Product Design & Innovation Lead

Invent Wood offers an extraordinary opportunity for a Product Design & Innovation Lead to shape the future of materials. In this role, you will drive the development of new products across a wide range of industries.

Invent Wood is a pioneering materials science company that revolutionizes the construction and building materials industry. We've developed Super Wood, a groundbreaking engineered wood product that is stronger, lighter, more durable, and more sustainable than traditional alternatives like steel and concrete. Born out of research at the University of Maryland, we are transforming the possibilities of wood, offering unparalleled performance while promoting responsible forest management and reducing carbon emissions.

As we scale our commercial production, we're building a team passionate about driving adoption of this transformative material.

Position Overview

Invent Wood offers an extraordinary opportunity for a Product Design & Innovation Lead to shape the future of materials. In this role, you will drive the development of new products across a wide range of industries. Within building products, this includes mass timber applications such as cladding, decking, railings, fencing, flooring, and other architectural materials. Beyond construction, Invent Wood’s technology extends to furniture, sporting goods, and transportation applications spanning automotive, rail, and aerospace.

With strength and performance that can be literally bulletproof, the material also enables compelling military uses. Given the scale and versatility of this breakthrough, few—if any—materials in history have had the potential to be adopted so rapidly across such a broad spectrum of global applications.

The Product Design & Innovation Lead will work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, R&D, and external partners, translating our material science breakthroughs into real-world solutions. This role will be both a customer-facing role and a hands-on implementer at our plant and fabrication shop. They will be expected to rapidly assess existing solutions across multiple market opportunities, and to develop a range of potential solutions with Super Wood.

They would then rapidly implement prototypes utilizing our internal woodshop and/or external fabricators. This role will also represent us with potential customers, learn more about markets, and share preliminary solutions to key stakeholders. They will be expected to work closely with IP counsel in developing related intellectual property to protect our innovations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Development of novel solutions to market needs, leveraging Super Wood’s unique capabilities and properties.
• Collaborate with product development and R&D teams to test and confirm the structural performance of Invent Wood materials in architectural and construction applications.
• Design and analyze structural designs using Invent Wood’s materials, including simulations, calculations, and physical testing.
• Provide expertise in the design, prototyping, and evaluation of structural systems and assemblies.
• Lead and participate in prototyping activities on a hands-on basis, helping to build, assemble and test various assemblies and systems.
• Interpret and apply building codes, ASTM standards, and sustainability certifications (LEED, EPD, etc.)
• Support material certification processes and ensure adherence to applicable building codes and standards.
• Partner with architects, designers, and manufacturers to integrate Invent Wood technologies into real-world projects.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, specifications, and documentation for structural evaluations and code compliance.
• Conduct finite element analysis (FEA), load testing, and failure mode assessments
• Contribute to R&D efforts to expand material applications and improve performance metrics.
• Support the development of new intellectual property, including supporting our legal counsel with the filing and prosecution of new patents.
• Present findings to internal teams, clients, and regulatory bodies.
• Contribute to continuous improvement in material performance, testing protocols, and engineering workflows.

Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate combines deep technical structural design ability with a passion for sustainability, innovation, and collaboration.
• Track record of successful innovation across multiple prior engagements
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Strong background in wood design, joinery, fabrication, and construction practices.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or in progress. At least 5-10 years of experience in structural design, testing, or materials engineering.