Industrial Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Industrial Product Designer

Company: AI-Blox

Location: Brussels, Brussels-Capital Region, Belgium

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Product Design & Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-15

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop robust, manufacturable hardware for edge AI applications, translating complex electronic requirements into functional product designs.

• Create and maintain detailed 3D CAD models and 2D technical drawings adhering to GD&T standards for precise communication with manufacturing partners.

• Balance aesthetic form, user interface, and critical technical constraints such as thermal management, IP protection, and mechanical performance.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with electronics engineers, mechanical experts, suppliers, and marketing teams to ensure design feasibility, quality, and brand consistency.

• Leverage advanced 3D modeling, rendering (including AI-assisted tools), and prototyping skills to drive product development from concept through to production.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned at the intersection of Industrial Design and Engineering Operations, requiring a strong technical aptitude beyond typical industrial design roles. The emphasis on "manufacturable products," "technical requirements," and "thermal/mechanical constraints" indicates a need for operational understanding of the production lifecycle and engineering integration.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate complex technical and functional requirements from electronics engineering into refined, manufacturable product designs for edge AI hardware.

• Design enclosures, internal layouts, and user interfaces that optimize for form, function, thermal management, IP protection, and mechanical performance.

• Develop detailed and accurate 3D CAD models for enclosures and components, ensuring compliance with design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.

• Generate precise 2D technical drawings incorporating Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) for clear communication with manufacturing partners and suppliers.

• Create compelling and realistic renderings using Blender, other rendering software, and AI visual tools to support marketing collateral, internal reviews, and client presentations.

• Manage the design documentation lifecycle, including revisions, version control, and archiving of CAD models and drawings for prototyping and production.

• Collaborate closely with external mechanical experts and suppliers to ensure design feasibility, production quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery.

• Support the validation and testing of prototypes, systematically gathering feedback to inform design iterations and future product development.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of a consistent product design language that aligns with AI-Blox's brand identity and modular design philosophy.

• Proactively identify and implement design solutions to address technical challenges related to materials, manufacturing processes, and product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a practical, hands-on approach to product design, deeply integrated with engineering and manufacturing operations. The requirement to create GD&T compliant drawings and work directly with suppliers emphasizes the operational aspect of bringing products to market efficiently and to spec.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, or a closely related technical field.

Experience: 2+ years of relevant professional experience in industrial hardware product design, with a demonstrable track record of bringing products from concept to production.

Required Skills:

• 3D Modeling & CAD Proficiency: Expert-level skills in 3D modeling software such as Fusion 360, Onshape, or SolidWorks, with the ability to create complex assemblies and precise models.

• Technical Drawing & GD&T: Comprehensive understanding and practical application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) for creating clear, unambiguous technical drawings.

• Rendering & Visualization: Proficient in 3D rendering using Blender, similar industry-standard software, and adept at utilizing AI-assisted visual tools for concept presentation and marketing materials.

• Prototyping & Manufacturing Familiarity: Hands-on experience with 3D printing for rapid prototyping and a solid understanding of manufacturing technologies including CNC machining, die casting, and sheet metal fabrication.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Strong proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator for creating visual assets, presentations, and preparing product documentation.

• Problem-Solving: Proven ability to analyze technical requirements and constraints (e.g., thermal management, IP protection) and develop practical, effective design solutions.

• Collaboration & Communication: Excellent verbal and written English communication skills for effective collaboration within an international team and with external partners.

• Technical Aptitude: A strong technical interest and willingness to learn and apply mechanical design principles relevant to electronic hardware.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with product design for embedded systems or IoT devices.

• Familiarity with thermal analysis tools or principles.

• Understanding of enclosure design for specific environmental conditions (e.g., outdoor, industrial).

• Experience in supplier management and production quality control.

• Basic understanding of electronics and their physical integration needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of creative design and rigorous technical execution, crucial for operationalizing designs into tangible products. The explicit mention of GD&T and manufacturing technologies points towards a role that requires a deep understanding of the production pipeline.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Design Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 comprehensive case studies demonstrating end-to-end product design projects, from initial concept ideation through to production-ready designs.

• Technical Integration Examples: Highlight projects where you successfully integrated complex technical requirements (e.g., thermal management, electronic component placement, IP ratings) into a cohesive and manufacturable design.

• CAD & Rendering Samples: Provide clear examples of detailed 3D CAD models and high-quality renderings, demonstrating proficiency in your chosen software and ability to visualize concepts effectively.

• Technical Documentation: Include examples of technical drawings with GD&T annotations, illustrating your ability to communicate design intent precisely for manufacturing.

• Prototyping & Iteration: Showcase evidence of prototyping efforts, including 3D prints or other fabricated prototypes, and explain how feedback from these informed design iterations.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Evidence of defining and following a structured product design process, from requirements gathering to final design release.

• Collaboration in Design: Examples illustrating how you collaborated with engineering teams, suppliers, and other stakeholders throughout the design process.

• Problem-Solving Documentation: Case studies detailing specific design challenges encountered and the systematic approach taken to resolve them, with measurable outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role bridging design and operations, the portfolio must clearly demonstrate not just aesthetic capabilities but also the ability to translate designs into actionable manufacturing specifications and manage the technical complexities of product realization.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Industrial Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Brussels, Belgium, a competitive annual salary range is estimated to be between €45,000 and €65,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Brussels, the specialized nature of edge AI hardware design, and the technical skills required.

Benefits:

• Generous Vacation: 32 vacation days per year, including 12 additional leave days, offering excellent work-life balance.

• Comprehensive Healthcare: Healthcare benefits provided through Alan, ensuring access to quality medical services.

• Group Insurance: Standard group insurance coverage for added financial security.

• Meal Vouchers: Provided to supplement daily food expenses.

• Flex Income Plan: A flexible benefits plan through Payflip, allowing customization of benefits.

• Stock Options: Opportunity to participate in the company's growth through stock options.

• Advanced Tools & Technology: Access to the best tools and technology to perform your role effectively.

• Team & Social Events: Regular team drinks and company events to foster camaraderie and team spirit.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours, typically around 40 hours per week, with potential for some flexibility depending on project needs and team agreements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical market rates for this role in Brussels. Actual compensation will be determined by the candidate's specific experience, qualifications, and the company's compensation structure. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting a commitment to employee well-being and long-term engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI) hardware at the edge, and modular hardware solutions. AI-Blox operates in a rapidly evolving sector that demands innovation, technical precision, and agility.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but the context suggests a growing startup or scale-up environment. This typically means a dynamic atmosphere with opportunities for significant individual impact and direct contribution to product development.

Founded: Founded date not provided, but the company's focus on cutting-edge AI hardware implies a relatively modern establishment.

Team Structure:

• The Industrial Product Designer will likely be part of a product development or engineering team.

• They will report to a Design Lead, Engineering Manager, or Head of Product.

• Close collaboration is expected with Electronics Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Firmware Developers, and potentially Product Managers and Marketing teams.

• The team structure is likely lean and cross-functional, typical of a tech company focused on hardware innovation. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on translating technical specifications and performance data into design decisions.

• Iterative Development: Continuous prototyping, testing, and refinement of designs based on feedback and performance metrics.

• Agile Product Development: Likely operates within an agile framework, allowing for flexibility and rapid response to market and technical changes.

• Cross-Functional Synergy: Strong emphasis on seamless communication and collaboration between design, engineering, and manufacturing disciplines.

Company Website: https://ai-blox.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a company focused on edge AI hardware, AI-Blox likely values a culture of innovation, technical rigor, and a results-oriented approach. The "modular hardware" aspect suggests a focus on standardization, scalability, and efficient design processes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an "Intermediate" or "Mid-Level" position, suitable for professionals with 2-5 years of experience. It offers a significant opportunity to contribute to core product development and gain in-depth experience in hardware design for AI applications.

Reporting Structure: The Industrial Product Designer will likely report into a Design or Engineering management structure, working closely with technical leads and product managers. This provides exposure to strategic decision-making and project oversight.

Operations Impact: The Industrial Product Designer's work directly impacts the manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, user experience, and market appeal of AI-Blox's hardware products. Successful designs are critical for scaling production, meeting customer demands, and reinforcing the company's brand identity in the competitive AI hardware market.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like thermal management design, enclosure design for harsh environments, or advanced material applications within hardware.

• Leadership: Progress to a Senior Industrial Designer or Design Lead role, managing projects, mentoring junior designers, and influencing design strategy.

• Cross-Functional Expertise: Develop a broader understanding of electronics engineering, firmware development, and supply chain operations through close collaboration.

• Product Strategy: Contribute to the early-stage product definition and roadmap planning, leveraging design insights to shape future product offerings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized hardware design domain. The emphasis on technical integration and manufacturability positions this role as a critical component of the company's operational success, not just a creative function.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company offers a "fancy office in Brussels," suggesting a modern, well-equipped workspace designed to foster creativity and collaboration.

Office Location(s): Brussels, Belgium. Specific details regarding accessibility or amenities would need to be confirmed, but being in a major European capital implies good public transport links and a vibrant work environment.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Spaces: The office likely features collaborative areas, meeting rooms, and potentially dedicated design studios equipped for 3D modeling and rendering work.

• Tools & Technology: Access to high-end workstations, industry-standard CAD and rendering software, and potentially in-house prototyping facilities (e.g., 3D printers).

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for daily interaction with engineers and other design professionals, fostering a hands-on, problem-solving culture.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with standard office hours. While not explicitly stated as flexible, the tech industry often accommodates some degree of flexible scheduling around core working hours, especially for individuals who demonstrate responsibility and deliver results. The need for daily commute suggests a strong emphasis on in-person collaboration.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "fancy office" and emphasis on daily commute suggest a company that values in-person collaboration and a dedicated, focused work environment, which is beneficial for complex design tasks requiring deep concentration and team synergy.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A brief call or video interview to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: A dedicated session where candidates present their portfolio, discussing their design process, technical challenges, and solutions. This will likely involve deep dives into specific projects, focusing on the integration of technical requirements and manufacturing considerations.

• Technical/Design Challenge: Candidates may be given a small design problem or case study to solve, either pre-interview or during a dedicated session, to assess their problem-solving skills, design methodology, and approach to technical constraints.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: Further discussions to assess fit with the team, company culture, and overall strategic alignment. This may include discussions about their understanding of edge AI hardware and modular design principles.

• Final Offer: Based on successful completion of all stages.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Technical Integration: Emphasize projects where you successfully balanced aesthetics with critical technical requirements like thermal management, IP ratings, and mechanical robustness.

• Showcase Manufacturability: Clearly articulate how your designs were optimized for manufacturing processes (e.g., DFM, material selection, supplier collaboration).

• Detail Your Process: Explain your design methodology, including how you approached requirements, ideation, prototyping, iteration, and final documentation with GD&T.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs, e.g., cost savings, improved thermal performance, reduced assembly time.

• Renderings & CAD Clarity: Ensure your 3D models are well-organized and your renderings are high-quality and representative of the final product's appearance.

• GD&T Proficiency: Be prepared to explain the GD&T callouts on your technical drawings and their importance for manufacturing accuracy.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand Edge AI Hardware: Research the basics of edge AI, common hardware components, and the unique design challenges involved (e.g., size, power, thermal, connectivity).

• Familiarize with Modular Design: Understand the principles and benefits of modular design in hardware systems.

• Practice Problem-Solving: Be ready to tackle a hypothetical design problem that requires balancing form, function, and manufacturability under specific constraints.

• Communicate Your Thought Process: Clearly articulate your approach, assumptions, and decision-making rationale during the challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge indicates that AI-Blox places a high value on practical skills, technical understanding, and the ability to articulate one's design process and problem-solving capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software: Proficiency in Fusion 360, Onshape, or SolidWorks is essential for creating detailed 3D models and assemblies.

• 3D Rendering Software: Expertise in Blender or similar rendering tools for creating high-fidelity product visualizations.

• Visual AI Tools: Experience or willingness to learn AI-assisted visual generation tools for concept development and marketing.

• Prototyping Technologies: Hands-on experience with 3D printing is required, with familiarity extending to CNC machining, die casting, and sheet metal fabrication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not direct analytics tools for this role, the output of designs will feed into production yield and performance metrics. The designer must understand how their designs impact these operational KPIs. CRM & Automation:

• The primary "systems" involved are CAD and PDM (Product Data Management) systems for managing design files and revisions. Familiarity with version control and documentation management is key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design and manufacturing enablement tools. The designer's ability to effectively use these tools directly translates into operational efficiency and product quality.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, technically sound designs that meet rigorous performance standards.

• Innovation: A drive to explore new ideas and solutions, particularly in the rapidly advancing field of AI hardware.

• Collaboration: A belief in the power of teamwork, valuing input from engineers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

• Efficiency & Manufacturability: A focus on designing products that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also cost-effective and efficient to produce.

• User-Centricity: A dedication to creating products that meet user needs and provide a positive experience, even within a technically focused domain.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expected to work seamlessly with engineering teams, providing design input and incorporating technical feedback.

• Supplier Partnership: View suppliers as partners, working collaboratively to ensure design feasibility and manufacturing quality.

• Open Communication: Encourage open dialogue, feedback exchange, and constructive criticism to drive continuous improvement in designs and processes.

• Knowledge Sharing: Foster an environment where best practices, lessons learned, and design insights are shared across teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely emphasizes a blend of creative problem-solving and rigorous engineering discipline, essential for success in the hardware development space. The emphasis on collaboration and efficiency is key to their operational success.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Competing Constraints: Effectively managing the trade-offs between aesthetic appeal, user experience, thermal performance, mechanical integrity, cost, and manufacturability in a highly technical product.

• Rapid Technological Evolution: Staying abreast of advancements in AI hardware, materials science, and manufacturing technologies to ensure designs remain cutting-edge and competitive.

• Supplier Coordination: Navigating the complexities of working with international suppliers to ensure quality, timelines, and cost targets are met.

• Integrating Complex Electronics: Designing enclosures and interfaces that accommodate intricate electronic components while meeting stringent performance and safety standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Design Techniques: Opportunities to learn and apply advanced CAD, rendering, and simulation techniques relevant to hardware design.

• Edge AI Hardware Specialization: Deepen understanding of AI hardware architectures, edge computing challenges, and specific component requirements.

• Manufacturing Process Expertise: Gain hands-on knowledge and experience with various manufacturing processes and their implications for product design.

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Expand understanding of electronics engineering, firmware, and supply chain management through close collaboration.

• Industry Exposure: Potential to attend industry events and conferences focused on AI, hardware design, and manufacturing.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a hardware design role in a fast-paced tech environment, offering significant opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate complex technical requirements into a manufacturable product design. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on requirements gathering, problem-solving, and DFM.)

• "How do you approach balancing aesthetic design with critical technical constraints like thermal management or IP protection? Can you provide an example from your portfolio?" (Demonstrate understanding of trade-offs and technical integration.)

• "Walk us through a project where you collaborated with engineers and/or suppliers. How did you ensure effective communication and manage feedback to achieve the desired outcome?" (Highlight collaboration and communication skills.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AI-Blox and our focus on edge AI hardware?" (Show research into the company, industry, and product.)

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with our modular design approach?" (Connect your approach to the company's core strategy.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest trends in industrial design and manufacturing technology?" (Demonstrate commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly define the problem, your role, your design process, the technical challenges, your solutions, and the final outcome.

• Emphasize Technical Details: Be prepared to discuss the specific technical constraints you addressed, the CAD details, and how your design facilitates manufacturing.

• Showcase GD&T: Be ready to explain the GD&T callouts on your technical drawings and why they are critical for production.

• Quantify Achievements: Use data and metrics whenever possible to illustrate the impact of your design decisions (e.g., cost savings, performance improvements).

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect detailed questions about your design choices and problem-solving approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the interplay between design, engineering, and manufacturing operations, with a particular emphasis on technical feasibility and production readiness.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Industrial Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience with CAD software (Fusion 360, Onshape, SolidWorks), GD&T, 3D rendering (Blender, AI tools), prototyping, and manufacturing processes relevant to hardware design. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 strong case studies that best showcase your ability to translate technical requirements into manufacturable and aesthetically pleasing hardware designs. Ensure it includes examples of detailed CAD models, technical drawings with GD&T, and high-quality renderings.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, technical integration, and collaboration with engineering and manufacturing teams. Be ready to discuss GD&T and DFM principles.

• Research AI-Blox: Understand their mission, product offerings (edge AI hardware, modular design), and the competitive landscape. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company's future direction.

⚠️ 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.