Industrial Designer

About Powerus

Powerus is building a next-generation American autonomous systems platform designed to move, protect, and sustain critical assets in high-consequence environments. The company combines advanced autonomy, manufacturing capability, operational expertise, and strategic acquisitions to support defense, national security, critical infrastructure, and commercial operations globally.

Mission

Our mission is to deliver resilient autonomous technologies that strengthen national security, improve operational safety, and expand the capabilities of organizations operating in complex environments.

Why Join Powerus

Powerus handheld ground controllers are used for hours at a time, often with gloves, in sunlight, and under time pressure. Their form, grip, control layout, and materials determine how well an operator can fly.

This role defines the industrial design of Powerus controllers, from research and concept through color, material, and finish, working with mechanical, electrical, and UX design.

Position Overview

Powerus is seeking an Industrial Designer to define the form, ergonomics, controls layout, and materials of Powerus handheld ground controllers and related field equipment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop controller concepts through sketches, renderings, and physical models
• Define grip, weight distribution, and control placement for gloved and extended use
• Define color, material, and finish specifications for field durability
• Build and test ergonomic prototypes with operators
• Work with mechanical engineering on surfacing, part breaks, and manufacturability
• Work with UX design on the relationship between physical controls and on-screen interface
• Maintain design intent through tooling and production

Qualifications

• Must be located in the United States, within commuting distance of Rock Hill, SC
• Bachelor's degree in industrial design or a related field
• Professional experience designing physical products that went to production
• Proficiency in CAD surfacing with Rhino, SolidWorks, Alias, or equivalent
• Experience building physical prototypes
• A portfolio showing product work from concept through production
• U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual under 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)); this role involves access to ITAR- and EAR-controlled technical data

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing handheld controllers, tools, or rugged equipment
• Experience with injection-molded plastic product design
• Experience designing for military, industrial, or outdoor use
• Experience conducting user research with field operators
• Active or prior U.S. security clearance

What We Look For

Candidates should have a portfolio that includes a handheld or hand-operated product carried through to production.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Powerus is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and mission-driven workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.