Head of Design

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Design

Company: RIVR

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Hardware Design / UX/UI Design

Date Posted: September 10, 2025

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end product design lifecycle for RIVR's Physical AI robotics, encompassing industrial design, user experience (UX), and hardware/software integration.

• Establish and cultivate a robust design culture within RIVR, ensuring design principles are foundational to product strategy and execution.

• Translate RIVR's core mission and values into a distinct and impactful product identity, reflecting the company's innovative spirit and brand ethos.

• Drive iterative design processes through hands-on prototyping, user testing, and refinement, closely collaborating with engineering and product teams to achieve design feasibility and market alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as the first dedicated Head of Design, indicating a foundational and strategic impact on the company's product vision and design function. The emphasis on "Physical AI" and robotics suggests a need for expertise in complex hardware-software integration and tangible product experiences.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the conceptualization, industrial design, user experience (UX), and seamless integration of hardware and software for RIVR's robotics products.

• Develop and articulate a compelling product identity that embodies RIVR’s mission and values, ensuring the brand's essence is palpable in every product touchpoint.

• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams, including business, operations, hardware engineering, software engineering, and leadership, to ensure design feasibility, manufacturing considerations, and adherence to project timelines.

• Execute rapid prototyping, user testing, and iterative design cycles, balancing user needs, technical constraints, market opportunities, and manufacturing challenges.

• Actively build and champion a design-centric culture throughout RIVR, positioning design as a critical driver of product success and innovation.

• Manage external design contractors and outsourcing partners, ensuring quality and alignment with RIVR’s design standards and strategic objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus on strategic leadership (building design culture, setting direction) and hands-on execution (prototyping, testing). The need to consider "manufacturing challenges and timelines" indicates a practical, production-oriented design approach.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Human-Computer Interaction, or a related field is typically expected for a leadership role of this nature.

Experience: A minimum of 5-10 years of progressive experience in industrial design and UX for hardware products, with a strong preference for experience in robotics, consumer electronics, or IoT. Proven experience as an early-stage designer in a startup or scale-up environment is crucial, demonstrating comfort with ambiguity and the ability to build functions from the ground up.

Required Skills:

• Proven expertise in industrial design and user experience (UX) for hardware products, with a deep understanding of hardware-software interaction.

• Demonstrated success as an early designer in a startup/scale-up environment, adept at both strategic vision and hands-on execution.

• Advanced prototyping skills, including proficiency in sketching, CAD software, physical prototyping techniques, and user experience (UX) testing methodologies.

• Strong conceptual thinking capabilities, with the ability to translate high-level vision into concrete, actionable design solutions.

• Exceptional collaborative skills, with a proven ability to work effectively across diverse teams including engineering, product, business, operations, and leadership.

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a strong track record of conceptual thinking and the delivery of shipped products with measurable impact.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior leadership experience in the robotics sector or for complex hardware/software integrated products.

• Familiarity with international regulatory and certification requirements pertinent to hardware products.

• Experience in building and scaling a design team within a growing organization.

• Exposure to international markets (Europe & US) and experience working within multi-cultural teams.

• Knowledge of sustainable design principles and practices, or experience with design for manufacturing at scale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "startup/scale-up experience" suggests the company is in a growth phase, and the candidate needs to be adaptable and capable of building processes. The emphasis on "hardware/software integration" is critical for a robotics company.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase end-to-end product development projects, illustrating your journey from initial concept and user research through to final product launch and iteration.

• Provide case studies detailing your approach to industrial design, focusing on form, function, ergonomics, and material selection for physical products.

• Include examples of your UX/UI design work for hardware interfaces, demonstrating intuitive interaction design and user flows.

• Present evidence of your prototyping capabilities, including sketches, CAD models, renders, and interactive prototypes, alongside user testing insights and design refinements.

Process Documentation:

• Detail your methodology for user research and needs analysis, including techniques for identifying and prioritizing user requirements in the context of robotics.

• Outline your approach to translating user insights and business requirements into design specifications and product roadmaps.

• Illustrate your process for iterative design, including feedback loops, A/B testing, and design validation with stakeholders and end-users.

• Provide examples of how you have managed design feasibility with engineering teams, addressing manufacturing challenges and optimizing for production.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role, as it serves as tangible proof of conceptual thinking and execution capability. The focus should be on demonstrating a systematic approach to design that accounts for the complexities of hardware development and user experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Given the location in Zurich, Switzerland, and the seniority of the "Head of Design" title, paired with the specified experience level (5-10 years) and the demanding nature of a robotics startup, a competitive annual salary range can be estimated. Based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in Switzerland, the salary is likely to be in the range of CHF 120,000 to CHF 170,000. This range accounts for the cost of living in Zurich, the specialized skills required for robotics and hardware design leadership, and the startup environment which often includes equity components not detailed here.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and public holidays, adhering to Swiss labor laws.

• Opportunities for professional development, including attending industry conferences, workshops, and training programs.

• Potential for stock options or equity participation, common in early-stage startups to align employee success with company growth.

• Support for relocation and visa sponsorship if applicable for international candidates.

• Access to cutting-edge technology and resources for design and prototyping.

• Contribution to a pension fund, as per Swiss regulations.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours in Switzerland are typically 40-42 hours per week. While RIVR emphasizes in-person collaboration, there may be flexibility in daily start and end times, provided business needs and team collaboration are met.

📝 Enhancement Note: Zurich is known for its high cost of living and competitive salaries. The salary estimate is based on general market data for design leadership roles in Switzerland. Equity is a common component in startups that should be inquired about during the interview process.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), specifically focusing on last-mile delivery solutions. RIVR is pioneering "Physical AI" by integrating advanced robotics with AI to create autonomous delivery robots that combine wheeled and legged locomotion.

Company Size: As an early-stage company (rebranded in 2025 from Swiss-Mile), RIVR is likely a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME), with a team size that allows for close collaboration and rapid decision-making. This size implies a dynamic environment where individual contributions have a significant impact.

Founded: The company was founded as Swiss-Mile and rebranded to RIVR in 2025. This indicates a recent evolution or strategic pivot, suggesting a company that is agile and forward-looking.

Team Structure:

• The design function is being built from the ground up, with the Head of Design being the first dedicated role. This implies a lean, foundational team initially, likely collaborating closely with a core group of founders, engineers (hardware and software), and product managers.

• The reporting structure will likely place the Head of Design directly under a C-level executive (e.g., CEO, CTO, or Head of Product), reflecting the strategic importance of the role.

Methodology:

• Design processes will likely be agile and iterative, driven by rapid prototyping, user feedback, and close collaboration with hardware and software engineering teams.

• Data analysis and insights will be crucial for informing design decisions, user experience improvements, and market validation.

• Workflow planning and optimization will be key as the company scales, requiring efficient design processes that can adapt to evolving product requirements and manufacturing capabilities.

• Automation and efficiency practices will be important to support rapid development cycles and ensure high-quality output from the design function.

Company Website: rivr.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on "Physical AI" and robotics for last-mile delivery positions it in a rapidly growing and technologically advanced sector. The "build from the ground up" nature of the design function means the candidate will have significant influence but also face the challenges of establishing processes and culture.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior leadership position within the product development lifecycle, specifically leading the design function. It is a strategic role that requires both deep technical expertise in design and strong leadership capabilities to build and manage a design team and culture. The "Head of Design" title signifies a critical individual contributor role in the early stages, with the potential to grow into a larger design department leadership role as the company scales.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Design is expected to report directly to a key executive, likely the CEO or CTO, given the foundational nature of the role and its strategic importance to the company's product vision and brand identity. This direct line of communication ensures design has a seat at the executive table.

Operations Impact: The Head of Design will have a direct and significant impact on RIVR's product success by shaping the user experience, industrial design, and overall product perception. This influence extends to market adoption, customer satisfaction, and brand differentiation. By ensuring design feasibility and alignment with business and operational goals, the role directly contributes to the company's ability to scale its innovative robotics solutions efficiently and effectively.

Growth Opportunities:

• Team Expansion: As RIVR grows, there will be opportunities to build and mentor a high-performing design team, hiring industrial designers, UX/UI designers, and potentially design researchers.

• Strategic Influence: The role offers the chance to significantly influence product strategy, roadmap development, and the overall direction of RIVR's technological advancements through design leadership.

• Industry Leadership: Contributing to the forefront of robotics and Physical AI design provides a unique platform for professional growth and recognition within a cutting-edge industry.

• Process Development: The opportunity to establish and refine design processes, tools, and methodologies from inception allows for the creation of a best-in-class design function.

📝 Enhancement Note: This is a foundational leadership role in a high-growth tech startup. The career trajectory offers significant opportunities for impact, team building, and strategic influence, making it attractive for experienced design leaders looking to shape a company's product identity from its early stages.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company emphasizes in-person collaboration. This suggests a modern, functional office space designed to foster teamwork and innovation, likely including dedicated areas for design work, prototyping, and cross-functional meetings.

Office Location(s): The primary office is located in Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich is a major European hub for technology and innovation, offering a vibrant ecosystem for talent and business. The specific office location within Zurich would need to be confirmed but is expected to be accessible within the city's public transportation network.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will be highly collaborative, encouraging direct interaction between design, engineering, product management, and operations teams to facilitate rapid iteration and problem-solving.

• Access to state-of-the-art design tools, prototyping equipment, and potentially an in-house lab or workshop for physical model creation and testing will be provided.

• Opportunities for frequent interaction with cross-functional colleagues will be abundant, promoting a shared understanding of project goals and challenges.

Work Schedule: While a standard 40-42 hour work week is typical, the startup environment may require flexibility and dedication to meet project milestones. The emphasis on in-person collaboration means a consistent presence in the Zurich office is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for "in-person presence" indicates a strong preference for a collaborative, hands-on work environment typical of hardware-focused startups. The Zurich location places the company within a strong European tech hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the hiring team to assess qualifications and alignment with the role.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A discussion with the hiring manager (likely a founder or executive) to delve into your experience, leadership style, and vision for design at RIVR.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with key stakeholders from engineering, product, and operations teams to evaluate your collaborative approach and technical understanding.

• Portfolio Presentation & Case Study: A dedicated session where you will present your portfolio, showcasing relevant projects, your design process, and how you've tackled complex challenges. This may include a specific design exercise or case study.

• Final Round: Potentially an interview with the CEO or other senior leadership to discuss strategic fit and long-term vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your most relevant projects that best demonstrate your skills in industrial design, UX for hardware, and hardware/software integration, particularly in robotics or complex tech products.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem you were solving, your design process, your specific contributions, the challenges you faced, and the impact of your design (e.g., user satisfaction, market adoption, manufacturing improvements).

• Showcase Process: Include sketches, CAD models, prototypes, user testing insights, and iterative design stages to illustrate your hands-on capabilities and problem-solving approach.

• Highlight Leadership: If applicable, include examples of how you've led design initiatives, managed teams or contractors, or influenced product strategy.

• Tailor to RIVR: Emphasize projects that align with RIVR's mission in robotics, AI, and last-mile delivery, and demonstrate how your design philosophy resonates with their brand identity.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for potential design challenges that involve conceptualizing a new feature for a robot, improving an existing interaction, or addressing a specific user pain point in a delivery scenario.

• Practice articulating your design decisions clearly, justifying them with user insights, technical considerations, and business objectives.

• Think about how you would build a design function and culture from scratch, considering team structure, processes, and tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio presentation is a critical component. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their process and demonstrate how they think, not just what they've produced. Understanding RIVR's specific product and market is key to tailoring the presentation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD software such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, or similar for 3D modeling and product design.

• Prototyping Tools: Experience with physical prototyping methods (3D printing, CNC, model making) and digital prototyping tools (Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch) for UX/UI design and interactive mockups.

• Rendering Software: Familiarity with rendering tools (e.g., Keyshot, Blender) to create high-quality product visualizations.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Jira, Confluence for team communication and project management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• User Analytics: Experience with tools that track user interaction with hardware interfaces or associated software applications.

• Project Management Software: Tools like Asana, Trello, or Jira for managing design workflows and project timelines.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly in the Head of Design's core toolkit, an understanding of how CRM systems (like Salesforce) and automation platforms impact the customer journey and product feedback loops can be beneficial.

• Familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software for managing product data and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on hardware and robotics implies a strong need for CAD and physical prototyping skills. Proficiency in software prototyping for the robot's interface is also essential.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Pioneering Spirit: A drive to push boundaries in robotics and AI, creating novel solutions for complex problems.

• User-Centricity: A deep commitment to understanding and addressing user needs, ensuring products are intuitive, efficient, and valuable.

• Collaboration & Transparency: Open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to share knowledge and feedback across teams.

• Excellence & Quality: A dedication to high standards in design, engineering, and product execution.

• Agility & Adaptability: The ability to move quickly, learn from feedback, and adapt to the fast-paced nature of a startup environment.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Design is seen as an integral part of the product development process, working hand-in-hand with engineering, product, and operations from concept through production.

• Constructive Feedback: An environment where constructive criticism is welcomed and used to refine designs and improve processes.

• Shared Ownership: A culture where all team members feel a sense of ownership over the product's success and are motivated to contribute to collective goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values likely reflect a blend of cutting-edge technology focus and a startup's drive for innovation and user impact. The collaborative style is essential for success in a hardware-centric, multidisciplinary environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Building from Scratch: Establishing the design function, processes, team structure, and design culture within a growing startup presents significant foundational challenges.

• Hardware Complexity: Designing for robotics involves intricate hardware constraints, manufacturing processes, and the seamless integration of physical and digital elements, demanding a holistic design approach.

• Balancing Innovation and Practicality: Translating ambitious "Physical AI" concepts into manufacturable, reliable, and user-friendly products requires constant balancing of visionary goals with technical and business realities.

• Rapid Iteration in a Startup: The fast-paced startup environment demands quick decision-making and the ability to iterate rapidly while maintaining high design quality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Pioneering Robotics Design: Gain unparalleled experience at the forefront of Physical AI and robotics design, contributing to a transformative industry.

• Strategic Leadership Development: Grow leadership skills by building and managing a design team and influencing company-wide product strategy.

• Cross-Disciplinary Expertise: Deepen understanding of hardware engineering, software development, and business operations through close collaboration.

• Industry Exposure: Opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies, manufacturing techniques, and user research methodologies within the robotics sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are significant but come with substantial growth opportunities for an ambitious design leader. The ability to influence product direction and build a function from the ground up is a key draw.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach building a design culture and function from the ground up at RIVR?" - Be prepared to outline a phased approach, including hiring strategy, process development, and key first steps.

• "Describe your process for translating a complex technical concept like 'Physical AI' into a tangible, user-friendly product experience." - Focus on user research, iterative design, and balancing technical constraints with user needs.

• "How do you ensure design feasibility and alignment with hardware engineering and manufacturing realities?" - Discuss your experience collaborating with engineers, understanding manufacturing processes, and incorporating feedback early.

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about RIVR's mission and the robotics industry?" - Research RIVR's specific product, target market, and competitive landscape.

• "How do you foster collaboration between design and other functions like engineering and operations?" - Provide concrete examples of successful cross-functional partnerships.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Start with an overview of your career and design philosophy, then dive into 2-3 detailed case studies. Conclude with a summary of your leadership approach and vision for RIVR's design.

• Visual Storytelling: Use high-quality visuals (renderings, prototypes, user flows, photos of physical products) to illustrate your points.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., user satisfaction scores, task completion rates, adoption metrics).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your design choices, problem-solving methods, and technical execution at every stage.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should thoroughly research RIVR's technology, mission, and any public information available about its products. Demonstrating an understanding of the robotics and AI space will be crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Head of Design position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Lever.

• Portfolio Preparation: Curate a portfolio that specifically highlights your experience in industrial design and UX for hardware products, especially those involving complex systems or robotics. Ensure it showcases your end-to-end design process, from concept to execution.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize leadership experience, hands-on design skills (CAD, prototyping, UX testing), and experience in startup or fast-paced environments. Use keywords from the job description like "Industrial Design," "User Experience," "Hardware/Software Integration," and "Robotics."

• Interview Practice: Prepare to present your portfolio confidently, articulate your design process, and discuss how you would build and lead a design function. Practice answering behavioral and situational questions related to collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership in a tech startup context.

• Company Research: Gain a deep understanding of RIVR's "Physical AI" technology, its mission in last-mile delivery, and its competitive landscape. This will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate genuine interest and strategic thinking.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.