Lead Industrial Designer

Skildai Careers; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 100,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Skildai Careers is seeking a Lead Industrial Designer in Pittsburgh to drive the design of innovative robotic systems. You'll collaborate with engineering and UX teams to create compelling user experiences. The role requires a strong background in industrial design and a portfolio showcasing relevant experience.

The ideal candidate will hold a degree in Industrial Design and have over 7 years of experience. A base salary range of $100,000 - $300,000 USD applies for this position.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in industrial design with a strong portfolio.
• Proficiency in CAD software and rendering tools.
• Experience designing robotic systems or automation products.

Responsibilities

• Lead industrial design strategy from concept to production.
• Develop and refine concepts through sketches and prototypes.
• Conduct user research and usability testing.

Skills

Industrial Design

Human-centered design

CAD software (SolidWorks, Rhino)

Knowledge of materials

Prototyping techniques (3D printing, CNC machining)

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Industrial Design

Tools

KeyShot

Blender

Job description

Company Overview

At Skild AI, we are building the world's first general purpose robotic intelligence that is robust and adapts to unseen scenarios without failing. We believe massive scale through data‑driven machine learning is the key to unlocking these capabilities for the widespread deployment of robots within society. Our team consists of individuals with varying levels of experience and backgrounds, from new graduates to domain experts. Relevant industry experience is important, but ultimately less so than your demonstrated abilities and attitude. We are looking for passionate individuals who are eager to explore uncharted waters and contribute to our innovative projects.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Lead Industrial Designer to drive the design and user experience of our next‑generation robotic systems. In this role, you will collaborate with engineering, software, and UX teams to create intuitive, functional, and visually compelling robotic solutions. Your designs will shape human‑robot interaction, blending practicality with innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead industrial design strategy from concept to production.
• Develop and refine concepts through sketches, CAD models, and prototypes.
• Ensure feasibility and manufacturability in collaboration with engineering teams.
• Define materials, finishes, and ergonomics for optimal usability.
• Conduct user research and usability testing to enhance interaction design.
• Align designs with branding for a cohesive product experience.
• Present concepts to stakeholders and leadership.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Industrial Design, Product Design, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in industrial design, with a strong portfolio in robotics, automation, or hardware.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Rhino, etc.) and rendering tools (KeyShot, Blender).
• Experience with human‑centered design and ergonomic principles.
• Strong knowledge of materials, manufacturing, and production techniques.
• Experience designing robotic systems, consumer electronics, or automation products.
• Familiarity with UI/UX principles for hardware interfaces.
• Knowledge of rapid prototyping (3D printing, CNC machining).
• Understanding of mechanical engineering and hardware collaboration.

Base Salary Range: $100,000 - $300,000 USD