Entry Level Design Associate Jobs
New grad design associate jobs attract recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where a strong portfolio or internship work can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Manufacturing, Retail, and Electronics & Hardware, with employers like Valmont Industries, Arhaus, and La-Z-Boy hiring at this level now.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 25+ Entry Level Design Associate jobs
At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to:
Engineering Supervisor
Job Advert
Your role and responsibilities
ABB Distribution Solutions empowers smarter business operations by connecting equipment, software, and services to protect, control, and optimize assets within electrical infrastructures. Across multiple energy-intensive industries, the business provides customers with end-to-end product and service solutions that help ensure the reliability and protection of their electrical infrastructure.
The Mechanical Designer is an engineering position responsible for creating mechanical designs for electrical distribution equipment, specifically ANSI Air Insulated Switchgear. This position works on low complexity orders and special designs, utilizing 3D modeling and CAD tools to develop engineering solutions. The role requires professional thinking and decision-making about designs.
The work model for the role is: #LI-onsite
This role contributes to the Electrification Distribution Solutions in Mebane, NC.
You will be mainly accountable for:
- Develop mechanical BOMs (Bills of Materials) for assigned projects.
- Release mechanical BOMs to ERP system for assigned orders.
- Create 3D models and drawings for new requisition special designs using Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent platforms.
- Create part numbers and drawings for customers’ doors and panels.
- Utilize 3D modeling to design engineering solutions, including drawings and calculations according to contractual specifications.
- Manage PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system and publish new designs.
- Create or review engineering drawings, specifications, and plans required by manufacturing, fabrication, or construction.
Qualifications for the role
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 0 or more years of experience in Customer Application Engineering or Engineering Design.
- Proficient with AutoCAD (recent version) or equivalent computer aided design platform. Computer Aided Design certification or degree preferred.
- Familiar and have practical experience with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project, PowerPoint, SAP, Windchill and other applicable software.
- Experience with 3D design including use of Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent design platform.
- Candidates must already have work authorization to work in the US.
Why ABB?
What's in it for you
We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees
[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more
Health, Life & Disability
- Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- Vision benefit
- Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
- Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
- Employee discount program
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
Time off
Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to:
Engineering Supervisor
Job Advert
Your role and responsibilities
ABB Distribution Solutions empowers smarter business operations by connecting equipment, software, and services to protect, control, and optimize assets within electrical infrastructures. Across multiple energy-intensive industries, the business provides customers with end-to-end product and service solutions that help ensure the reliability and protection of their electrical infrastructure.
The Mechanical Designer is an engineering position responsible for creating mechanical designs for electrical distribution equipment, specifically ANSI Air Insulated Switchgear. This position works on low complexity orders and special designs, utilizing 3D modeling and CAD tools to develop engineering solutions. The role requires professional thinking and decision-making about designs.
The work model for the role is: #LI-onsite
This role contributes to the Electrification Distribution Solutions in Mebane, NC.
You will be mainly accountable for:
- Develop mechanical BOMs (Bills of Materials) for assigned projects.
- Release mechanical BOMs to ERP system for assigned orders.
- Create 3D models and drawings for new requisition special designs using Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent platforms.
- Create part numbers and drawings for customers’ doors and panels.
- Utilize 3D modeling to design engineering solutions, including drawings and calculations according to contractual specifications.
- Manage PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system and publish new designs.
- Create or review engineering drawings, specifications, and plans required by manufacturing, fabrication, or construction.
Qualifications for the role
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 0 or more years of experience in Customer Application Engineering or Engineering Design.
- Proficient with AutoCAD (recent version) or equivalent computer aided design platform. Computer Aided Design certification or degree preferred.
- Familiar and have practical experience with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project, PowerPoint, SAP, Windchill and other applicable software.
- Experience with 3D design including use of Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent design platform.
- Candidates must already have work authorization to work in the US.
Why ABB?
What's in it for you
We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees
[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more
Health, Life & Disability
- Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- Vision benefit
- Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
- Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
- Employee discount program
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
Time off
Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
See All 25 Entry Level Design Associate Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEntry Level Design Associate Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing11
- Retail4
- Electronics & Hardware2
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Education1
Entry Level Design Associate Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level design associate job?
Build a portfolio that shows your process, not just finished work. Entry level design associate roles typically look for candidates who can demonstrate visual problem-solving, familiarity with tools like Adobe Creative Suite or Figma, and an ability to take direction and iterate quickly. Internship experience, school projects, or freelance work all count. Tailoring your portfolio to the type of design the employer does gives you a clear edge.
Which companies hire entry level design associates?
Companies hiring entry level design associates right now include Valmont Industries, Arhaus, and La-Z-Boy, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. At this level, hiring comes from a wide range of employers, including in-house creative teams at consumer brands, agencies that bring on junior talent to support senior designers, and startups building out their first design function.
Are there remote entry level design associate jobs?
Yes, though on-site and hybrid openings are more common at the entry level. About 0% of entry level design associate openings are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting employer preferences for in-person collaboration with junior designers who are still building their skills and working closely with senior team members.
Are these new grad design associate jobs?
Yes, these include new grad, recent graduate, and junior design associate roles. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, accepts internship or academic project work in place of professional history, or asks for a portfolio rather than a resume-heavy background. If a listing does not require prior full-time employment, it is typically open to new grad applicants.
Which industries hire the most entry level design associates?
Entry Level design associate roles concentrate in Manufacturing, Retail, and Electronics & Hardware, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. These sectors tend to drive hiring at this level because they maintain active in-house creative teams, regularly onboard junior designers to support campaign and product work, and offer structured environments where new grads can develop professional design skills.