Designer, _MADE

## Designer,  _MADEApply:
Los Angeles:
Full time:
Posted 3 Days Ago:

** Overview:
** Collaborates across disciplines to translate concepts into tangible, testable solutions through design, fabrication, and prototyping. Contributes to innovative design outcomes with creativity, curiosity, and hands-on problem-solving. Anticipates project needs and supports research, testing, and iterative development to advance design solutions. Passion for storytelling, technology, and creating meaningful human-centered experiences while learning through unfamiliar tools, equipment, materials, and technical processes.
HKS  _MADE (Materials, Applications & Digital Explorations) is a hands-on innovation lab dedicated to rapid experimentation, testing, and iteration. It is a place where bold thinking is encouraged, and the boundaries of traditional practice are intentionally pushed. The team blends creative exploration with technical rigor, using prototyping as a tool to investigate materials, systems, and technologies in ways that spark new possibilities and inform the design process at every stage.
** Responsibilities:
*** Collaborates with designers, architects, engineers, researchers, and fabrication specialists across HKS futures and  _MADE studios to develop functional prototypes for architectural spaces, building elements, products, and interactive environments
* Translates conceptual ideas, research questions, and design intent into tangible, buildable, and testable physical solutions
* Develops design concepts, 3D models, technical drawings, fabrication files, and assembly documentation to support prototype development and production
* Applies iterative design methodologies, progressing concepts through digital modeling, physical fabrication, testing, evaluation, and refinement
* Assists in engineering, detailing, fabrication, and assembly of physical prototypes, experimental building elements, mechanical systems, and functional products
* Operates digital fabrication equipment, including 3D printers, CNC routers, laser cutters, and conventional workshop tools, in accordance with established safety procedures
* Explores materials, manufacturing processes, structural configurations, mechanical connections, and assembly techniques to evaluate feasibility, constructability, and performance
* Utilizes computational and parametric design tools to investigate geometric, material, and fabrication possibilities and develop innovative design solutions
* Supports the integration of electronics, sensors, actuators, lighting, microcontrollers, and other emerging technologies into functional and interactive prototypes
* Collaborates with engineering and technical specialists to resolve mechanical, structural, electrical, and material challenges through practical experimentation and problem-solving
* Supports applied research and experimental investigations into emerging materials, advanced manufacturing methods, architectural systems, and product development
* Conducts prototype testing, collects performance data, and documents observations, technical challenges, and lessons learned to inform design refinement and future applications
* Assists in evaluating the feasibility, scalability, and potential application of prototypes into architectural projects, new products, and emerging design services
* Coordinates prototype development activities, including material procurement, fabrication planning, assembly, installation, and collaboration with external manufacturers and specialists
* Prepares and maintains design documentation, fabrication records, technical presentations, and physical demonstrations while supporting project schedules, budgets, and resource requirements
*
* Qualifications:

***
* Education and Experience:

*** Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Computational. Design, Digital Fabrication, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or related field preferred
* Typically 5+ years of experience in design, prototyping, fabrication, product development, or similar domains preferred
* Experience developing and fabricating physical models, prototypes, assemblies, or products
* Experience working in a fabrication laboratory, makerspace, design workshop, or a similar environment preferred
* Portfolio demonstrating design development, technical problem-solving, fabrication, and completed physical work is strongly preferred  
** Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities**:

Advanced: expert-level experience, knowledge or skills

Intermediate:…