Design Observer · 2 hours ago
Senior Industrial Designer
Duluth, MN
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
4+ years expDesign Observer is seeking a Senior Industrial Designer to be a key member of their Interiors Engineering team. This role involves shaping the user experience and aesthetic identity of aircraft seats and interiors through innovative design solutions and collaboration with various teams.
ArchitectureDigital MediaNews
Responsibilities
Create innovative, visually compelling, and production-ready designs for interior furnishings, seating, and ergonomic interfaces
Translate ideas into effective visual representations using hand sketches, digital renderings, physical models, and prototypes
Maintain and evolve the Cirrus Visual Brand Language across products to ensure consistent and elevated user experience
Guide the design process from ideation through production, applying deep knowledge of geometry, materials, and manufacturing processes
Specify colors, materials, and finishes (CMF) based on both brand direction and operational requirements such as durability, comfort, and certification
Partner with engineers, product managers, manufacturing, certification, and customer experience teams to refine and implement designs
Gather and define design requirements through direct interaction with internal stakeholders and external customers, considering aesthetic, ergonomic, regulatory, and operational needs
Drive rapid prototyping and user testing to refine design decisions and achieve optimal fit, finish, and usability
Collaborate with internal and external partners to refine production methods, optimize materials, and address feasibility constraints
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or a related discipline required
Minimum of 4-7 years of progressive design experience
Demonstrated track record of launching production-ready products with strong user and business impact
Strong portfolio showcasing innovative, real-world design outcomes
Advanced skills in visual storytelling, sketching, and rendering
Deep understanding of CMF selection for regulated environments
Proficiency in Computer-Aided Industrial Design (CAID) software such as Autodesk Alias, Rhino, ICEM Surf, or Adobe Creative Suite
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Ability to balance design vision with technical and business constraints
Highly collaborative, curious, and adaptable in a fast-paced development environment
Preferred
Prior experience in aviation, automotive, or marine interiors preferred
Familiarity with CAD and PLM tools preferred (e.g., PTC Creo and Windchill)
Class A surfacing capabilities are considered a strong plus
Company
Design Observer
Design Observer, an online platform providing news, commentary, and criticism about design, urbanism, social innovation, and visual culture.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Jessica Helfand
Partner, Creative Director
Company data provided by crunchbase