What are the responsibilities and job description for the Industrial Design Director position at Design Observer?
We are looking for an Industrial Design Director to define the next generation of WHOOP hardware. This role sits above the Senior Industrial Designer level and is ideal for a seasoned designer who combines hands-on creative excellence, technical depth, and leadership. You will be hands-on in helping to set the design direction for WHOOP hardware and work closely with engineering, research, product management, and leadership teams to bring visionary ideas to life.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities
- Define and drive the design vision for WHOOP hardware, including wearables and accessories, ensuring consistency with brand identity and performance standards.
- Lead concept creation by translating insights, research, and technology into clear product opportunities through sketches, prototypes, and visual storytelling.
- Partner with mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to maintain design integrity through production.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to industrial designers while raising the standard of craft and creativity across the team.
- Build and refine high-fidelity prototypes for testing, ergonomics, and CMF studies.
- Balance aesthetics, comfort, and usability to create hardware that feels effortless to wear and use.
- Explore new materials, finishes, and processes that elevate quality and sustainability.
- Deliver world-class design outcomes from concept through DFM with attention to detail, precision, and consistency.
- 10 to 12 years of experience in industrial design with a strong portfolio in consumer electronics or wearable products.
- Proven ability to lead and actively contribute to projects and teams from concept to mass production.
- Deep understanding of ergonomics, CMF, and manufacturing processes such as injection molding, overmolding, and metal finishing.
- Strong storytelling and presentation skills that influence across teams and disciplines.
- Proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks), visualization tools (KeyShot), and Adobe Creative Suite.
- Experience collaborating with engineering and manufacturing partners internationally is preferred.
- Passion for performance, technology, and human-centered design.
- A distinct point of view grounded in curiosity and empathy.
- A commitment to excellence in detail and craftsmanship.
- The ability to balance creative vision with practical execution.
- Comfort leading multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- A drive to explore what wearable design can become.
- Experience with soft goods or wearable integration, such as textiles, straps, or sensors.
- Knowledge of sustainable design practices and responsible material use.