Associate Designer

Location: San Diego, CA (Hybrid)

TEKsystems is partnering with a leading retail brand to hire an Associate Designer who is passionate about creating innovative consumer products. This is an exciting opportunity for a designer with experience in toys, hardlines, consumer products, product development, or related categories who enjoys transforming ideas into market-ready products.

In this role, you will support the design and development of new and existing product lines, bringing concepts to life through sketching, trend research, technical specifications, color and material development, and cross-functional collaboration. You'll work alongside experienced Design, Product Development, and Merchandising teams while contributing creative ideas that help shape the future of the brand.

What You'll Do

Product Design & Development

• Create original product concepts and designs for new and existing product categories.
• Rapidly ideate through hand sketching, digital rendering, and creative concept exploration.
• Develop product illustrations, specification drawings, design layouts, and technical packages.
• Support the creation and maintenance of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and product specifications.
• Partner with Design, Product Development, and Merchandising teams throughout the product lifecycle.

Trend & Innovation

• Research consumer, industry, and market trends to inform product innovation.
• Present trend insights and design inspiration to stakeholders.
• Contribute ideas that strengthen brand identity and support future product opportunities.

Project Ownership

• Lead assigned product design projects under the guidance of Design leadership.
• Manage key milestones including trend research, concept development, design reviews, and tech pack handoff.
• Ensure projects remain on schedule and aligned with business objectives.

Color, Materials & Product Execution

• Review, organize, and approve color, fabric, and material submissions.
• Maintain a strong focus on product aesthetics, construction, color, and quality.
• Collaborate with internal partners to ensure design integrity throughout development.

Cross-Functional Support

• Prepare presentations, product line sheets, design boards, prototypes, and meeting materials.
• Participate in design reviews and product meetings.
• Document action items and support ongoing communication across teams.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, Apparel Design, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in product design and product development.
• Experience designing consumer-facing products, toys, hardlines, lifestyle products, or similar categories.
• Strong sketching, concept development, and visual communication skills.
• Proficiency with:
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
• Experience working with PLM systems, Smartsheet, or similar product management tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of color, materials, construction, and product development processes.

Preferred

• Experience in retail, consumer products, toy design, hardlines, or lifestyle product categories.
• Experience creating technical specifications and production-ready documentation.
• 3D design and visualization experience using tools such as Rhino, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Blender, or similar software.
• Experience collaborating with merchandising, product development, and sourcing teams.

Ideal Background

We'd love to hear from you if you've worked as a:

• Associate Designer
• Product Designer
• Consumer Product Designer
• Toy Designer
• Hardlines Designer
• Industrial Designer
• Product Development Designer
• Accessories Designer
• Retail Product Designer

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to work with a nationally recognized retail brand.
• Hands-on ownership of products from concept through execution.
• Collaborative, creative environment with experienced design leaders.
• Hybrid schedule in beautiful San Diego, CA.
• Chance to influence future product innovations and brand growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Diego, CA.

The pay range for this position is $42.87 - $42.87/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a hybrid position in San Diego,CA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 2026.

About TEKsystems

We're partners in transformation. We help clients activate ideas and solutions to take advantage of a new world of opportunity. We are a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 clients, including 80% of the Fortune 500, across North America, Europe and Asia. As an industry leader in Full-Stack Technology Services, Talent Services, and real-world application, we work with progressive leaders to drive change. That's the power of true partnership. TEKsystems is an Allegis Group company.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

About TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services

We’re a leading provider of business and technology services. We accelerate business transformation for our customers. Our expertise in strategy, design, execution and operations unlocks business value through a range of solutions. We’re a team of 80,000 strong, working with over 6,000 customers, including 80% of the Fortune 500 across North America, Europe and Asia, who partner with us for our scale, full-stack capabilities and speed. We’re strategic thinkers, hands-on collaborators, helping customers capitalize on change and master the momentum of technology. We’re building tomorrow by delivering business outcomes and making positive impacts in our global communities. TEKsystems and TEKsystems Global Services are Allegis Group companies. Learn more at TEKsystems.com.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.