Industrial Design Consultant

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Industrial Design Consultant

Company: Munro Defense Inc

Location: Auburn Hills, MI, US

Job Type: Full Time

Category: Industrial Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: September 02, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead cross-functional ideation sprints and workshops to generate high-impact product and process concepts focused on cost reduction and performance improvement.

• Visualize and develop feasible design directions through CAD modeling and rapid prototyping, translating concepts into manufacturable geometry with clear documentation.

• Apply Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA) and lean principles to simplify assemblies, reduce part count, optimize manufacturing processes, and select cost-effective materials.

• Partner closely with cost engineering teams to quantify the value of design solutions, creating side-by-side cost/benefit trade-offs for executive decision-making.

• Drive client adoption and project success through compelling presentations, clear executive readouts, and diligent follow-through to implementation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends industrial design's aesthetic and user-experience focus with the practical, cost-driven requirements of mechanical engineering and manufacturing operations. The emphasis on "operations" comes from the direct application of design principles to improve manufacturing processes, reduce product costs, and enhance product performance within a client-facing consulting environment.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead design ideation sprints and workshops with client teams to generate and converge on high-impact concepts (products and processes) that reduce cost and improve performance.

• Visualize solutions quickly through sketching, storyboarding, and building compelling narratives that clients can rally behind, ensuring buy-in and alignment.

• Develop feasible design directions using advanced CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar) and rapid prototyping techniques; translate concepts into manufacturable geometry with clear documentation for production.

• Apply DFMA and lean principles to simplify assemblies, reduce part count, optimize manufacturing processes, and select cost-appropriate materials and finishes.

• Partner with cost engineering to quantify value, creating detailed side-by-side concepts with cost/benefit trade-offs that enable informed executive decisions.

• Interface directly on the factory floor to observe, map processes, and co-create pragmatic improvements with operators and leadership teams, ensuring practical and implementable solutions.

• Drive client adoption and engagement through clear, engaging presentations, executive readouts, and crisp follow-through to ensure successful implementation of designed solutions.

• Contribute to Munro's intellectual property and methodologies by developing playbooks, design standards, and case studies, while also mentoring junior talent within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to problem-solving, emphasizing client interaction, process observation on the factory floor, and the direct application of engineering and design principles to achieve tangible business outcomes like cost reduction and performance improvement, which are core to operations roles.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field.

Experience: 5+ years of experience creating physical products or production improvements in an industrial design and/or mechanical engineering capacity. Consulting experience is a significant plus.

Required Skills:

• A strong portfolio demonstrating elegant simplification and cost-down wins (before/after examples are crucial).

• Proven ability to articulate clear user-centered reasoning and form development tied directly to function.

• Advanced proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar) and fast visualization skills.

• Strong manufacturing literacy, including but not limited to injection molding, die casting, stamping, machining, sheet metal, extrusion, and basic composites/finishing.

• Deep understanding and application of DFMA/lean mindset, including comfort with part consolidation, tolerance/fit basics, and design standards.

• Exceptional storytelling and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead a room, sketch live, simplify complexity, and maintain high project momentum.

• A clear bias for action, with a proven track record of prototyping, testing, and iterating efficiently, understanding when "good enough" is strategically superior to "perfect." Preferred Skills:

• Experience in workcell/line design or factory layout optimization.

• Exposure to cost modeling or value engineering methodologies.

• Familiarity with usability testing, ergonomic analysis, or design research techniques.

• Comfort with Munro-style client workshops and rapid, executive-level communication protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements emphasize a blend of technical design skills, manufacturing knowledge, and crucial soft skills like facilitation and storytelling. This combination is vital for operations consultants who must not only design solutions but also effectively communicate their value and drive adoption within client organizations.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of elegant simplification and significant cost-reduction achievements in physical products or manufacturing processes.

• Clearly articulate user-centered design rationale, demonstrating how form and function were developed in tandem to meet user needs and business objectives.

• Provide evidence of CAD depth, including complex assemblies, and demonstrate rapid visualization skills through concept sketches and renderings.

• Highlight practical application of manufacturing knowledge (e.g., injection molding, machining, sheet metal) and DFMA principles in product design and process improvement projects. Process Documentation:

• Illustrate the application of DFMA and lean principles in workflow design and optimization, detailing how part consolidation or process simplification was achieved.

• Demonstrate methods for translating concepts into manufacturable geometry with clear documentation standards for production handover.

• Provide examples of process mapping and co-creation of improvements with factory floor operators and leadership.

• Showcase the quantification of value through cost/benefit analysis and the presentation of these trade-offs to stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a consulting role focused on product and process improvement, the portfolio is paramount. It needs to demonstrate not just design capability but also a deep understanding of manufacturing operations, cost drivers, and the ability to translate complex technical solutions into easily digestible and persuasive client-ready materials.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Industrial Design Consultants with 5-10 years of experience in the Detroit metropolitan area (Auburn Hills, MI), a competitive salary range is estimated to be between $90,000 - $130,000 annually. This range accounts for the specialized skills in industrial design, mechanical engineering, DFMA, and client-facing consulting.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary package.

• Paid time off, including dedicated vacation days and holidays, to promote work-life balance.

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Life insurance to provide financial security for employees and their families.

• Generous company 401K contribution, supporting long-term financial planning.

Working Hours: Standard working hours are typically 40 hours per week, aligning with full-time employment. However, client project demands may occasionally require flexibility and extended hours to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimation is based on market data for similar roles in the specified location and experience level, considering the blend of design and engineering expertise required. The benefits package is standard for full-time professional roles, with a particular note on the 401K contribution as a key long-term incentive.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Manufacturing, Engineering Services, Product Development Consulting. Munro & Associates operates at the intersection of deep engineering rigor and lean design principles, serving manufacturers across various sectors, particularly those focused on U.S.-based production. This industry context implies a focus on practical innovation, cost efficiency, and tangible results.

Company Size: Munro & Associates is part of Munro Defense Inc., suggesting a medium-sized enterprise with specialized divisions. The team structure likely allows for focused expertise within a supportive framework.

Founded: While the exact founding date of Munro Defense Inc. is not specified, Munro & Associates' mission to help manufacturers build better, more profitable products implies a history rooted in practical engineering and business problem-solving. This suggests a culture that values experience, proven methodologies, and a results-oriented approach.

Team Structure:

• The "Munro & Associates" team likely comprises experienced engineers, designers, and consultants specializing in product development, manufacturing processes, and cost reduction.

• Reporting structure is likely project-based and client-centric, with clear lines of accountability for project deliverables and client satisfaction.

• Cross-functional collaboration is fundamental, involving close partnerships with client engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and executive teams, as well as internal cost engineers and junior designers. Methodology:

• Data analysis and insights are driven by engineering rigor and cost modeling to quantify value and inform design decisions.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are central, focusing on DFMA, lean principles, and process mapping to identify and implement improvements.

• Automation and efficiency practices are applied not only to product design but also to client engagement processes, such as workshop facilitation and executive reporting.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=45d586d5-f919-44f7-99f9-4829fdd8c7d1

📝 Enhancement Note: The company description points to a firm that values practical engineering, efficient processes, and client-focused problem-solving. The "operations" aspect is deeply embedded in their core business of improving manufacturing and product development for clients.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an "Industrial Design Consultant," indicating a senior-level position within the operations and engineering consulting domain. It requires significant independent contribution, client-facing leadership, and the ability to mentor others. The scope involves leading design initiatives from ideation through implementation, directly impacting client profitability and product success.

Reporting Structure: The consultant will likely report to a Program Manager or a Director within Munro & Associates. They will, in turn, lead project teams and collaborate closely with client counterparts at various levels.

Operations Impact: The core function of this role is to drive tangible operational improvements for clients. This includes direct cost reduction through design optimization, enhancement of manufacturing efficiency via process improvements, and acceleration of time-to-market for new products. The impact is measured by quantifiable client ROI.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific manufacturing processes, advanced DFMA techniques, and value engineering methodologies through hands-on project work and internal training.

• Leadership Development: Progress to leading larger client engagements, managing project teams, and developing new business opportunities within specific industries or service lines.

• Methodology Contribution: Play a key role in developing and refining Munro's proprietary design and manufacturing improvement methodologies, contributing to the firm's intellectual capital and market differentiation.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized consulting environment, moving from individual contribution to project leadership and methodological development, all within the realm of operational efficiency and product innovation.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role, indicating a professional office environment within Munro Defense Inc. or Munro & Associates. The workspace will likely be collaborative, supporting team-based ideation and client interactions.

Office Location(s): Auburn Hills, MI. This location is a hub for the automotive and manufacturing industries in Michigan, providing proximity to potential clients and a strong ecosystem of engineering talent.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will foster collaboration, likely featuring open-plan areas for team interaction, dedicated project rooms for workshops and client meetings, and individual workstations equipped with necessary design and engineering software.

• Operations tools and technology, including high-performance CAD workstations, rapid prototyping equipment (e.g., 3D printers), and collaboration software, are expected to be readily available.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with a team of experienced engineers and designers, as well as regular client engagement, will be integral to the daily work environment.

Work Schedule: While the standard is 40 hours per week, the dynamic nature of consulting projects, especially those involving client-site visits and tight deadlines, may require a flexible schedule. This could involve occasional longer days or weekend work during critical project phases, balanced with periods of more standard hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and location in Auburn Hills suggest an environment deeply integrated with manufacturing and engineering, emphasizing in-person collaboration and direct client engagement, which are typical for high-impact consulting operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the role's requirements, focusing on design methodology, manufacturing knowledge, and demonstrable impact.

• Technical Interview: This may involve a deep dive into your portfolio, discussing specific projects, design choices, manufacturing considerations, and cost-saving strategies. Expect questions on DFMA, CAD proficiency, and manufacturing processes.

• Case Study/Workshop Simulation: You might be asked to participate in a simulated client workshop or tackle a specific design challenge, demonstrating your ideation, visualization, facilitation, and problem-solving skills in real-time.

• Cultural Fit & Final Interview: An opportunity to discuss your approach to consulting, client engagement, teamwork, and career aspirations with senior leadership.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your industrial design sensibility, engineering rigor, DFMA application, and quantifiable cost-reduction results. Ensure a mix of product design and process improvement examples if possible.

• Structure for Impact: For each project, clearly define the client's challenge, your role, the design/engineering process undertaken, the specific solutions developed, and the measurable outcomes (cost savings, performance gains, time reduction). Use clear visuals (sketches, renderings, CAD models, photos of prototypes/products).

• Highlight Operations Relevance: Explicitly call out how your design decisions impacted manufacturing operations, cost, quality, or efficiency. Use terms like DFMA, lean, part consolidation, process optimization, and ROI.

• Demonstrate Storytelling: Be prepared to walk through your portfolio with a compelling narrative that highlights your problem-solving approach and your ability to translate complex technical information into business value for clients.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Client Context: Research Munro & Associates and their typical client base. Anticipate common challenges in product development and manufacturing operations (e.g., high part costs, slow assembly, poor ergonomics, inefficient processes).

• Practice Ideation & Sketching: Be ready to brainstorm solutions rapidly and sketch them clearly. Focus on generating multiple concepts and then converging on the most promising ones.

• Articulate Value: Practice explaining the business impact of your proposed solutions, focusing on cost savings, performance improvements, and market advantages.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review will heavily scrutinize the candidate's ability to bridge the gap between design aesthetics and hard-nosed manufacturing/operational realities, with a strong emphasis on demonstrating measurable business impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: High proficiency required in industry-standard CAD packages such as SolidWorks, Creo, or NX. Expect to use these for detailed part design, assembly creation, and generating manufacturing-ready geometry.

• Visualization & Rendering: Tools for creating realistic renderings and concept visualizations to support client presentations and internal ideation.

• Prototyping: Experience with rapid prototyping technologies like FDM, SLA, or SLS 3D printing for form studies, functional testing, and client demonstrations.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Costing Tools: Familiarity with cost estimation principles and potentially specific cost modeling software or spreadsheets used in conjunction with cost engineering teams.

• Process Mapping Tools: Software for creating flowcharts and process maps (e.g., Visio, Lucidchart) to analyze and document manufacturing workflows.

• Presentation Software: Advanced skills in PowerPoint or similar tools for creating compelling executive readouts and client presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how design and engineering outputs feed into broader product lifecycle management (PLM) systems or ERP systems is beneficial.

• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Asana, Jira, Microsoft Project) may be utilized for tracking project progress and client deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design and engineering productivity tools, with an emphasis on CAD and prototyping. The "operations" aspect comes from how these tools are used to directly influence manufacturing processes, cost structures, and product performance for clients.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Rigor: A deep commitment to technical accuracy, thorough analysis, and data-driven decision-making in all design and process improvement initiatives.

• Lean Efficiency: A relentless pursuit of simplicity, waste reduction, and optimized workflows in both product design and internal client engagement processes.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and exceeding client expectations, delivering tangible value, and building strong, trust-based relationships through impactful results.

• Pragmatic Innovation: A balance between creative problem-solving and practical implementation, ensuring that new ideas are not only novel but also manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with business goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A highly collaborative approach, seamlessly integrating with client engineering, manufacturing, and business teams, as well as internal cost engineers and design specialists.

• Process Review Culture: An open environment for constructive feedback on designs and processes, encouraging iterative improvement and shared learning.

• Knowledge Sharing: A commitment to documenting best practices, sharing insights through case studies and playbooks, and mentoring junior talent to elevate the team's collective expertise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture and values are centered around delivering practical, data-backed solutions that improve manufacturing operations and product profitability. Collaboration is key, both internally and with clients, to ensure designs are manufacturable and impactful.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Design and Manufacturing: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into manufacturable realities that meet stringent cost and performance targets in diverse industrial settings.

• Client Stakeholder Alignment: Navigating varied client priorities, technical expertise levels, and organizational dynamics to gain consensus and drive adoption of recommended solutions.

• Rapid Iteration Under Pressure: Consistently delivering high-quality, impactful design improvements within compressed timelines and client-driven project schedules.

• Quantifying Value: Developing robust cost-benefit analyses that clearly demonstrate the ROI of design interventions, often requiring deep dives into client cost structures and manufacturing processes.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Manufacturing Processes: Gaining in-depth knowledge of various manufacturing techniques (e.g., advanced injection molding, metal stamping, additive manufacturing) through project exposure and client interactions.

• Consulting Skills Enhancement: Developing advanced client management, presentation, and facilitation skills through direct experience and mentorship.

• Cost Engineering Integration: Deepening understanding of cost modeling, value engineering, and financial analysis as applied to product design and manufacturing operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical of a high-impact consulting role, requiring strong technical skills coupled with the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships and deliver measurable business value within operational constraints.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you significantly reduced the cost of a product through industrial design or engineering changes. What was your process, and what were the key trade-offs?" (Focus on quantifiable results, DFMA application, and stakeholder communication).

• "How do you approach leading a design ideation workshop with a client team that has diverse technical backgrounds and potentially conflicting priorities?" (Emphasize facilitation techniques, visual aids, and consensus-building).

• "Walk us through a complex project where you had to translate a conceptual design into detailed, manufacturable geometry. What were the challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight CAD proficiency, understanding of manufacturing processes, and documentation rigor). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Munro & Associates' approach to helping manufacturers improve their products and processes?" (Research their methodology, client success stories, and focus on lean/DFMA).

• "How do you see your skills in industrial design and engineering complementing each other to drive operational improvements for clients?" (Connect your expertise to the company's core mission).

• "Describe your experience working with cost engineers or understanding manufacturing cost drivers. How do you incorporate cost considerations into your design process?" (Show awareness of the financial impact of design decisions). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tell a Story: For each project, frame it as a narrative: the problem, your solution, and the outcome. Quantify results whenever possible (e.g., "20% cost reduction," "15% improvement in assembly time").

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use high-quality visuals – sketches, renderings, CAD models, prototypes, and photos of finished products or improved processes.

• Emphasize Operations Impact: Clearly articulate how your design decisions influenced manufacturing efficiency, part consolidation, material selection, assembly ease, or overall product cost. Use operations-centric terminology.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about your technical choices, manufacturing considerations, and the rationale behind your design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of creative design thinking, rigorous engineering application, and a strong understanding of manufacturing operations and cost drivers, all communicated through compelling storytelling and data-backed evidence from your portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Industrial Design Consultant position:

• Submit your application through the provided ADP link.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects demonstrating cost reduction, DFMA application, and successful product/process improvements. Focus on examples that showcase your ability to influence manufacturing operations and quantify business value.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of experience in industrial design and/or mechanical engineering, specifically mentioning relevant manufacturing processes, CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, Creo, NX), and any consulting experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Practice walking through your portfolio with a clear narrative. Be ready to discuss your design process, manufacturing insights, and how you quantify impact. Research Munro & Associates' methodology and client success stories.

• Company Research: Understand Munro's core values of engineering rigor, lean efficiency, client focus, and pragmatic innovation. Prepare to discuss how your approach aligns with these principles and how you can contribute to client success in the manufacturing sector.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI