Industrial Designer

Cascade Designs Inc • Reno, NV

13d • Onsite

About The Position

Want to work and play in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains? Cascade Designs, home to MSR, Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, SealLine, Packtowl and Varilite, is now headquartered in Reno, NV. Just over an hour from Lake Tahoe with 300 days of sunshine each year, this is the perfect work and play destination for outdoor adventurers at every level. We are seeking passionate, driven, curious people who not only love the outdoors but strive to bring the same passion and curiosity into their work with them every day. Our Brands: Therm-a-Rest, MSR, Platypus, SealLine, PackTowl, VariLite (applicants please include your portfolio and a cover letter) We are currently seeking an enthusiastic Industrial Designer to join our high performing Product Development Team in Reno, NV. As a member of the Product Development Team this role will be responsible for supporting Cascade Design as an Industrial Designer in four main areas (project dependent): Design Continuity and Direction 2D / 3D Sketching, Modelling, and Surfacing Conceptualization and Ideation Colors, Material, and Finishes They will demonstrate a strong knowledge of the entire design process and have experienced the full product lifecycle, including successful products in the marketplace and user feedback. Must demonstrate the ability to sketch, create renderings and model products in a way that clearly communicates design intent. Demonstrate the ability to communicate design intent to suppliers at the highest level (ie. design spec pack, and/or CAD models). Demonstrate a working knowledge of manufacturing methods within a given category of product. This position requires knowledge of the entire design process and a general understanding of the various manufacturing techniques utilized in consumer products. Must possess knowledge of outdoor sports, and activities for which we design products. Possess experience conducting user research, presenting user research, and implementing findings into design. In addition, this position requires the ability to conduct research, present project status, communicate clearly, meet deadlines, use word processing, spreadsheets, email and other basic computer skills. Will be expected to complete all required Industrial Design functions in accordance with our process and within the published company development timeline, projected product costing, and spending targets. The ideal person should have 5-7 years of experience in product design, preferably in the outdoor consumer product market. To be effective in this role this individual must have the following skills and experience: Skilled in primary software for your category and advanced in another ID software tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Rhino, Alias, SolidWorks, NX, CLO or other relevant software used to explore and detail concepts, product intent, and product details with internal and external stakeholders. Skilled at working with product team to leverage experience to conduct effective user engagement sessions to identify user needs, test concepts, and validate solutions. Knowledge of trends within design industry. Proficiency in manufacturing processes currently used within your category and introductory knowledge in processes adjacent to your categories. Knowledge of regulatory environments applicable to the product categories in which you work. Strong understanding of the needs of athletes in the sports and activities we serve. Participates in these activities in line with their interests. Able to use prior experience to estimate timing on tasks and prioritize work efficiently to deliver to multiple stakeholders. knows when to elevate issues to team and/or manager. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of entire product design and development process and have experience in full product lifecycle including the successful commercialization of products into the marketplace. This is an in-office position based out of our manufacturing headquarters in Reno, NV.

Requirements

• Skilled in primary software for your category and advanced in another ID software tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Rhino, Alias, SolidWorks, NX, CLO or other relevant software used to explore and detail concepts, product intent, and product details with internal and external stakeholders.
• Skilled at working with product team to leverage experience to conduct effective user engagement sessions to identify user needs, test concepts, and validate solutions.
• Knowledge of trends within design industry.
• Proficiency in manufacturing processes currently used within your category and introductory knowledge in processes adjacent to your categories.
• Knowledge of regulatory environments applicable to the product categories in which you work.
• Strong understanding of the needs of athletes in the sports and activities we serve. Participates in these activities in line with their interests.
• Able to use prior experience to estimate timing on tasks and prioritize work efficiently to deliver to multiple stakeholders. knows when to elevate issues to team and/or manager.
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of entire product design and development process and have experience in full product lifecycle including the successful commercialization of products into the marketplace.
• Typically: a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, or closely related field, or relevant work and design experience.
• 3D Modelling software. (SolidWorks, Rhino, ect.)

Nice To Haves

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in industrial design
• Materials and Manufacturing knowledge, on either fabric, metal manufacturing, or plastic injection molding.

Responsibilities

• Design Continuity and Direction Formulate or maintain a strong design language for each brand and ensure that each new project aligns with this chosen direction. Communicate this messaging to internal customers.
• Colors, Materials, Finishes May create and maintain the seasonal color pallet for each brand. Translates colors across finishes and materials (Painted, Injected, dyed, etc..)
• Surfacing Leverage 3D tools to provide clean surfaces or solid bodies to the Design Engineering team, or vendor directly. Skilled in multiple methods of 3D prototyping at various fidelity levels required to communicate and make decisions. Includes but is not limited to traditional ID hand work, CAD, 3D printing, paper/foam/cut and sewn/etc. models.
• Conceptualization & Ideation Uses prior experiences to work independently or with the Product Development team to solve problems of increasing user and technical complexities. Delivering solutions which balance business viability, technical feasibility, and user desirability. Study consumer trends related to design and proactively adapt and conceptualize these trends as suggestions for future products or product line introductions and enhancements. Prototype samples as needed to convey intent.
• Detail Design Determine all aspects of the product design such as (but not limited to) materials, construction, mechanical assemblies, aesthetics, shape, color, surface finish, and manufacturing processes in cooperation with other business functions involved in the development of new products.
• Product Design Visual Communication Effectively communicate design intent and ideas to customers through sketches, illustrations, models, and prototypes. May present product concepts and designs to a diverse variety of audiences, catering to their specific needs.
• Timeline Adherence Adhere to the project schedule and assume accountabilities for all responsible components of the product development process.
• Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance Maintain high level of expertise and readily communicate all sustainability related standards, including, but not limited to internal and external RSLs, vendor and industry requirements.
• Mentorship May provide mentorship to Associate Engineers and Designers.
• Materials knowledge Solid, proficient understanding of materials essential to decision making with regard to manufacturing processes used, environmental conditions

Benefits

• 3 weeks paid time off per year
• 10 paid holidays
• 3 Floating holidays
• Flexible work schedule based on Manager approvals
• Great health benefits (medical, dental, vision)
• 401(K) with company matching
• Life insurance paid by Cascade Designs
• Activity Gear Loaner Program and discounts on products purchased through Pro Deals
• $100 to spend on Cascades Designs products and a generous employee discount on all Cascade Designs gear!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees