Senior Industrial Designer & Ergonomist

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 59,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous annual leave and holidays

Professional development & design-conf

Prototyping facilities access

Company-sponsored social events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Industrial Designer & Ergonomist for our client in Kimberley, Northern Cape. You will lead ergonomic integration, conduct user research, develop concepts, and create CAD models to enhance operator performance and safety.

The role requires a degree in Industrial Design or related field, 6+ years of experience with a strong ergonomic emphasis, and a portfolio demonstrating user-centered solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Human Factors, Ergonomics, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years of professional experience in industrial design with ergonomics focus.
• Proven portfolio of product designs with integrated ergonomic considerations.
• Proficiency in CAD/3D design and rendering tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead the industrial design process for new and existing product lines with aesthetics and function.
• Apply ergonomic principles and human factors research to inform design decisions.
• Conduct user research including observations and interviews to understand needs.
• Develop detailed concepts, sketches, renderings, and 3D models using CAD.
• Create prototypes and perform usability testing to validate solutions.
• Collaborate with engineering, marketing, and product management throughout development.
• Ensure designs meet safety standards and ergonomic guidelines.
• Optimize for manufacturability, cost, and sustainability.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to design best practices.
• Stay updated on trends in industrial design, ergonomics, and UX.

Skills

Visual communication

Sketching

Rendering

Analytical thinking

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Team collaboration

Ergonomics

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Industrial Design / Human Factors / Ergonomics

Tools

SolidWorks

Alias

Rhino

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned manufacturer of industrial equipment, is seeking a Senior Industrial Designer & Ergonomist to join their innovative product development team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This role is critical for ensuring that our products are not only functional and efficient but also user-friendly and safe. You will lead the integration of ergonomic principles into the design process, conduct user research, and develop designs that enhance operator performance and comfort. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of industrial design expertise and a deep understanding of human factors and ergonomics. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of product design for a leading company in Kimberley.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the industrial design process for new and existing product lines, ensuring aesthetic appeal and functional excellence.
• Apply ergonomic principles and human factors research to inform product design decisions.
• Conduct user research, including observational studies and user interviews, to understand needs and behaviors.
• Develop detailed design concepts, sketches, renderings, and 3D models using CAD software.
• Create prototypes and conduct usability testing to validate design solutions.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, marketing, and product management teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and ergonomic guidelines.
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
• Mentor junior designers and contribute to the development of design best practices.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends in industrial design, ergonomics, and user experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Human Factors, Ergonomics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in industrial design, with a strong emphasis on ergonomics and human factors.
• Proven portfolio showcasing successful product designs with integrated ergonomic considerations.
• Proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., SolidWorks, Alias, Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Strong understanding of anthropometry, biomechanics, and cognitive psychology.
• Excellent visual communication, sketching, and rendering skills.
• Experience conducting user research and usability testing.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration within the team in Kimberley, Northern Cape and remotely.
• Experience in manufacturing environments and understanding of production constraints is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with annual performance reviews.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and attending design conferences.
• Supportive and creative work environment.
• Access to advanced design tools and prototyping facilities.
• Potential for creative freedom and ownership of design projects.
• Relocation assistance for eligible candidates.
• Company-sponsored social events.