Industrial Designer

OXMAN is a hybrid Design and R&D company that fuses design, technology, and biology to invent multi-scale products and environments. The fusion of disciplines within our work opens previously impossible opportunities within each domain—allowing design to inspire science and science to inspire design.

At OXMAN, we question dominant modes of design that have divorced us from Nature by prioritizing humanity above all else (human-centric design). Although it is design that has caused this rift, we believe that design also offers the greatest opportunity to heal it.

We propose a Nature-centric approach that delivers design solutions by, for, and with the natural world, while advancing humanity. In this pursuit, we reject all forms of segregation and instead call for a radical synergy between human-made and Nature-grown environments.

This approach demands that we design across scales for systems-level impact. We consider every designed construct a whole system of heterogeneous and complex interrelations—not isolated objects—that are intrinsically connected to their environments. In doing so, we open ourselves up to moving beyond mere maintenance toward the advancement of Nature.

Summary

OXMAN is seeking an Industrial Designer to join an all-star interdisciplinary team of deep thinkers and brilliant makers. This person embodies a blend of expertise in industrial design and creative engineering. In this position, they will build products and machines, designing new manufacturing and fabrication processes that enable the realization of innovative materials, technologies, prototypes, and products. This multiplicative way of thinking and making enables them to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to leverage unconventional materials and technologies and invent new ones along the way. Research and design explorations using biological systems are an integral part of the work as well.

Specific work call

OXMAN is seeking an Industrial Designer for the design and construction of infrastructure for a Color Lab. The primary focus is to support development of a new pigmentation technique that applies living engineered bacteria to various substrates, including textile and continuous fiber. Infrastructure would need to be built and optimized for processes including:

01 - Application - to apply living bacteria to a textile via spray, or other delivery methods.

02 - Incubation - where the coated substrate must be processed in specified temperature and humidity conditions, for a range of durations from 12 hours to multiple days.

03 - Sterilization - where the bacteria is removed via washing or other methods.

OXMAN is seeking an Industrial Designer to work alongside a Synthetic Biologist to streamline, stabilize, and automate this process, with goals of improving ease, efficiency, and reliability of the current system. Infrastructure would need to be built that is functional and aesthetically compelling, in accordance with OXMAN design outcomes. Previous experience in fluid handling, living systems, or textiles is a plus.

Core responsibilities

• Translate team’s sketches and ideas into practical industrial design solutions
• Active product and machine prototyping using various methods (e.g. CNC, 3d printing)
• Contribute to design projects at all stages, from concept development to product fruition
• Prepare and review drawings, specifications, and models at various levels of polish
• Manage engineering assets, including documentation, exchanges, drawings, files, and other vital information related to the projects
• Develop and conduct tests for system performance and engineering design validation, including design-level calculations, simulations, and analysis
• Communicate ideas, work, and progress clearly, including by engaging in team meetings, presentations, and other creative communication outlets
• Incorporate research and artistic principles in the design process, applying advanced physical fabrication and digital tools for experimentation and design research
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of engineers, biologists, and designers
• Nurture and augment the design vision of OXMAN, upholding core design principles and ensuring the highest and most innovative quality of work

Qualification and Requirements

• Minimum 4 years of experience in a professional environment
• MA or BA Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or Industrial Engineering
• Mastery in Fusion 360 or equivalent 3D modeling and rendering tools
• Proficiency with simulation and rendering tools
• Experience with manufacturing tools (e.g., CNC routers, sheet metal folding, robotic arms, 3D printers) and range of prototyping materials (e.g. aluminum, plastic)
• Experience in process and manufacturing environments is a plus.
• Experience with machining parts using metal shop and 3D printing manufacturing methods 
• Knowledge of electronics and mechanical engineering is a plus
• Strong “maker” mindset and skill set
• Portfolio demonstrating out-of-the-box thinking and stellar taste in design
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
• Excellent project management skills, independence, self-motivation, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Strong commitment to the team; maintains positive working relationships with diverse people, including internal team and external partners
• Embodies ethics and integrity in all work, respecting both company and broader community policies in all conduct

OXMAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.

NYC Pay Range:  $75,000 - $225,000

Salary is based on a number of factors including job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other business and organizational needs. Our compensation package also includes variable compensation in the form of year-end bonuses, benefits, immigration assistance, and equity participation.