About the Role:Saronic is seeking an Industrial Designer to join our growing design team. In this role, you'll shape the physical form and identity of next-generation maritime systems - from hulls and deck structures to enclosures, payload modules, and launch systems.
You'll collaborate closely with engineering and fabrication teams, transforming functional requirements into refined, manufacturable forms that reflect Saronic's design language. The ideal candidate has both an artist's eye and a builder's practical skills-someone who's creative but also hands-on, and comfortable sketching ideas, modeling shapes, and making physical prototypes.
This role partners directly with mechanical and naval engineering teams - engineering owns functional and structural design; industrial design owns form, proportion, and aesthetic integration.
Key Responsibilities: - Concept and Form Development:
- Generate and visualize concepts that translate engineering-defined requirements into cohesive, functional forms. Create proportionally accurate surfaces and visual models that express Saronic's industrial design language.
- Surface Modeling and Visualization:
- Use Rhino or similar surface modeling tools to develop 3D concept geometry for review and refinement. Produce high-quality renderings and visualization assets using tools such as KeyShot or Blender to communicate design intent.
- Aesthetic Consistency and CMF:
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of Saronic's design language across vessels and supporting hardware. Support color, material, and finish (CMF) definition in collaboration with product and engineering leads.
- Prototype Support:
- Build or coordinate fabrication of visual mockups and presentation models for design reviews, trade shows, or stakeholder evaluations. Ensure all mockups align with engineering constraints and undergo product team approval.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Work closely with engineers and fabricators to ensure design intent complements structural and mechanical realities. Participate in design reviews, integrating feedback while maintaining the balance between form and function.
Qualifications: - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Transportation Design, Product Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
- 5-10+ years of experience designing physical products - ideally in marine, aerospace, defense, robotics, or transportation sectors.
- Strong portfolio demonstrating concept ideation, 3D surface modeling, visualization, and physical prototyping.
- Proficiency in Rhino, Alias, or similar surface modeling software; rendering experience with KeyShot, V-Ray, or Blender.
- Skilled in sketching and form exploration - able to rapidly express ideas in both analog and digital media.
- Understanding of materials, manufacturing methods, and environmental durability in ruggedized hardware.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills; ability to work effectively with engineering, fabrication, and leadership teams.
- Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to export-controlled information or facilities.
Preferred Experience: - Background in designing marine or aerospace products, or similar large-scale hardware systems.
- Familiarity with composite fabrication, metal forming, or additive manufacturing processes.
- Experience creating show-quality models or mockups for demonstrations and events.
- Strong grasp of ergonomics, maintenance accessibility, and usability in operational environments.
Benefits:- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents
- Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care. Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents
- Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays
- Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents
- Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses
- Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match
- Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success
- Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage
- Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline
- Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office
