SoTalent · 10 hours ago
Senior Director of Design & Advanced Development
San Francisco, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$188K/yr - $320K/yr
10+ years expSoTalent is seeking a Senior Director of Design & Advanced Development to lead a global Front-End Innovation team. This role involves driving early-stage product concepts and advanced prototyping while fostering collaboration and innovation within the studio.
Staffing & Recruiting
Responsibilities
Lead a team of Industrial Designers and Product Design Engineers in concept creation, visual storytelling, and early platform exploration across product categories
Inspire and mentor creative talent, fostering collaboration, experimentation, and innovation within the studio
Pitch future-focused concepts that connect emotionally and drive alignment across the organization
Partner with Mechanical Engineering, R&D, Product Development, and Product Marketing to ensure concepts are feasible, scalable, and aligned with strategy
Apply deep knowledge of materials, manufacturing methods (plastic injection molding, die casting, sheet metal), and DFM/DFA principles to ensure ideas are producible
Integrate consumer insights, trend forecasting, and emerging technologies into forward-looking design visions
Cultivate a high-energy, curiosity-driven environment focused on creativity, invention, and consumer-obsessed outcomes
Maintain hands-on engagement in sketching, modeling, prototyping, and iterative design processes
Qualification
Required
Degree in Product Design Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field blending design and engineering
10+ years of experience in product design and innovation, ideally in high-volume consumer goods
Portfolio of category-defining consumer products demonstrating design excellence, storytelling, and successful commercialization
Proven leadership experience building and mentoring creative teams
Hands-on design skills combined with strategic vision and the ability to influence stakeholders across all organizational levels
Proficiency in SolidWorks or Creo, KeyShot, and Adobe Suite
Strong technical foundation in high-volume manufacturing and feasibility assessment
Benefits
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSAs, 401(k) with match, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, parental leave, and more
Perks include product discounts, referral bonuses, backup care, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities
Company
SoTalent
At SoTechTalent, we specialise in connecting forward-thinking tech companies with world-class talent.
2-10 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageCompany data provided by crunchbase