Description

Job Summary: 

This position focuses on designing and engineering structural solutions for retail, Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), and hospitality environments. You will collaborate closely with designers, engineers, and project managers to create functional, visually appealing, and manufacturable products. Your expertise in industrial design, CAD, and structural engineering will be pivotal in turning concepts into reality, enhancing customer experience, and supporting our clients' branding and functional needs.  

This role collaborates with internal and external stakeholders and evaluates the feasibility of concepts for displays by considering practicality, aesthetics, budget, production methods, and brand characteristics. Create development solutions that are innovative, on-brand, functional, sustainable, cost-effective, and manufacturable.  

Job Description:

• Conceptualize and develop innovative product and structural designs for retail, QSR, and hospitality sectors. 
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand project requirements, user needs, and technical constraints. 
• Create detailed CAD drawings and 3D models for design visualization and manufacturing. 
• Provide engineering support throughout the design process, ensuring structural integrity, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness. 
• Analyze design intent drawings and convert them into detailed, precise shop drawings that align with structural and production requirements. 
• Ensure all designs meet engineering standards, project specifications, and industry regulations. 
• Participate in prototyping, testing, and validation of design concepts. 
• Collaborate with internal partners and external vendors during the production phase, ensuring that designs are executed according to specifications and structural requirements. 
• Engage in client presentations and support the sales team with technical expertise during the proposal phase. 
• Identify and solve design challenges, considering both aesthetics and functionality. 
• Be able to identify factors critical to quality as determined by the customer and translate to production team.  
• Make necessary adjustments to designs to solve structural challenges while preserving aesthetic and functional requirements. 
• Ensure all designs comply with applicable building codes, safety regulations, and industry standards. 
• Maintain accurate documentation, including drawings and revisions, throughout the project lifecycle. 
• Stay updated on industry trends, materials, and manufacturing techniques applicable to the retail, QSR, and hospitality sectors. 
• Understanding of retail and QSR environments, with experience designing fixtures, displays, and interior elements.
• Participate in implementation of process improvement for internal/external customers through data collection, standardized procedures, and teamwork.
• Creation of instruction sheets for your designs.
• Accompany Account Executives on occasion to present new products or designs to customers or prospects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OF POSITION

• Bachelor's degree in industrial design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in industrial design or structural engineering, preferably in the retail, QSR, or hospitality space.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS OF POSITION

• Knowledge of various materials (wood, metal, plastic, etc.) and their applications in commercial environments.
• Experience working with vendors and manufacturers to ensure quality and feasibility.
• Familiarity with sustainability practices and materials in design.
• Experience with 3D rendering software for visualization purposes (KeyShot, Rhino, etc.).
• Experience with 3D printing
• Materials R&D

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks, Sketchup, Enscape, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong 3D modeling skills and knowledge of prototyping processes.
• Experience in designing with a focus on manufacturability, including materials and production techniques.
• Creative problem-solving skills and the ability to work within project constraints.
• Excellent communication skills to present ideas clearly and work effectively with clients and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines.  

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasional walking 
• Manual dexterity for repetitive work
• Frequent Sitting for prolonged periods of time
• Travel: To customers/other Studio locations as needed
• Chemicals: N/A
• Ability to lift, push and pull: N/A

The Imagine Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.