The Blueprint (Role Profile)
We are looking for a self-starting Senior Industrial Designer with a proven track record of bringing consumer/industrial products to market. This role will report to the Director of Industrial Design for North American Hand Tools, working from our office in Charlotte, NC.
As part of our ID team, you love a fast-paced environment and work efficiently. You will be able to gather insights, synthesize information, think strategically and deliver results. You will recognize the value of others, seek alternative perspectives to enhance your own, work collaboratively and view success as a team effort.
Come build your future with us!
The Build (Responsibilities)
- Lead design efforts of major product initiatives from concept to production
- Contribute to planning and scoping of major programs
- Build insights, empathy, and an appreciation of our end users. Get out in the field to observe real-world applications.
- Translate consumer insights into innovative design solutions, push forward new ideas and product platforms
- Develop patent-able features and product concepts, work with Legal resources to implement Intellectual Properties
- Recommend and guide project teams through the development and selection of solutions
- Assist in the creation and implementation of Design Guideline content, ensure guidelines are being met
- Prepare / create high-quality presentation materials with strong storytelling across a multitude of media
- Work closely with Engineering to develop product solutions, validate prototypes and define criteria/specifications
- Work with Advanced Development and Prototype teams to champion innovative technical solutions
- Forge strong relationships with Marketing, develop criteria for new programs and align on brand positioning
- Work with external vendors to accelerate and enhance internal capabilities
- Help grow and build teams, mentor associate and staff level designers
The Toolbox (Qualifications)
- Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in industrial design
- Minimum of 6 years of relevant corporate or consultant hardgoods design experience
- Proven design leadership taking concepts to production
- Knowledge of developing products within multi-disciplinary teams, including Marketing, Engineering, and Sourcing
- Experience with Commercial or Industrial products is desired
- Strong knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, including machining, forging, casting, and injection molding
- Experience with systems including hardware, software, and mechanical. UX/UI/GUI design experience is a plus
- Mechanically inclined with strong aesthetic sensitivity
- Highly developed conceptual, creative, and analytical skills
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, ability to present in English
- Demonstrated ability to work in team environments
- Business acumen: Solid understanding of key metrics and functional roles
- High level knowledge of competitive product, retail environments and market influence
- Self-motivated and flexible, eager to learn
- Ability to effectively and efficiently manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work independently toward project goals and timelines with little direction
- Ability to occasionally travel and work internationally
- Software proficiency to include Adobe Creative Suite, Creo or Solidworks, and Keyshot
- 2D Visualization Skills: Sketch, draw, illustrate, and render
- Function: Mechanical Design, Proof of Purpose Models, Prototyping, Usability/Human Factors/UX
- Form: Visual Appeal, Proportion/Scale, Study models, Craftsmanship and Color/Finish/Material
