Industrial Designer

About Project MFG

America is running out of skilled tradespeople. Open jobs are going unfilled by the hundreds of thousands, and the gap is widening fast, putting our way of life and our national security at risk. The things that keep our country running and safe don't get built without the people who know how to build them.

Project MFG is a mission-driven organization on a bold quest to inspire the next generation to discover the trades and reframe them as what they really are: aspirational, high-impact careers that futures are built on. We do it through hands-on competitions, discovery events, networking, scholarships, and more that connect community, education, and industry around one shared goal: growing America's skilled trades pipeline.

As the need for skilled tradespeople grows more urgent, we're expanding our team to increase our reach and help close the gap.

The Industrial Designer plays a critical role in bringing Project MFG's mission to life through the design and development of physical products, projects, environments, and experiences that engage participants and showcase the creativity, skill, and possibilities of modern manufacturing. Working closely with the Operations team and cross-functional partners, this role transforms ideas into compelling, functional, and manufacturable solutions that support Project MFG competitions, educational programs, events, and other hands-on experiences.

This role is ideal for someone who is creative, hands-on, and highly collaborative, with a strong understanding of industrial design and a passion for turning concepts into tangible experiences. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between ideation, sketching, prototyping, CAD, fabrication, and execution, and is excited by the opportunity to design products and experiences that inspire people to build, make, and pursue careers in the skilled trades.

This position is on-site and reports to the VP of Operations. Travel of approximately 30–50% is required throughout the year.

What You'll Do

• Develop concepts for products, educational projects, tools, fixtures, and manufacturing challenges.
• Create sketches, 3D CAD models, renderings, and technical documentation.
• Design for function, usability, aesthetics, ergonomics, and manufacturability.
• Develop prototypes and iterate designs based on testing and feedback.
• Work closely with engineers, machinists, welders, fabricators, and other manufacturing professionals.
• Design for processes including CNC machining, welding, sheet metal, 3D printing, and laser cutting.
• Select appropriate materials, hardware, finishes, and manufacturing methods.
• Develop hands-on projects for students and manufacturing competitions.
• Create visual instructions and supporting educational materials.
• Participate in design reviews and help improve existing products and projects.
• Travel periodically to competitions, schools, demonstrations, and industry events.

What You Bring

• Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Design, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience developing physical products from concept through prototype.
• Strong 3D CAD skills and understanding of product design principles.
• Understanding of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication, visualization, and problem-solving skills.
• A practical, hands-on approach to design.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Ability to turn concepts into designs that can actually be built.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar CAD software.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience with welding, fabrication, or sheet metal.
• Experience with 3D printing or other additive manufacturing.
• Experience with rapid prototyping.
• Experience developing educational products or hands-on learning experiences.
• Experience with manufacturing competitions or technical education.

How You Work

• Hands-on: Comfortable moving between the computer and the shop floor.
• Practical: Designs with manufacturing, cost, and usability in mind.
• Collaborative: Works effectively with engineers, manufacturers, educators, and students.
• Curious: Asks questions and learns from the people building the product.
• Detail-oriented: Understands that small design decisions matter.
• Adaptable: Comfortable working through changing requirements and developing new solutions.

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