JOB SUMMARY:
The Industrial Designer is responsible for translating new product concepts into viable product platforms. You will work with the Design/PD team on innovation and execution of products from concept through production. We are looking for a team-oriented designer to collaborate in creating exciting designs across Outward Hound’s different brands and product types. The person in this role must be a highly creative and resourceful self-starter who is always looking for something new to challenge them.
A standout candidate in this role will be someone who enjoys and has experience and passion designing hard goods toys and plush toys.
Work Performed:
Key Duties:
- Collaborate with design, product, and engineering teams to assure successful conception and implementation of industrial designs for Outward Hound Brand products
- Work with the team to identify areas of opportunity and generate concepts
- Effectively partner with Category Managers throughout the design/development process to deliver best in class products that meet schedule and cost requirements
- Work day-to-day on different molded toy, game, and plush products for dogs and cats
- Sketch product ideas, build hand mock-ups and create rapid prototypes
- Develop accurate 3D CAD files and maintain revision control throughout the process
- Create product specifications and Bill of Materials, keeping all current through commercialization
- Communicate design revisions to factory partners
- Assist with hard lines material testing, research, and documentation
- Help team with 3D printing and creation of sample models
- All other duties as assigned
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Must have a strong understanding of a variety of materials and manufacturing processes – TPE, PP, TPR, injection molding, cut & sew processes
- Proven track record designing successful toys from concept to production
- Former toy design experience (for dogs or for children)
- You enjoy working in 3D CAD, creating 3D models, and creating mock-ups and prototypes (CAD skills are a must to be considered for this role)
- Strong ability to communicate ideas through sketching and you have a portfolio that exhibits a level of understanding in form, function & color
- Maintain design continuity through to manufacture
- Strong understanding of branding and merchandising
- Great eye for color, graphics and character design
- Skilled at sketching and product renderings
- Able to work independently as well as collaboratively
- Ability to work under pressure and under extremely tight deadlines
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to accept construction criticism and thrive in a collaborative environment
- Knowledge of basic manufacturing methods e.g., Injection molding, blow molding, cut & sew constructions, etc.
- Knowledge of material properties for plastics, rubber, and TPE’s is a Plus
- Highly skilled at Solidworks, Fusion 360 or other relevant 3D software
- Basic knowledge of 3D printing processes & materials
- Skilled in Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
- Knowledge of PLM systems (Centric is a Plus)
- Knowledge of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Education:
BFA or BS in Industrial Design, Toy Design or related field is a must
Qualifications:
2+ years of relevant work experience in consumer products;
toy design experience highly desired.
Other:
Some domestic or international travel may be required
Relocation/Hybrid work required
Our Benefits (for Full-time Employees)
- Medical / Dental / Vision/Accident
- HSA
- 401K & 100% Employer Match (Fully vested after 1 year)
- Flexible Paid Time Off (includes vacation and sick time)
- Parental Leave
- Basic Term Life and AD&D (Employer Paid)
- Voluntary Term Life and AD&D
- Pet Insurance (Employer Paid)
- Annual Bonus Potential
We invite all candidates to apply!
Outward Hound is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and we strive to create an inclusive and equitable environment for all our employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other protected status.