Hardgoods Associate Product Designer

Company: Wuensche USA, Inc.

Job Title: Decorative Hardgoods Designer

Reports To: Group Director, Hardgoods

Location: Chicago, IL / Hybrid (three days required in-office)

About Us

We are Wuensche USA, an office of The Wuensche Group, based in Hamburg, Germany. With decades of experience in many categories including home décor, apparel, food, small home appliances, beauty, garden, toys, pet and more, we are a leading supplier to retailers around the globe. Visit our website to learn more about us. www.wuenschegroup.de/en/.

Position Summary

The Decorative Hardgoods Designer is responsible for developing original and derivative product designs across the home décor/seasonal décor, tableware, kitchen, bath accessories, toy, and other special projects from concept through to production-ready specifications. This role works closely with sourcing, merchandising, and overseas factory partners to ensure designs are commercially viable, on-trend, and manufacturable within target cost and quality parameters. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable walking retail floors to spot emerging trends as they are using AI-powered tools to rapidly generate and iterate on concepts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop new product concepts and design iterations based on market trends, customer briefs, and retailer requirements
• Create detailed technical drawings, CAD files, and spec packages suitable for factory production
• Collaborate with sourcing/product development teams to evaluate manufacturability, material options, and cost targets
• Review and refine samples against design intent; provide clear factory feedback and revision notes
• Conduct regular in-store market research (retailers, competitors, adjacent categories) to identify emerging design trends, materials, and pricing benchmarks
• Monitor social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, etc.) and design/trend-forecasting sources to stay ahead of consumer taste shifts
• Use AI-powered design and image-generation tools (e.g., Midjourney, Adobe Firefly, or similar) to accelerate concept generation, mood boards, and design iteration
• Research competitor products, market trends, and materials/finishes to inform design direction
• Support packaging design and product presentation materials as needed
• Maintain organized design files, tech packs, and version histories
• Present concepts to internal stakeholders and, occasionally, retail buyers/clients

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or related field
• 3–5+ years of experience designing hardgoods or consumer products
• Proficient in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.
• Skilled in CAD design, 3D CAD mock-ups, 2D rendering, and vector creation.
• Proficient in AI generated 3D design mock-ups.
• Skilled in seamless pattern creation.
• Familiar with mass product production methods. (Factory capabilities and limitations)
• Deep understanding of materials used in mass produced products, ex. ceramics, metals, plastics, etc.
• Excellent communication skills for working with overseas factories and cross-functional teams
• Live within commuting distance to the Chicago office.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with a sourcing/trading company or private label manufacturer a plus.
• Prior experience working directly with factories in Asia
• Active personal engagement with design, product, or trend content on social media
• Portfolio demonstrating AI-assisted design work as well as CAD or other software designs.

What We Offer

• Three weeks of paid time off (prorated based on start date).
• Health, vision, and dental insurance options.
• 401(k) after six months of employment, with up to a 4% match
• 10 paid holidays, one floating holiday and two personal days
• Summer Hours
• Commuter benefits
• Paid parental leave
• A great place to work with supportive people, strong teamwork, and a fast-paced environment.

As an equal opportunity employer, Wuensche USA is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we embrace different styles of thinking. Our company is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or parental leave, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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