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Job Description
Who we are:
Apex Tool Group (ATG) is one of the largest manufacturers of professional hand and power tools in the world, serving the industrial, vehicle service and assembly, aerospace, electronics, construction, and serious DIY markets. We have a history of innovation that spans over 100 years of authentic tool making. Backed by this heritage, we are advancing our product offerings by gaining an intense understanding of our end users and delivering powerful and relevant product and system solutions. Our portfolio includes industry leaders, such as Crescent, GEARWRENCH, SATA, Weller, Cleco and APEX. ATG also manufactures select, premier private label mechanics tools. Across the board, our tools stand for performance, quality and innovation.
Where we are today:
We have rebuilt and are strengthening our brand portfolios to serve the needs of tomorrow’s mechanics, assembly techs, construction workers and serious DIYers. We have assembled a team of 8 industrial designers headquartered in our U.S. studio located in Charlotte, North Carolina, with additional designers in Bangalore and Shanghai. Our U.S. design studio offers an open layout, casual collaboration areas, a light duty shop, rapid prototyping facilities and product demo areas. Everything a designer needs to get fueled and inspired.
We’re looking for team members who can:
• Help grow and build teams
• Collaborate with global new product development teams
• Bring a fresh perspective
• Develop and grow as a designer
• Demonstrate core design skills and an eagerness to learn
A little about you:
You are a self-starting Designer with a proven track record of bringing consumer/industrial products to market. You love a fast-paced environment and work efficiently. You are able to gather insights, synthesize information, think strategically and deliver results. You recognize the value of others, seek alternative perspectives to enhance your own, work collaboratively and view success as a team effort.
Core Skills:
• 3D CAD: Parametric and Surface Modeling
• 2D Hand-skills: Sketch, draw, illustrate, Adobe Suite
• Function: Mechanical Design, Proof of Purpose Models, Prototyping, Usability/Human Factors/UX
• Form: Visual Appeal, Proportion/Scale, Study models, Craftsmanship and Color/Finish/Material
Areas of Expertise:
• Presentation and Storytelling
• Innovation and Facilitation
• Design Research and Insights Gathering
• Color & Trend
• Design for Manufacture/Materials and Process
Essential Duties:
• Lead design efforts of major product initiatives from concept to production
• Contribute to planning and scoping of major programs
• Conversion of consumer insights into innovative design solutions
• Innovate and push forward new ideas, end user solutions and product platforms
• Build insights, empathy, and an appreciation of our end users. Get out in the field on shop visits, ride-alongs with tool trucks and factory tours in the automotive and aerospace industries
• Develop patent-able features and product concepts
• Recommend and guide project teams through the development and selection of solutions
• Assist in the creation and implementation of Design Guide content
• Preparation / creation of high-quality presentation materials across a multitude of media
• Work closely with Engineering to develop product solutions, validate prototypes and define criteria/specifications
• Work with Advanced Development and Prototype teams to champion innovative technical solutions
• Forge strong relationships with Marketing, develop criteria for new programs, align on brand positioning and ensure brand and product guidelines are being met
• Work with external vendors to accelerate and enhance internal capabilities
• Mentor associate and staff level designers
• Work with Legal resources to implement Intellectual Property activities
Experience/Educational Requirements:
• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant corporate or consultant hardgoods design experience
• Proven design leadership taking concepts to production
• Knowledge of developing products within multi-disciplinary teams, including Marketing, Engineering, and Sourcing
• Experience with Commercial or Industrial products is desired
• Very strong knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes, including machining, forging, casting, and multi-shot injection molding
• Experience with systems including hardware, software, and mechanical. UI/GUI design experience is a plus
Technical Requirements:
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Creo or Solidworks
• Keyshot
• Sketchbook Pro
Capabilities:
• Mechanically inclined with strong aesthetic sensitivity
• Highly developed conceptual, creative, and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in team environments
• Business acumen: Solid understanding of key metrics and functional roles
• High level knowledge of competitive product, retail environments and market influences
• Self-motivated and flexible, eager to learn
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects in a fast-paced and efficient environment
• Ability to work independently toward project goals and timelines with little direction
• Ability to occasionally travel and work internationally
• Ability to present in English
Application Details
Please send resume and portfolio for review.
