Sr Industrial Designer

POSITION SUMMARY

White River Marine Group is the largest marine manufacturer in North America. Our nine unique brands of recreational marine products include fiberglass and aluminum fishing boats, pontoon boats, sport boats, offshore fishing boats, utility boats and kayaks. WRMG is looking for a creative Senior Industrial Designer to join our New Product Development Group. You will have a critical role in all phases of design development from the initial research and concept generation through production release.

You will coordinate with other design personnel, collaborate with engineering counterparts, and be connected with multiple internal and external partners to explore, develop and execute well‑crafted, innovative design solutions relevant to each product brand and consumer.

You will be responsible for leading the aesthetic and ergonomic development of world‑class marine products. This includes exterior styling, interior layout, console and seating design, as well as user interface, color/materials and product graphics. You will use the creative process to identify consumer unmet needs and develop market‑differentiating products that emotionally connect with consumers. Developing concepts that showcase a high level of both 2D and 3D visual communication.

The ideal candidate is a highly creative, self‑motivated individual that is passionate about the details and works well in a collaborative environment.

• Lead design projects from concept to production release in collaboration with other disciplines while following the product development process.
• Utilize competitive analysis, consumer and trend research to identify product opportunities.
• Possess entrepreneurial drive to propose innovative design solutions.
• Efficiently communicate ideas and generate design proposals through ideation sketches, refined 2D renderings, Keyshot renderings, Power Point presentations.
• Maintain brand identity through appropriate form and material applications.
• Ensure that design concepts convey differentiated aesthetics, consumer benefits, best‑in‑class craftsmanship, excellent ergonomics and innovative solutions.
• Develop 3D digital theme surface models.
• Create mockups to study ergonomics, packaging, form and function.
• Help define and work within the project scope and timing.
• Must be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously and manage time effectively to meet project deadlines.
• Design within cost targets and manufacturing capabilities. Have the ability to intelligently challenge when appropriate.
• Work closely with engineering CAD team to establish product packaging criteria and guide production surface development.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, outside suppliers, sales and marketing at various phases of development.
• Prepare presentations for Phase Gate reviews.

• Minimum Degree
  
  Required:
  
  Bachelor's Degree
• Preferred Degree:
  Bachelor's Degree in Industrial (Product) or Transportation Design
• Certificate(s) or License(s): N/A
• Years of experience: 7-10

• A minimum of 7 years’ experience in the design of marine, recreational, transportation or consumer products.
• Professionally developed design and presentation skills including conceptual sketches, product renderings, 3D CAD and graphic design.
• Proficient in manual and digital sketching.
• Fluent in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) and Microsoft Office programs.
• Experience using 3D CAD software (CATIA, Alias, Blender).
• Experience leading design activity through the development process.
• Ability to create physical prototypes and mockups. Experience with 3D printing and soft/sewn goods is a plus.
• Proactive in identifying, owning, and solving problems.
• Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage time appropriately.
• Experience collaborating in the corporate environment.
• Basic knowledge of composite, aluminum, roto‑molded/formed thermoplastic and soft good manufacturing techniques.

• Occasional travel to local manufacturing facilities, regional trade shows and supplier partners.

Regularly: computer work, walking, sitting, standing.

Occasionally: lifting up to…