Industrial Designer

The Opportunity

The Industrial Designer is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and developing innovative, high-performance luggage, travel bags, and daily carry accessories. This role sits at the intersection of fashion, textile engineering, and structural hardware design.

Key Responsibilities

• Ideate and develop next-generation hardside/softside luggage, backpacks, organizers, and travel accessories based on consumer travel trends and ergonomic data.
• Custom-design proprietary hardware components, including ergonomic handle systems, high-durability wheel assemblies, custom zippers, magnetic buckles, and TSA-approved locking mechanisms.
• Select and curate Colors, Materials, and Finishes (CMF). Experiment with innovative textiles, lightweight polycarbonate shells, recycled plastics, high-grade aluminum, and performance fabrics, prioritizing durability, weight reduction, and sustainability.
• Translate 2D concepts into precise 3D CAD models (SolidWorks, Rhino, or Fusion 360) ensuring mechanical functionality, seamless soft-goods-to-hard-goods integration, and DFM (Design for Manufacturing) compliance.
• Develop detailed, production-ready technical specification packages (Tech-Packs), including precise measurements, material callouts, stitching patterns, and assembly instructions for overseas manufacturing partners.
• Build rapid physical mock-ups and coordinate with sample makers. Conduct and oversee rigorous drop-testing, tumble-testing, wheel-mileage tests, and environmental testing to ensure maximum structural integrity.
• Design intelligent internal layouts (compression systems, modular pocketing, tech compartments) that maximize packing efficiency and improve the overall airport and transit experience.
  
  

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Accessory Design, or a related field. A portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of both hard goods (structures/mechanisms) and soft goods (textiles/pattern-making) is required.
• Experience: 2–5 years of professional experience in industrial design. Direct experience in luggage, footwear, outdoor gear, soft goods, or consumer accessories is highly preferred.
• Technical Skills:
• Expertise in 3D CAD modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino) with strong surfacing and assembly skills.
• Proficiency in 2D sketching, digital rendering tools (e.g., KeyShot, Blender), and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for technical draw sheets.
• Basic understanding of pattern-making, sewing, soft goods construction, and molding processes (injection molding, vacuum forming).
• Material Expertise: Strong knowledge of performance textiles (Ballistic nylon, Cordura, eco-synthetics) and structural materials (Polycarbonate, Aluminum, Polypropylene).
• Soft Skills: Strong collaborative mindset, excellent communication skills for vendor alignment, and a passionate curiosity for travel, commuting, and mobile lifestyles.