Designer III

Dancker; Somerville (NJ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Dancker in Somerville, NJ is seeking an experienced Designer III to lead complex design scopes and manage documentation. The successful candidate will mentor junior designers and guide design strategy.

The role requires advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and 5+ years of experience in complex commercial interiors. The position includes a salary range of $70,000–$85,000 based on skills and experience.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive industry experience in commercial interiors, furniture dealership projects, or workplace design solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to guide client-centered design solutions balancing quality, budget, and service expectations.
• Works with significant autonomy acting as a senior technical resource for project teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of detailed CET drawings and complex furniture plans.
• Provide updates to Design Manager and Account Executives.
• Identify and resolve discrepancies between plans and specifications.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD

Excellent organization

Problem-solving skills

Strong command of installation drawings

Education

Bachelor’s degree from a FIDER or CIDA-accredited design program

Tools

AutoCAD

CET

Job description

Position Title: Designer III

Location: Somerville, NJ

Department: Client Services - Design

The difference you’ll make

We’re looking for an experienced and collaborative Designer III to join our design team at dancker. In this role, you’ll lead complex design scopes, guide design strategy, and serve as a technical, product, and process resource for the broader team. You’ll manage highly detailed documentation, help resolve complex site and specification challenges, mentor junior designers, and contribute to standards, innovation, and client confidence. If you’re a seasoned design professional who brings strong technical expertise, thoughtful leadership, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, client-centered solutions, we’d love to hear from you.

How you’ll make an impact

• Lead the development of detailed CET drawings, complex furniture plans, product specifications, high-quality 3D visuals, and presentation materials
• Oversee and produce installation drawings and supporting documents for complex projects, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and alignment with project intent
• Provide proactive updates to the Design Manager, Team Leads, Account Executives, and Sales leadership while helping steer project direction and priorities
• Partner strategically with Account Executives, VP Sales, clients, manufacturer representatives, and internal teams to shape project vision and solve complex design challenges
• Lead finish selections, product strategy, value-alignment conversations, and specification decisions for large, complex, or high-visibility projects
• Oversee internal reporting and project documentation standards for assigned work, ensuring decisions, risks, and deliverables are clearly documented
• Identify and resolve discrepancies between plans, specifications, field conditions, and installation requirements, escalating risks with recommended solutions
• Stay ahead of product innovations, workplace trends, sustainability considerations, and industry best practices while sharing insights across the team
• Mentor Designer I and Designer II team members through drawing reviews, technical guidance, product knowledge, and process coaching
• Drive or contribute to design standards, workflow improvements, quality control practices, and cross functional collaboration across dancker
• Represent the design function in client-facing meetings, presentations, and complex coordination discussions with confidence and professionalism

What you’ll bring to this role

• Preferred Bachelor’s degree from a FIDER or CIDA-accredited design program or equivalent relevant experience
• 5+ years of progressive industry experience, including responsibility for complex commercial interiors, furniture dealership projects, or workplace design solutions
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, including complex drawing production, specifications, and revisions
• Familiarity with CET is preferred, but not required
• Strong command of installation drawings, specification packages, field coordination, and documentation quality control
• Advanced expertise in systems furniture, product specifications, ancillary solutions, finish selections, and manufacturer resources
• Demonstrated ability to guide client-centered design solutions while balancing quality, budget, schedule, constructability, and service expectations
• Excellent organization, judgment, communication, and problem-solving skills across multiple complex projects
• Works with significant autonomy and acts as a senior technical and process resource for project teams and junior designers

Key Behaviors to succeed in the role

All Employees: Collaborates | Accountable | Innovative | Customer Focused | Self Development | Courage

About dancker

At dancker we partner with clients to co-create spaces that maximize the flow between people and ideas to unleash creative, productive, human potential.
Established in 1829, our origin is founded upon the quality of proud hand-made craftsmanship. For nearly 200 years, dancker has evolved our products, services, and expertise to meet the changing needs of work and the workplace. We conduct business nationally from our experience centers and logistical facilities located through the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. We understand why, how, and where people do their best work.
Today, we’re helping clients rethink our spaces in order to create new inspiring destinations. Together, we’re co-creating inviting spaces that support multiple work modes, engage people, provide ample privacy, and unite the collaborative efforts of employees through a range of unique settings.
As a leading interior solutions provider, we seamlessly integrate architectural, furniture, technology, and logistical solutions for leading organizations across corporate, government, education, and healthcare markets. dancker represents over 300 commercial interiors manufacturers, suppliers, and unique craftsman.
As an employer, we are proud of our environment that enables our people to be successful personally and professionally, our foundational believe that talent can develop and grow and our culture that celebrates our brilliant minds that bring the best and brightest ideas to life.

Salary Range: $70,000–$85,000, based on skills, capabilities, and experience.