Design Lead – Parametric Models

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; South Jordan (UT); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) match

Generous PTO

Tuition reimbursement

Lifestyle stipend

Employee discounts

Job summary

Cricut is seeking a Lead Designer of 3D Parametric Models to architect the system and build Cricut’s parametric content library: hundreds of customizable models that stay robust and producible as users adjust them.

This hands-on role requires you to build reference-quality models, define the design system, and lead production against that system as we scale, largely through external contractors.

Qualifications

• Expert in parametric CAD and computational modeling.
• Fluent with major CAD tools: Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Onshape, Creo, Grasshopper or OpenSCAD.
• Strong view on parametric UX: naming, grouping, bounds and defaults.
• Deep knowledge of additive manufacturing and printability.
• Industrial and visual design judgment; models must be attractive.
• Experience with scripting or CAD APIs (Python, Grasshopper, OpenSCAD, CadQuery).
• Experience directing external contractors with briefs, QA and throughput.
• Comfort building in ambiguity and shaping new systems.
• Scrappy and resourceful; shipping when tools are lacking.
• Active use of AI tools to accelerate design and automation.
• Collaborative, low ego; lead through system and standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and build reference-quality parametric models that set the standard.
• Define a consistent parametric design system across hundreds of models.
• Design for how people customize; decide what is adjustable and bounds.
• Ensure producibility across full parameter ranges including tolerances.
• Build reusable templates, components, and validation approaches.
• Develop automation and scripting to streamline model production.
• Direct external contractors: briefs, reviews, QA, acceptance criteria.
• Own the parametric content library end to end and the system behind it.
• Collaborate with product and software teams on app presentation of controls.
• Use AI tools to speed concept to finished model.

Skills

Parametric CAD

Computational modeling

Fusion 360

SolidWorks

Grasshopper

OpenSCAD

Python scripting

Vendor management

AI tooling usage

3D visualization

Tools

CAD APIs

Grasshopper scripting

OpenSCAD tooling

CadQuery

Illustrator

Photoshop

Job description

Cricut® empowers people to make and personalize almost anything—from custom cards and apparel to everyday items and home décor. Our smart cutting machines, design apps, and materials make creativity easy and accessible for everyone. We believe everyone is born creative, and our mission is to put the power of handmade into the hands of all. With a passionate community of Makers around the world, Cricut helps turn inspiration into real, tangible creations—one project at a time.

Let’s make.

Job Description

We’re looking for a Lead Designer of 3D Parametric Models to architect the system and build Cricut’s parametric content library: hundreds of customizable models that stay beautiful, robust, and producible no matter how our members adjust them.

This is a hands-on role. You’ll personally build the reference-quality models that set the standard, define the design system every other model follows, and then lead production against that system as we scale, largely through external contractors.

The work is both as 3D artist and design engineer. If your instinct when you see a model is to ask what should be adjustable, what the sensible bounds are, and whether it still holds together at the extremes, this role will suit you.

This role has no direct reports. You’ll lead through the system you build, the standards you set, and the quality bar you hold.

Responsibilites

• Design and build reference-quality parametric models that set the standard for everything else in the library
• Define a consistent parametric design system across hundreds of models, including parameter terminology, grouping, ranges, defaults, dependencies, presets, and the controls our members actually see
• Design for how people customize, not only how models are constructed. Decide what should be adjustable, what the sensible bounds are, and what stays fixed
• Keep models producible across their full parameter range, accounting for tolerances, wall thickness, overhangs, supports, layer orientation, and material constraints
• Build reusable templates, shared components, modeling standards, and validation approaches that make hundreds of models practical to build and maintain
• Develop automation and scripting that takes manual work out of model production
• Direct external contractors producing models at scale: write the briefs, set acceptance criteria, review and QA their output, and keep throughput predictable
• Own our parametric content library end to end, including the system behind it and the content it produces
• Partner with product and software teams on how parametric controls are presented in our apps
• Use AI tools to move faster from concept to finished model, and help the team adopt what actually works

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in parametric CAD and computational modeling, including constraints, dependencies, configurations, reusable geometry, and designing models that stay robust across their full parameter range
• Fluency in tools such as Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Onshape, Creo, Grasshopper, OpenSCAD, CadQuery, or equivalent
• A clear point of view on parametric UX: how parameters should be named, grouped, bounded, and defaulted so that someone who is not an expert can customize a model confidently
• Strong knowledge of design for additive manufacturing, including tolerances, wall thickness, overhangs, supports, layer orientation, material constraints, and maintaining printability across user‑customized parameter ranges
• Industrial and visual design judgment. These models need to be genuinely good looking, not only technically correct
• Experience with scripting or CAD APIs (Python, Grasshopper scripting, OpenSCAD, CadQuery, or similar)
• Experience directing external contractors or vendors against a standard, including briefs, reviews, QA, acceptance criteria, and production throughput
• Comfortable building in ambiguity. Much of this system does not exist yet, and you would rather shape it than wait for it
• Scrappy and resourceful. You find a way to ship when the tools or the process aren’t there yet
• Actively using AI tools in your own work and hungry to find more. We want someone who reaches for automation first and can tell us what they have streamlined
• Collaborative and low ego. You lead through the system and the standard rather than through authority
• Comfort in 2D tools like Illustrator and Photoshop is a plus, not a requirement
• Interest in consumer creativity, crafting, making, or DIY (Cricut familiarity is a plus, not required)

Additional Information

At Cricut, we take care of our people. Enjoy competitive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, a 401(k) match, generous PTO, tuition reimbursement, and a yearly lifestyle stipend to support your wellness and passions. You’ll also receive exclusive employee discounts—and best of all, you’ll be surrounded by some of the most talented, creative, and curious minds out there.

Cricut is in an exciting chapter of transformation. We’re evolving fast—refining our strategy, growing our teams, and raising the bar across everything we do. This is an incredible opportunity for the right kind of person—but it’s not for everyone.

We’re looking for A-players—people who thrive in dynamic environments, turn challenges into momentum, and consistently deliver their best work. If that sounds like you, read on.

Here’s what makes someone a great fit for this role (and for this moment at Cricut):

• You move with urgency. You don’t wait for perfect clarity to act—you start, learn, and adjust.
• You set high standards. You take ownership, deliver quality, and hold yourself accountable.
• You stay focused when things move fast. You prioritize what matters most and tune out the noise.
• You collaborate like a pro. You elevate others, communicate clearly, and bring a low-ego, high-output energy.
• You embrace AI as part of your toolkit. From idea exploration to data analysis and creative problem-solving, you leverage AI to accelerate innovation and amplify impact—because technology and creativity go hand‑in‑hand here.

One More Thing (It’s a Big One)

This role is in‑office at least 4-5 days per week. We believe real collaboration, innovation, and culture are built face‑to‑face. If you’re energized by working alongside smart, kind, creative people—and love those hallway conversations that spark the next great idea—you’ll feel right at home.

If you’re looking for a fully remote role, this may not be the right fit. But if you’re excited by challenge, purpose, and building something better—let’s make something amazing together.

Relocation Statement:

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Cricut® is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. This position is contingent on successfully completing a Criminal Background Check upon hire. Cricut participates in E-Verify.