Industrial Designer

Position Summary

The Industrial Designer works as a key contributor within the product development team, where they transform user insights and technical requirements into innovative, ergonomic, and manufacturable tools. They collaborate closely with engineers, marketers, and end users to deliver high-performance designs that balance aesthetics with functionality. Through hands-on prototyping and iterative design, they ensure products meet industry standards, brand values, and user expectations. Their role spans the full product lifecycle, from concept sketching and CAD modelling to usability testing and production support.

This role will be 5 days a week in our office located in Henrietta, NY.

Key Responsibilities

Product Concept Development:

• Generate original concepts based on user needs, competitive research, and market trends.
• Present design direction with sketches, mood boards, and storyboards for team alignment.

User-Centered Design:

• Conduct user research and field testing to uncover pain points and ergonomic opportunities.
• Integrate human factors and anthropometric data into all design decisions.

3D Modelling & Rendering:

• Create detailed 3D CAD models using tools like SolidWorks.
• Produce high-quality renderings for presentations and marketing using KeyShot or equivalent.

Prototyping & Testing:

• Built functional and visual prototypes using 3D printing, CNC, and hand-fabrication techniques.
• Conduct field testing and iterative refinements to validate performance and durability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with engineers to ensure manufacturability and technical feasibility of designs.
• Partner with the marketing team to align product aesthetics with brand identity and messaging.

Design for Manufacturing (DFM):

• Applied DFM principles to optimize designs for injection molding, casting, and metalworking.
• Participate in tooling reviews and supplier discussions to resolve production challenges.

Materials & Finishes:

• Research and specify appropriate materials for strength, costs, and environmental resistance.
• Define color, texture, and finish (CTF) standards to enhance visual appeal and usability.

Brand Integration:

• Ensure all design elements align with the company’s brand guidelines and design language.
• Develop design guidelines to maintain visual consistency across the product line.

Project Management:

• Manage design timelines and deliverables across multiple concurrent projects.
• Maintain documentation and version control throughout the design process.

Sustainability Considerations:

• Explore sustainable materials and modular designs to reduce environmental impact.
• Collaborate with suppliers to assess recyclability and lifecycle footprint of tool components.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in industrial design or related field.

• 2+ years of professional experience in consumer product or hand tool design.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferable).
• Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite for concept presentation and visualization.
• Strong understanding of ergonomics and human-centered design principles.
• Experience with rapid prototyping tools and techniques.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, including injection molding and metal fabrication.
• Excellent sketching and visual communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong collaboration and communication with cross-disciplinary teams.