Senior Color, Material and Finish (CMF) Designer

SharkNinja•Needham, MA

1d•$73,500 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

SharkNinja is seeking a Senior CMF Designer to join their Ninja Design Team. This role is responsible for leading CMF strategy across multiple product categories, influencing how products look, feel, and communicate quality. The designer will manage CMF workstreams from research and supplier sourcing to production sign-off, acting as a strategic partner to Industrial Design, Engineering, and Marketing. The position requires a blend of artistic and engineering thinking, with expertise in trend forecasting, materials science, stakeholder communication, and supplier factory evaluation. The role also involves mentoring junior designers.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, CMF Design, or a related field.
5–7 years of CMF design experience, with a portfolio spanning consumer electronics, lifestyle products, or similar categories.
Expert-level skills in Adobe Creative Suite, KeyShot, and SolidWorks.
Deep, independently applied knowledge of color theory, trend forecasting, materials innovation, and manufacturing processes.
A track record of working directly with suppliers and manufacturers to bring new CMF solutions to market.
Strong analytical and storytelling skills.
A sharp eye for detail and an uncompromising standard for craftsmanship.
Confident presentation skills; ability to explain and defend design rationale to cross-functional and senior audiences.
Comfort managing multiple projects at once in a fast-paced environment.
Portfolio required, showcasing CMF leadership, material innovation, and full concept-to-production process.

Nice To Haves

Experience mentoring junior designers is a plus.

Responsibilities

Set CMF direction by leading CMF strategy for assigned product categories, translating brand vision and consumer insight into color, material, and finish decisions.
Drive CMF concepts from idea to production, owning the creative point of view from early trend research through final implementation.
Research and forecast emerging color, material, and finish trends, turning them into clear seasonal narratives.
Develop mood boards, color palettes, and material libraries to communicate CMF intent.
Own supplier relationships by leading sourcing conversations, evaluating materials and finishes for aesthetics, feasibility, durability, and cost.
Produce CMF specifications and briefs for production teams.
Provide CMF feedback in design reviews and advocate for design integrity.
Guide prototypes and samples through iterative rounds for final approval.
Maintain CMF sample archives and material references.
Mentor junior CMF designers and help build a culture of craft and continuous improvement.