Industrial Design Co-op - Spring 2027

Crown Equipment Corporation; Kinston (NC); Hybrid; USD 18,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

Crown Equipment Corporation in North Carolina is seeking an Industrial Design Co-op to support product development and ergonomic design efforts. You will collaborate with Industrial Designers on research, concept exploration, CAD modeling, and design development, gaining hands‑on experience across the product lifecycle.

Ideal candidates are enrolled in a bachelor’s in Industrial Design, have strong communication and teamwork skills, and can travel as needed for field research and work sessions.

Qualifications

• Be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Industrial Design.
• Good written communication, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical problem solving and judgment.
• A personal means of reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• As an Industrial Design Co-op, you will assist under Industrial Designers to develop products and solutions.
• Research user needs, document requirements and trends, and conduct field observations.
• Create sketches, renderings, and models to convey design intent and ergonomics.
• Create 3D CAD models and collaborate to ensure manufacturability and design support.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Analytical problem solving

Reliable transportation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design

Tools

3D CAD

Job description

Crown Equipment Corporation is a leading innovator in world‑class forklift and material handling equipment and technology. As one of the world’s largest lift truck manufacturers, we are committed to providing the customer with the safest, most efficient and ergonomic lift truck possible to lower their total cost of ownership.

Job Posting External

Job Responsibilities:

As an Industrial Design Co‑op, you will work under the guidance of Industrial Designers to conceptualize and develop new and innovative products and solutions.Tasks may include:

• Research -Research and document user needs, product requirements, competitive products and industry trends. Conduct field research of users and products, including onsite observations, interviews, filming and task analysis. Follow‑up with field research after product introduction.
• Conceptual Design -Conceptualize new and innovative products and solutions, including creating aspects of form, aesthetics and physical/psychological interactions between users and products. Create sketches, renderings and models as necessary to convey design intent. Create layouts and test bucks as necessary to resolve basic user ergonomics. Determine material, construction, mechanisms, shape, color, surface finish and manufacturing processes in cooperation with Engineering and Manufacturing. Communicate design solutions to management and other team members.
• Design Development & Support -Create 3‑dimensional CAD models of appearance parts. Validate surface geometry with rapid prototype samples. Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing to ensure that manufacturability requirements are met. Assist with product graphics.Assist the Design staffwith field testing to ensure user needs have been met. Assist Design staff in preparation for meetings and presentations.
• Miscellaneous -Support project leaders with project documentation. Assist with product photography. Create and submit for design competitions. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in Industrial Design.
• Good written communication, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Analytical problem solving and judgment.
• A personal means of reliable transportation.

Work Authorization:

Crown will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.

EOE Veterans/Disabilities