A Product Designer is responsible for the design of a new product, or redesign of an existing product. Responsible for the aesthetics of the product but also designing how it will work, defining the problem and solving it. May be responsible for producing low-fidelity mock ups, prototypes for validation through user testing and crafting the final product accordingly.
Minizfigs is looking for a hands-on, detail-oriented Junior Toy Designer to join our product development team. This is an entry-level to mid-career opportunity for someone who loves figuring out how things are designed, built, and improved. You do not need previous professional toy design experience. We're much more interested in finding someone with strong spatial thinking, attention to detail, technical ability, and a genuine interest in designing and building physical products. You'll work alongside our product designers and be involved throughout the development of our building toy sets — from digital models and building instructions to physical test builds, product revisions, factory samples, test packaging, and final production testing. Initially, much of your role will focus on building instructions, product testing, and design review. As you gain experience, you'll have the opportunity to take on more product design responsibility and eventually develop complete products of your own.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Create clear, easy-to-follow digital building instructions using CAD software. Determine logical build sequences so products come together naturally and intuitively. Review instructions from the perspective of the person actually building the product, not simply whether the steps are technically correct. Revise instructions as product designs change throughout development. Physically build products from start to finish using the instructions you've created or reviewed. Identify confusing steps, stability problems, difficult connections, fit issues, unnecessary complexity, and other opportunities to improve the building experience. Compare physical builds against digital models, artwork, samples, and product specifications. Make or recommend changes to digital models when testing reveals a better way to design or assemble the product. Rebuild and re-test products after revisions to verify that issues have actually been resolved. Inspect factory samples for accuracy, appearance, fit, function, and overall quality. Test stickers for sizing, placement, alignment, appearance, and fit on the intended parts. Review printed and decorated parts against approved artwork and product specifications. Identify discrepancies and clearly document changes needed before production. Assemble and test boxes, inserts, trays, PDQs, and other packaging components. Verify that products and components fit correctly inside finished packaging. Identify physical packaging issues such as incorrect folds, poor fit, damaged components, difficult assembly, or other production concerns. Work with our design team to make sure the physical product, instructions, stickers, and packaging all work together correctly.
POSITION GROWTH
Work directly with our product designers to learn how Minizfigs products are developed from concept through production. Assist with new product concepts, digital models, prototypes, revisions, and part selection. Research products, vehicles, buildings, equipment, and other subjects being developed into new sets. Gradually take ownership of increasingly complex design work as your skills develop. Ultimately have the opportunity to design complete Minizfigs products from concept through final production.
WHO IS A GOOD FIT
You may be a great fit if you're the type of person who: Enjoys building, designing, modeling, prototyping, or figuring out how physical things work. Notices when something is slightly off and wants to fix it. Can visualize objects and assemblies in three dimensions. Has strong attention to detail without losing sight of how the complete product works. Likes testing your own work instead of assuming it works because it looks correct on a computer. Can work through a problem independently and propose a solution. Is comfortable receiving feedback, making revisions, and improving a design multiple times. Takes pride in creating products that are polished and ready for customers. Wants to develop real product-design skills and take on greater responsibility over time. Experience That Could Translate Well We don't expect to find someone who has already done this exact job. Experience or education in any of the following could be useful: CAD or 3D modeling Mechanical design or drafting Product or industrial design Engineering Prototype development 3D printing Model building Technical drawing Building or construction systems Manufacturing or product development Hands-on design or maker projects Recent graduates and candidates with strong personal projects or hobby experience are encouraged to apply. What Matters More Than Your Resume We're looking for aptitude, curiosity, attention to detail, and a desire to create great products. If you've designed, modeled, built, modified, fabricated, 3D printed, or otherwise created something you're proud of, we'd like to see it. Personal projects absolutely count. When applying, please briefly tell us about something you've designed, built, modeled, modified, or created and what you enjoyed about the process. If you have examples of your work, include them with your application.
ABOUT MINIZFIGS
Minizfigs designs and manufactures interlocking building toy sets for retailers, businesses, and consumers. Our products move from concept and digital design through prototyping, testing, packaging, manufacturing, and ultimately onto retail shelves. We're growing our product development capabilities and expanding our own Minizfigs-branded product line. This position offers the opportunity to join that growth early, learn directly from an experienced product designer, and develop into a much larger product-design role as your abilities grow. This is a full-time, in-person position at our La Crosse, Wisconsin location.
Pay:
$20.00 - $27.00 per hour Expected hours: 40.0 per week
Benefits:
401(k) Employee discount Health insurance Paid time off
