Retail Store Design Prototyper

Aquent; Mountain View (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is seeking a Prototyping Designer to join a retail store prototyping lab in Mountain View. The role requires rapid ideation, prototyping retail fixtures, and executing light construction. You will produce digital and physical look-and-feel iterations, build scale mock-ups, and support stakeholder presentations with AI-assisted workflows.

3-5 years ID or retail design experience is preferred. You will collaborate with an integrated experience design team across retail environments, brand

Qualifications

• 3-5 years ID or retail design experience.
• Prototyping and fabrication skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to ideate with AI tools.
• Comfort with hands-on design and light construction.
• Experience collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Act as a creative thought partner with the team.
• Collaborate with designers to deliver strong design solutions.
• Lead projects autonomously within ambiguity.
• Develop models and mockups from various materials.
• Program and operate 2D/3D printing and cutting tools.
• Create 2D files in Photoshop/Illustrator/InDesign; plan layout and typography.
• Create 3D files in SketchUp/Rhino/SolidWorks or equivalent.

Skills

Creativity

Communication

Project management

Hands-on prototyping

Tools

Photoshop

Illustrator

InDesign

3D printing

Rhino

SketchUp

SolidWorks

CNC / laser tools

Job description

This is a full-time Salaried Consultant role and will work 3 days on-site in Mountain View, CA, and 2 days either remote or in-office if needed.

Salary plus full benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k w/match, PTO/vacation)

As a Prototyping Designer for the retail store prototyping lab you will bring your prototyping design expertise to support a global integrated experience design team that spans retail environments, brand experience, and photography studio. Your responsibilities will encompass rapid creative ideation, prototyping retail fixtures, and executing light construction. Furthermore, you will produce digital and physical look-and-feel iterations, construct scale mock-ups, handle large format printing, manage 3D printing execution, and offer comping support for presentations to stakeholders. You will also ideate using AI tools and be expected to keep up with AI capabilities as they evolve.

Key Responsibilities

• Creative thought partner.
• Effectively collaborate with other designers on great design solutions.
• Must be able to autonomously run a project.
• Functions well within ambiguity.
• Craft models and mockups out of various materials to ideate on early design thinking.
• Program and operate 2D plotter, 3D printer, laser cutter, vinyl cutter, sewing machine, and soldering utensils.
• Build 2D design files within Photoshop, Illustrator or InDesign - being mindful of design layout and typography treatments.
• Build 3D design files within SketchUp, Rhino, SolidWorks, or equivalent.

Software Proficiency

• Expert level Adobe Software (Illustrator, Photoshop, In Design, Acrobat)
• Proficient: Figma, SketchUp, SolidWorks, Rhino, Miro, Google cloud-based software (Docs, Slides, Spreadsheets)

Machines Proficiency

• 3D Printing: 3D printer
• 2D Printing & Cutting: 60" inkjet printer, 44" inkjet printers, 54" vinyl cutter plotter, 13" cutter plotter, 60" edge cutter
• Fabrication: CNC 4' x 8', 30" x 40" Laser Cutter, Sandblast cabinet, Sewing machine
• Visual: Digital Projector, LED panels, 16:9 and 8:9 screens, 2' x 4' touchscreen
• Woodworking: Table saw, bandsaw, chop saw, jig saw, router
• General: Many hand tools

Preferred Qualifications

• Highly motivated, determined problem-solvers with attention to detail.
• Self-motivated, flexible individual with strong communication skills.
• Able to balance DIY passion with collaborative problem solving.
• Comfortable and proficient with hands-on design and prototyping, without depending solely on virtual design tools.
• Collaborative, flexible, adaptable, and organized.
• 3-5 years ID or retail design experience.
• Graphic design and production skills are a plus.
• Curious about how something is made, how it works, and eager to dive into multiple disciplines.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven work environment with the ability to navigate ambiguity and proactively seek out answers, solutions, and information.
• This person must be resourceful, adaptable, creative, and results-oriented with high energy and a positive attitude.