

Tool & Die Maker - 3rd Shift

Sheboygan, WI · On-site

$37.27/hr

... patterns. All work will involve a high degree of skill and thorough knowledge of tool building ... Setup and operate manual machines - experience with lathes, surface grinders, drilling machines ...

VollRath

$23.50 - $29.75/hr

... patterns. All work will involve a high degree of skill and thorough knowledge of tool building ... Setup and operate manual machines - experience with lathes, surface grinders, drilling machines ...

VollRath

Tool & Die Maker - 3rd Shift

Sheboygan, WI · On-site

$26.25 - $33.25/hr

... patterns. All work will involve a high degree of skill and thorough knowledge of tool building ... Setup and operate manual machines - experience with lathes, surface grinders, drilling machines ...

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All JobsSurface Pattern Design JobsTemporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design JobsTemporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design Jobs in Wisconsin

Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design information

What is a temporary freelance surface pattern designer?

A Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Designer is a creative professional hired on a short-term or project basis to create decorative designs and patterns for surfaces like textiles, wallpapers, packaging, or products. They often work independently or with design studios and brands to deliver original patterns that enhance the visual appeal of various items. Unlike full-time staff, their contracts are typically limited in duration and may vary depending on project needs. This role requires strong design skills, knowledge of relevant software, and an ability to adapt to different client styles and requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary freelance surface pattern designer?

To thrive as a Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Designer, you need strong skills in illustration, color theory, and pattern creation, usually supported by a portfolio demonstrating your design work. Proficiency in digital design tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and surface design platforms is essential. Creative thinking, adaptability, and effective communication help you deliver unique designs and collaborate with clients or teams. These skills ensure you can produce market-ready patterns, meet client expectations, and succeed in a competitive, project-based environment.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary freelance surface pattern designers when working with different clients?

One common challenge for temporary freelance surface pattern designers is adapting to a wide variety of client preferences and brand guidelines in a short timeframe. Each client may have distinct expectations regarding style, color palette, and file formatting, which requires designers to be flexible and detail-oriented. Additionally, managing multiple deadlines and communicating effectively with clients who may be in different time zones can add complexity. Building strong organizational skills and maintaining clear, prompt communication are key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design vs Temporary Freelance Graphic Designer?

AspectTemporary Freelance Surface Pattern DesignTemporary Freelance Graphic Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, design skills, possibly relevant certificationsPortfolio, design skills, possibly relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentFreelance, remote or studio-based, client projectsFreelance, remote or client-based projects
Industry UsageFashion, home decor, product packagingAdvertising, branding, digital media

Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Designers focus on creating repeatable patterns for textiles and products, often working in fashion and home decor industries. In contrast, Temporary Freelance Graphic Designers develop visual content for branding, advertising, and digital media. While both roles require strong design skills and portfolios, surface pattern design emphasizes pattern creation and textile applications, whereas graphic design covers a broader range of visual communication projects.

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs in Wisconsin?

For Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design job openings:

Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Freelance Surface Pattern Design job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 17% Temporary, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution.

CNC Programmer & Pattern Maker

Portage, WI • On-site

Kruger Family Industries
Plastics Product Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Good employer

Paid breaks

Respectful managers

Learn more about Kruger Family Industriesexternal

$28.25 - $38.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

At Kruger Family Industries, parent company of Penda Corporation and TriEnda Holdings, our passion is to bring great products to life through an exceptional area of thermoformed solutions. We are the North America leader in heavy gauge thermoformed plastics. We are committed to delivering highly engineered, high quality material handling products and automotive accessories that reduce the weight and cost of traditional composite, fiberglass, wood and metal products, making this an opportunity to work in an innovative environment during an exciting growth phase.
SUMMARY
The CNC Programmer / Pattern Maker is the key technical resource responsible for leading KFI's
in-house pattern-making operation at the Portage facility. This person owns the entire pattern build
process from start to finish, including schedule management, CAM programming, CNC machining,
3D printed pattern trimming, finishing, and inspection. The role carries full accountability for pattern
completion dates and is expected to proactively communicate schedule status to Engineering and
Operations stakeholders.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • Wood & Ren Board Fabrication: Build, construct, and CNC machine master patterns, plugs, and molds from scratch using hardwood, plywood, Ren Shape/polyurethane tooling boards, and epoxy.
  • CNC Machining of 3D Printed Tools: Set up and operate 3-axis and 5-axis CNC routers and mills to precisely machine, trim, and finish 3D-printed polymer patterns into production-ready thermoforming plugs.
  • Aluminum Mold Maintenance & Modification: Modify, repair, and rework existing cast aluminum molds when engineering changes or production wear require updates; perform precise drilling, milling, and manual bench work on aluminum tooling.
  • Post-Processing & Surface Finishing: Sand, fill, polish, and apply heat-resistant coatings to machined 3D prints, wood, Ren board, and aluminum surfaces to achieve optimal, defect-free finishes.
  • Apply Draft & Venting: Inspect all tooling to guarantee proper draft angles for clean part release, and drill or clear precise vacuum vent holes to optimize production airflow.
  • CNC Programming & G-Code: Load, test, and optimize CNC programs; perform basic G-code edits at the controller to accommodate variations in wood, printed polymers, and cast aluminum.
  • Inspect & Verify: Use calipers, micrometers, and depth gauges to inspect finished tools, ensuring they maintain tight engineering tolerances (± 0.005").
  • Engineering Collaboration: Partner with the on-site design engineering team to provide feedback on 3D print machining allowances, material stock, and aluminum mold design updates.
  • Perform all duties in compliance with regulatory requirements as well as company policies and procedures

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
  • High school diploma/GED required; CNC machining certification, tool & die certification, or trade apprenticeship preferred.
  • 3+ years of experience in CNC machining, pattern making, mold making, or precision tool/die fabrication.
  • Proven experience machining and working with a wide range of materials, including wood, Ren shape/tooling board, plastics (ABS), and metals (cast aluminum).
  • Proven track record setting up and running CNC mills or large-format routers. Strong traditional model shop bench-work skills are essential.
  • Strong ability to read 3D engineering files, blueprints, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Fluency in English is required. The ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and the ability to effectively present information to all levels of employees including top management in a variety of settings is required.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described in this section are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, talk, walk, hear, reach with hands and arms, stoop and bend. The employee must seldom lift and/or move more than 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. This position requires work around machinery, aluminum/wood chips, shop dust, and finishing resins.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described in this section are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The production area temperatures can fluctuate significantly based on the time of year. The noise levels can be moderate to high. The use of hearing protection and safety eyewear is required while on production floor. The use of additional specific safety equipment may be required. The noise level in the office is usually quiet. The noise level in production is usually moderate.
WORK AVAILABLITY AND TRAVEL
Must have the ability to work all shift schedules, periodic overtime and be available for periodic weekend work. Travel requirements: <10%
***Don't meet every single requirement? KFI is dedicated to building a diverse, well-rounded team and appreciate authentic backgrounds and experiences.. so if you think you'd be a good fit for what you just read, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply anyways! We are always willing to train those who are motivated to learn and you may be just the right candidate for a position with our growing company!***
KFI is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
This is a direct-hire opportunity with KFI. KFI is interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

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