Industrial Designer

Steelcase Inc.; Grand Rapids (MI); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Steelcase is a global design leader in the world of work. The industrial designer will turn ideas into tangible seating solutions through sketching, CAD, prototyping and storytelling.

You will collaborate with lead designers and cross‑functional teams to balance user needs, manufacturability, and performance. Hands‑on prototyping, DFMA exploration, and growing autonomy within a supportive design culture are emphasized.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of industrial design experience for consumer products.
• Ability to translate ideas into tangible solutions through sketching, CAD, prototyping, and storytelling.
• Proficiency in solid modeling using CAD software.

Responsibilities

• Design innovative high‑performance seating products and components.
• Apply research insights and design principles to develop concepts.
• Create and communicate ideas through sketching, CAD modeling, prototyping, and storytelling.
• Collaborate with lead designers and cross‑functional partners on development.
• Develop product solutions that meet performance, manufacturability, and UX goals.
• Support studio activities including prototyping and DFMA exploration.
• Manage project responsibilities with increasing autonomy while seeking feedback.

Skills

Industrial design

CAD modeling

Proactive / initiative

Job description

Are you a curious industrial designer who enjoys turning ideas into tangible products through sketching, CAD, prototyping, and storytelling?

Do you thrive in a hands‑on environment where you can explore how products work, collaborate across disciplines, and design innovative seating solutions?

Are you ready to grow your autonomy while contributing to meaningful projects within a global design team?

Application Requirement

• Offering competitive wages and benefits, that support your life both in and out of work
• Providing a flexible hybrid work schedule, meaning we expect the office to be your primary place of work, balanced with choice and control.
• Creating continuous learning opportunities to help you grow and upskill.
• Fostering a culture of inclusion where employees feel seen, heard and valued — and living it out every day.
• Empowering you to make a meaningful impact on people and the planet through your work and Steelcase’s ongoing commitment.

You’ll Support Meaningful Work By:

• Designing innovative high-performance seating products and components that align with user, business, and manufacturing needs.
• Applying research insights, design principles, and technology expertise to develop creative product concepts and recommendations.
• Creating and communicating ideas through sketching, CAD modeling, prototyping, and storytelling techniques.
• Collaborating with lead designers and cross‑functional partners to solve design challenges and advance product development efforts.
• Developing product and component solutions that support performance, manufacturability, and user experience goals.
• Supporting studio activities including prototyping, design‑for‑manufacturing exploration, and product refinement.
• Managing project responsibilities with increasing autonomy while leveraging guidance and feedback from the broader design team.

Minimum Qualifications

• 2–3 years of industrial design experience, preferably focused on consumer products.
• Demonstrated ability to translate ideas into tangible solutions through sketching, CAD modeling, prototyping, and storytelling.
• Proficiency in solid modeling using CAD software.
• Ability to work proactively, take initiative, and contribute effectively within a collaborative design environment.

Qualified applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Steelcase will not provide support for or sponsor work authorization and/or visas for this role.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Proficiency in surface modeling using CAD software.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and an understanding of how product components and mechanisms work.
• Demonstrated curiosity about systems and mechanical solutions.
• Proficiency in developing and evaluating prototypes.

Doing better for people and planet

Steelcase is a global design and thought leader in the world of work. Along with our expansive community of brands, we design and manufacture innovative furnishings and solutions to help people do their best work in the many places where work happens.

At Steelcase, we put people at the center of everything we do. We understand the role of work and believe that it can bring meaning and purpose to the lives of our customers and our employees. We prioritize supporting our employees both in and out of work, in all aspects of their lives. When we bring our talents together, we make a positive lasting impact through our work and communities.

Steelcase provides employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, genetic information, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or veteran status and bases all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. If we can make the application process easier through accommodation, please email us at [e-mail].