Junior Industrial Designer

Summary

At PD Instore, we create engaging retail environments that help brands connect with shoppers and drive results. As a Junior Industrial Designer in the PD Tech Lab, you will help develop innovative solutions for unique retail fixture challenges while exploring emerging technologies and concepts that shape the future of retail.

This role combines industrial design, rapid prototyping, experimentation, and creative problem-solving to bring ideas from concept to reality. Working closely with the Director of Engineering and Creative Technologist, you will develop functional solutions for current customer needs while contributing to future-focused innovation initiatives across retail environments, shopper experiences, and in-store technologies.

If you are passionate about design, making, prototyping, and imagining what's next for retail, we'd love to hear from you.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Design and develop creative solutions for custom retail fixture challenges, product enhancements, and unique customer requirements.
• Create sketches, renderings, CAD models, mockups, and prototypes to communicate and validate concepts.
• Research, evaluate, and experiment with new materials, technologies, manufacturing methods, and design approaches.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to ensure concepts are functional, manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with project requirements.
• Partner with the Creative Technologist to develop concepts and prototypes exploring the future of retail environments and shopper engagement.
• Build and test physical prototypes using 3D printers, CNC equipment, fabrication tools, electronics, and other resources available within the Tech Lab.
• Conduct design research, competitive analysis, field observations, and trend exploration to identify opportunities for innovation.
• Support prototype development, testing, validation, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Document experiments, prototypes, findings, and recommendations to support product development and innovation initiatives.
• Present concepts, prototypes, and design recommendations to engineering, creative, operations, sales, and leadership teams.
• Assist in maintaining organized project files, CAD models, documentation, and design standards.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while balancing immediate business needs with long-term innovation opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Fosters a culture that values family, innovation, collaboration, and empowerment.
• Follows all safety and workplace policies.

Competencies and Skills

• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, Rhino, or similar design tools.
• Strong sketching, visualization, ideation, and concept development skills.
• Experience with rapid prototyping methods including 3D printing, model making, and fabrication techniques.
• Understanding of manufacturing methods, materials, and design-for-manufacturing principles.
• Strong curiosity and willingness to explore emerging technologies and future retail trends.
• Mechanical aptitude and hands-on problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy.
• Ability to demonstrate and apply our workplace values.
• Flexibility to travel between multiple PD locations.
• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working environment.

Education/Certification

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Industrial Technology, Engineering Technology, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience

• 0-3 years of industrial design, product development, prototyping, or related experience.
• Internship, co-op, academic project, or professional experience in product design, consumer products, retail fixtures, displays, furniture, or manufactured products preferred.
• Experience with prototyping equipment, workshop tools, fabrication methods, or maker technologies preferred.
• Portfolio demonstrating creative problem-solving, design process, and prototype development required.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Walking, sitting, bending, twisting, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting may be required throughout the workday.

Benefits and perks we offer to full-time, regular employees

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 4% 401k Match with 5% Employee Contribution
• Paid Time Off
• Parental Leave
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Flex Time  
• STD, LTD and Group Life Insurance
• FSA and HSA Options
• Voluntary
  • Life Insurance
  • Critical Illness Insurance
  • Accident Insurance
  • Legal and Identity Theft Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Career Advancement
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Recognition
• English as a Second Language Education
• Online Training Opportunities