Industrial Designer - Hands-On & Education-Driven Prototyping

Project MFG; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Project MFG in Kansas City, KS is seeking an Industrial Designer to design physical products, educational projects, and fabrication challenges for competitions and hands-on programs. You will transform ideas into manufacturable solutions and engage students and educators alike.

You will create CAD models, renderings, and technical docs, iterate prototypes, and collaborate with engineers, machinists, and fabricators. Travel 30–50% is expected.

Qualifications

• Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Design, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience developing physical products from concept through prototype.
• Strong 3D CAD skills and understanding of product design principles.
• Understanding of materials and manufacturing processes.
• Strong communication, visualization, and problem-solving skills.
• A practical, hands-on approach to design.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Ability to turn concepts into designs that can actually be built.

Responsibilities

• Develop concepts for products, educational projects, tools, fixtures, and manufacturing challenges.
• Create sketches, 3D CAD models, renderings, and technical documentation.
• Design for function, usability, aesthetics, ergonomics, and manufacturability.
• Develop prototypes and iterate designs based on testing and feedback.
• Work closely with engineers, machinists, welders, fabricators, and other manufacturing professionals.
• Design for processes including CNC machining, welding, sheet metal, 3D printing, and laser cutting.
• Select appropriate materials, hardware, finishes, and manufacturing methods.
• Develop hands-on projects for students and manufacturing competitions.
• Create visual instructions and supporting educational materials.
• Participate in design reviews and help improve existing products and projects.
• Travel periodically to competitions, schools, demonstrations, and industry events.

Skills

3D CAD

Materials & manufacturing

Communication

Problem solving

Hands-on design

Team collaboration

Education

Industrial Design / Mechanical Design degree or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Adobe Creative Suite

3D printing

Job description

Project MFG in Kansas City, KS is seeking an Industrial Designer to design physical products, educational projects, and fabrication challenges for competitions and hands-on programs. You will transform ideas into manufacturable solutions and engage students and educators alike.

You will create CAD models, renderings, and technical docs, iterate prototypes, and collaborate with engineers, machinists, and fabricators. Travel 30–50% is expected.