Associate Industrial Designer - Hand Tools

Milwaukee Tool; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Milwaukee Tool is seeking an Associate Industrial Designer to support our Hand Tools category. In this entry-level role, you will build foundational design skills, work with cross-functional teams of engineers, researchers, and product managers, and contribute to user-centered design.

You will balance ergonomics, usability, manufacturability, and aesthetics, develop concepts through sketching, 3D modeling, prototyping, and testing, and help communicate design intent with clear visuals and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design from an accredited university.
• Portfolio demonstrating strong creativity, form development, and problem-solving skills.
• Understanding of ergonomics, usability, and manufacturing fundamentals.
• Natural inclination to iterate, refine, and validate ideas through hands-on prototyping and testing.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and coachability.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Identifying unmet user needs and opportunities for disruptive innovation through research and observation.
• Generating product concepts through independent ideation and collaborative brainstorming.
• Refining the form and function of your designs through sketching, 3D modeling, prototyping, and hands-on testing.
• Supporting Design for Manufacturing (DfM) by expanding your knowledge of various materials & processes.
• Communicating design intent through clear, compelling visuals and impactful presentations.
• Documenting design solutions and manufacturing specifications for departmental and cross-functional use.
• Supporting projects through production to ensure exceptional design execution.

Skills

Portfolio

Ergonomics

Prototyping

3D modeling

DfM knowledge

Communication

Collaboration

Coachability

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design

Job description

Job Description:

Associate Industrial Designer - Hand Tools

Position Overview:

Milwaukee Tool is seeking a creative, talented, and driven Associate Industrial Designer to support our Hand Tools category.

In this entry‑level role, you will demonstrate solid foundational design skills, strong coachability, and a hunger to learn Milwaukee Tool processes and culture. With guidance and mentorship, you will continue building your core skills, workflows, professionalism, and advocacy for design.

Your design work will balance ergonomics, usability, craftsmanship, manufacturability, and aesthetics that showcase our bold brand language. You will work with cross‑functional teams of engineers, researchers, and product managers to develop user‑centered, brand‑aligned design solutions.

Daily Responsibilities

• Identifying unmet user needs and opportunities for disruptive innovation through research and observation

• Generating product concepts through independent ideation and collaborative brainstorming

• Refining the form and function of your designs through sketching, 3D modeling, prototyping, and hands‑on testing

• Supporting Design for Manufacturing (DfM) by expanding your knowledge of various materials & processes

• Communicating design intent through clear, compelling visuals and impactful presentations

• Documenting design solutions and manufacturing specifications for departmental and cross‑functional use

• Supporting projects through production to ensure exceptional design execution

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design (or equivalent) from an accredited university

• Portfolio demonstrating strong creativity, form development, and problem‑solving skills

• Understanding of ergonomics, usability, and manufacturing fundamentals

• Natural inclination to iterate, refine, and validate ideas through hands‑on prototyping and testing

• Strong communication, collaboration, and coachability

• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt quickly in a fast‑paced environment

At Milwaukee Tool, you will work alongside some of the industry's best designers to create products used by millions of professionals every day, shaping how work gets done.

If you are naturally curious, obsessed with design, and motivated to collaborate with dynamic teams to create great tools, we would love to see your portfolio!

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.