Job Description

In this role, you are a key member of the Industrial Design team, and will work side-by-side with other industrial designers, engineers and product managers to develop desirable products from concept to reality. The Lead Engineer, Industrial Design will be responsible for aiding in the design and development of new products and for concept development, product identity and aesthetics. This position calls for an organized, experienced designer with a proven track record of product launches. This position will help drive organization that is continuing to evolve. Ideal candidates should be self-motivated individuals that have a strong understanding of design principles, and excellent sketching and visualizing skills and wish to expand their responsibilities and career growth.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide experienced design leadership on projects, process improvement and among ID staff
• Aid in design research and identify consumer profiles for targeted industries and markets.
• Assist in the Engineers in solving design problems relating to the user experience, usability, and appearance.
• Deliver sophisticated aesthetic approach that balances an understanding of user experience, an awareness of emerging trends and brand VDL application.
• Create detailed design sketches and drawings to convey design intent to internal engineering and external production sources.
• Present ideation and concepts to internal staff.
• Builds working prototypes from design specifications.
• Responsible for testing and validating concepts and prepare concept renderings.
• Develop and maintain familiarity with materials and processes used in the industry and manufacture of Harbor Freight products.
• Have working knowledge of the New Product Development process as it relates to design

Scope

• Staff supervision and development: Yes
• Decision making:
  • Provide consultation or expert advice
• Travel: Up to 10%
• Flex Designation: Anywhere

The anticipated salary range for this position is $117,300 - $176,000 depending on location, knowledge, skills, education and experience. This position is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition, we offer comprehensive and competitive benefits to Associates (and their families) such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability. Eligible Associates are able to enroll in our company's 401k plan. Associates will accrue paid time off up to 236 hours per year (inclusive of PTO, floating holidays, and paid holidays). Paid sick time up to 80 hours per year unless otherwise required by law.

Requirements

Education and Experience
Education Requirements

• BS or BFA in Industrial Design

Years of Experience

• Minimum of 5-7 years' of professional experience.

Skills

• Must have portfolio that showcases a thoughtful creative process.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite
• Proficient in KEYSHOT and 3D modeling software (Solidworks/Creo/Pro-E is preferred)
• Excellent sketching and form development skills, comfortable sketching on digital devices as well as traditional hand sketching.
• Strong understanding of design principles with a strong aesthetic sense
• Strong understanding of color, materials, and finishes as it applies to product design.
• Must have a "can-do" attitude - the desire to go above and beyond in all you do
• Skills (Preferred / Desired) - Consumer Products Experience
• Basic understanding of ergonomics and end user experience
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes as it relates to design

Physical Requirements
QA - General office environment requiring ability to:

• Stand, walk, sit for extended periods of time.
• Speak and listen to others in person and over the phone and video conferencing. Use keyboard and read from computer screen and reports.
• The ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to travel frequently within China to various supplier manufacturing sites. Ability to walk factory manufacturing operations and spend considerable time on the factory floor.

Safety
Must be able to perform this job safely in accordance with standard operating procedures and good manufacturing practices, without endangering the health or safety of self or others.