Design Project Manager Jobs in Michigan
Design Project Manager jobs in Michigan are consistently active, with demand concentrated in automotive and mobility design, architecture and construction, and consumer product development, covering roles from entry-level coordinators through senior program leads. Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor anchor most of the hiring, where established employers like Ford Motor Company, Steelcase, and Consumers Energy rely on design project managers to move complex product and facilities initiatives from concept to completion. The most sought-after specialties in Michigan right now are automotive interior and UX design management, workplace and commercial interiors, and sustainable product development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Are you passionate about creating immersive, educational experiences that inspire curiosity and learning? The Air Zoo is seeking a creative, organized, and collaborative Exhibits Design & Project Coordinator to help bring dynamic exhibitions and interpretive experiences to life. This role combines exhibit design, project coordination, storytelling, and visitor engagement to create memorable experiences that connect guests of all ages to science, aviation, and space exploration. If you enjoy turning ideas into engaging experiences and thrive managing projects from concept through installation, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
The Exhibits Design & Project Coordinator manages the planning, development, design, and implementation of exhibitions and interpretive experiences that support the Air Zoo's mission and visitor engagement goals. This role works closely with internal stakeholders, vendors, fabricators, community partners, and subject matter experts to ensure exhibits are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality, accessibility, and visitor impact.
What You’ll Do
· Collaborate with internal teams to develop exhibit concepts, stories, and visitor experiences that advance the Air Zoo's mission.
· Coordinate exhibit projects from concept through installation, managing schedules, budgets, vendors, and project deliverables.
· Design exhibit graphics, interpretive materials, signage, and visual assets that engage and educate diverse audiences.
· Create renderings, presentations, and production-ready artwork to support exhibit development and fabrication.
· Coordinate fabrication, installation, maintenance, and exhibit refresh projects while ensuring quality and accessibility standards are met.
· Research industry trends and apply visitor-centered design practices to enhance engagement and learning.
· Build strong relationships with staff, consultants, contractors, and community partners to support successful project outcomes.
· Support interns and volunteers while fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
· Evaluate exhibit effectiveness and recommend improvements based on visitor feedback and operational insights.
*The above description outlines the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities and qualifications.
What You Bring
· Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Exhibition Design, Museum Studies, Visual Communications, Project Management, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
· Experience in exhibit development, graphic design, project coordination, or a related creative environment.
· Knowledge of visitor-centered design, interpretive planning, and audience engagement strategies.
· Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Microsoft Office.
· Familiarity with SketchUp, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or similar design software.
· Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
· Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
· Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, innovation, and exceptional visitor experiences.
Schedule/Work Hours
Full-time position with generally weekday core business hours 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required during exhibit installations, special events, project deadlines, or other operational needs. This position is on-site at the Air Zoo in Portage, Michigan.
Compensation
Staring annual salary range $50,000 - $54,000, depending on skills, experience, and internal equity. The Air Zoo also offers a comprehensive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and a creative, mission-driven work environment.
Why the Air Zoo?
At the Air Zoo, we inspire and educate through the wonder of flight and science. You’ll join a mission-driven organization that values innovation, collaboration, and community impact. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where team members are empowered to grow, contribute, and make a difference every day.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in a variety of environments, including offices, exhibit spaces, storage areas, fabrication shops, and installation sites. Must be able to move throughout exhibit and installation spaces, work on ladders when necessary, and lift or move materials up to 25 pounds. Visual acuity and manual dexterity sufficient to operate computers, design software, tools, and exhibit equipment are required.
To Apply
If you're excited about blending creativity, project management, and visitor engagement to help shape extraordinary museum experiences, we invite you to apply.
Email your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to careers@airzoo.org
If you have questions or need assistance applying, please contact us at careers@airzoo.org
This position will remain posted until filled, however, priority consideration will be given to applications received by September 30th, 2026.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Are you passionate about creating immersive, educational experiences that inspire curiosity and learning? The Air Zoo is seeking a creative, organized, and collaborative Exhibits Design & Project Coordinator to help bring dynamic exhibitions and interpretive experiences to life. This role combines exhibit design, project coordination, storytelling, and visitor engagement to create memorable experiences that connect guests of all ages to science, aviation, and space exploration. If you enjoy turning ideas into engaging experiences and thrive managing projects from concept through installation, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
The Exhibits Design & Project Coordinator manages the planning, development, design, and implementation of exhibitions and interpretive experiences that support the Air Zoo's mission and visitor engagement goals. This role works closely with internal stakeholders, vendors, fabricators, community partners, and subject matter experts to ensure exhibits are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality, accessibility, and visitor impact.
What You’ll Do
· Collaborate with internal teams to develop exhibit concepts, stories, and visitor experiences that advance the Air Zoo's mission.
· Coordinate exhibit projects from concept through installation, managing schedules, budgets, vendors, and project deliverables.
· Design exhibit graphics, interpretive materials, signage, and visual assets that engage and educate diverse audiences.
· Create renderings, presentations, and production-ready artwork to support exhibit development and fabrication.
· Coordinate fabrication, installation, maintenance, and exhibit refresh projects while ensuring quality and accessibility standards are met.
· Research industry trends and apply visitor-centered design practices to enhance engagement and learning.
· Build strong relationships with staff, consultants, contractors, and community partners to support successful project outcomes.
· Support interns and volunteers while fostering a collaborative and creative work environment.
· Evaluate exhibit effectiveness and recommend improvements based on visitor feedback and operational insights.
*The above description outlines the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities and qualifications.
What You Bring
· Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design, Exhibition Design, Museum Studies, Visual Communications, Project Management, or a related field; or equivalent experience.
· Experience in exhibit development, graphic design, project coordination, or a related creative environment.
· Knowledge of visitor-centered design, interpretive planning, and audience engagement strategies.
· Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Microsoft Office.
· Familiarity with SketchUp, AutoCAD, Vectorworks, or similar design software.
· Strong project management, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
· Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
· Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, innovation, and exceptional visitor experiences.
Schedule/Work Hours
Full-time position with generally weekday core business hours 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required during exhibit installations, special events, project deadlines, or other operational needs. This position is on-site at the Air Zoo in Portage, Michigan.
Compensation
Staring annual salary range $50,000 - $54,000, depending on skills, experience, and internal equity. The Air Zoo also offers a comprehensive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and a creative, mission-driven work environment.
Why the Air Zoo?
At the Air Zoo, we inspire and educate through the wonder of flight and science. You’ll join a mission-driven organization that values innovation, collaboration, and community impact. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where team members are empowered to grow, contribute, and make a difference every day.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in a variety of environments, including offices, exhibit spaces, storage areas, fabrication shops, and installation sites. Must be able to move throughout exhibit and installation spaces, work on ladders when necessary, and lift or move materials up to 25 pounds. Visual acuity and manual dexterity sufficient to operate computers, design software, tools, and exhibit equipment are required.
To Apply
If you're excited about blending creativity, project management, and visitor engagement to help shape extraordinary museum experiences, we invite you to apply.
Email your resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references to careers@airzoo.org
If you have questions or need assistance applying, please contact us at careers@airzoo.org
This position will remain posted until filled, however, priority consideration will be given to applications received by September 30th, 2026.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $54,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See All 18 Design Project Manager Jobs in Michigan
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Find Design Project Manager JobsDesign Project Manager Jobs by City in Michigan
Where Michigan roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Design Project Manager Job Market in Michigan
A snapshot from current Michigan openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Michigan Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in design project manager jobs across Michigan.
- Bachelor's degree in design, architecture, engineering, or a related field required
- PMP or PMI certification strongly preferred by Michigan manufacturing and corporate employers
- Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional design teams from concept through delivery
- Proficiency in project management tools such as Smartsheet, Asana, or Microsoft Project
- Familiarity with AutoCAD, Revit, or Adobe Creative Suite relevant to the design discipline
- Strong communication skills for coordinating between design, engineering, and client stakeholders
Design Project Manager Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a design project manager in Michigan?
The most direct path is a bachelor's degree in industrial design, interior design, architecture, or engineering management, followed by hands-on project coordination experience in a Michigan industry such as automotive, commercial interiors, or consumer products. Michigan does not require a state-issued license specifically for design project managers, but earning a Project Management Professional credential through PMI significantly strengthens candidacy with major Michigan employers in manufacturing and corporate environments.
How much do design project managers make in Michigan?
Design project managers in Michigan earn a median of about $100,970 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $61,980 for the lowest 10% to over $154,260 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire design project managers in Michigan?
Employers hiring design project managers in Michigan right now include D|Fab, REDICO, and Air Zoo, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Michigan's deep roots in automotive manufacturing and furniture design mean that both global OEMs and regional design consultancies maintain consistent demand for experienced project managers who can bridge creative and engineering teams.
Which Michigan cities have the most design project manager jobs?
Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Southfield have the most design project manager openings in Michigan. Detroit leads because of its concentration of automotive OEMs, design studios, and architecture firms, while Grand Rapids is a national center for commercial furniture and workplace design anchored by companies like Steelcase and Herman Miller, and Ann Arbor draws technology-forward design roles tied to the University of Michigan and its surrounding innovation corridor.
Are there remote design project manager jobs in Michigan?
Yes, and more than many project management disciplines, since design coordination work often involves reviewing digital files, managing vendor timelines, and running virtual stakeholder meetings. About 13% of design project manager openings tied to Michigan are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, though roles tied to automotive studio work or construction site oversight tend to require in-person presence. The most remote-compatible specialties are digital product design management and brand or marketing design program leadership.
How can I get hired as a design project manager in Michigan with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is a junior project coordinator or design operations associate role within a Michigan automotive supplier, furniture manufacturer, or architecture firm, where you build scheduling, budgeting, and stakeholder communication skills alongside senior managers. Employers like Ford, Steelcase, and large AEC firms in Detroit regularly bring on recent graduates into coordinator tracks. A portfolio demonstrating even one end-to-end project, paired with a PMP Associate credential or a certificate in project management from a Michigan university program, gives candidates a clear edge over applicants without formal credentials.
Where can I find and apply to design project manager jobs in Michigan?
You can find and apply to design project manager jobs in Michigan on Migrate Mate, which lists current Michigan openings across industries including automotive design, commercial interiors, and product development. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 18 Design Project Manager Jobs in Michigan
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