Senior Industrial Designer

MINIMAL Inc.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

MNML in Chicago is seeking an experienced industrial designer to lead design projects and collaborate with engineering to deliver production-ready concepts.

You will develop multiple directions, prototype with 3D printing, and prepare compelling client presentations while guiding products through early research to detailed execution.

All candidates must reside in the greater Chicago area and be able to commute to our office.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of professional design experience.
• Portfolio showing depth across the design process from research to production.
• Advanced 3D modeling in Rhino or SolidWorks.
• Strong sketching skills; quick iteration capability.
• Visualization skills with KeyShot, C4D or Blender.
• Experience presenting to clients.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes (injection molding, sheet metal, soft goods).
• Experience guiding products through multiple development phases, from early research to ideation to detailed collaboration with engineers.
• Ability to manage project timelines and meet deadlines with minimal oversight.

Responsibilities

• Lead or co-lead projects under the direction of a Lead Designer or Director.
• Translate design strategy into strong, executable concepts.
• Develop multiple thoughtful design directions before converging.
• Collaborate closely with engineering to resolve ergonomic and mechanical challenges.
• Prepare high-quality presentation materials and tell compelling design stories.
• Build and test prototypes through iterative 3D printing and hands-on mockups.
• Contribute meaningfully in critiques and internal reviews.
• Support junior designers through example and constructive feedback.

Skills

Portfolio

3D modeling

Rhino

SolidWorks

Sketching

Visualization

Presentation

Project management

Ergonomics collaboration

Tools

KeyShot

C4D

Blender

Job description

At least 6 years of experience working in a professional design setting.

A strong portfolio demonstrating depth across the design process, research, concept development, refinement, and production-aware execution.

Advanced 3D modeling skills in Rhino or SolidWorks (complex surfacing and controlled geometry required).
Strong sketching skills

Strong Visualization skills using KeyShot, C4D, or Blender

Experience in preparing and delivering client presentations.

Working knowledge of manufacturing processes (injection molding, sheet metal, soft goods, etc.).

Experience bringing products through multiple different phases of development, from early stages of research to ideation to detailed collaboration with engineers

Ability to manage project timelines and meet deadlines with minimal oversight.

Core Responsibilities

Lead or co-lead projects under the direction of a Lead Designer or Director.

Translate design strategy into strong, executable concepts.

Develop multiple thoughtful design directions before converging.

Collaborate closely with engineering to resolve ergonomic and mechanical challenges.

Prepare high-quality presentation materials and tell compelling design stories.

Build and test prototypes through iterative 3D printing and hands-on mockups.

Contribute meaningfully in critiques and internal reviews.

Support junior designers through example and constructive feedback.

What Gets Us Excited

A clear point of view and strong aesthetic sensibility.

Ability to articulate why a design works and not just what it looks like.

Attention to proportion, detail, and refinement.

Confidence in presenting to clients.

Comfort navigating ambiguity and early-stage ideation.

Strong self-critique and drive to push work beyond “good enough.”

Collaborative mindset and respect for engineering constraints.

Interest in animation/motion or advanced visualization is a plus.

About MNML

We are a collection of cross-disciplinary design risk-takers and doers infused with entrepreneurial drive. Disrupting the norm, creating meaningful change, and delighting the user is our passion. It's embedded in our DNA and our unique hybrid business model that combines consulting with venture partnerships and our own self-incubated house brands.

We are searching for inspiring and experienced industrial designers who are wired to incite markets, tell meaningful stories, and possess the ingredients to challenge convention and build awesome things from the ground up.

At MNML, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are seeking top talent from diverse backgrounds and value unique perspectives and experiences. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

All candidates must reside in the greater Chicago area and be able to commute to our office.