Industrial Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Industrial Product Designer

Company: AI-Blox

Location: Brussels, Belgium

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / Engineering

Date Posted: November 7, 2025

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Translate complex electronic systems and technical requirements into functional, well-designed, and manufacturable hardware products.

• Design enclosures, layouts, and user interfaces that optimize form, function, and critical technical constraints like thermal management and mechanical performance.

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models and realistic renderings for prototyping, production, and marketing materials, ensuring accuracy and manufacturability.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electronics engineers, mechanical experts, suppliers, and marketing, to drive product development from concept to production.

• Contribute to a cohesive and consistent product design language that aligns with AI-Blox's brand identity and modular system philosophy for edge AI applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role bridges industrial design with mechanical engineering, focusing on the physical manifestation of AI hardware. The emphasis on "AI at the edge" and "modular hardware" suggests a need for designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also scalable, adaptable, and potentially ruggedized for diverse deployment environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate technical specifications and functional requirements from electronics engineers into refined, manufacturable product designs for hardware enclosures and interfaces.

• Create precise 3D CAD models and detailed 2D drawings for prototyping, tooling, and mass production, adhering to strict design tolerances and manufacturing standards.

• Develop compelling and accurate 3D renderings and visualizations using software like Blender to communicate design concepts, product aesthetics, and marketing materials effectively.

• Integrate and solve for critical technical requirements, including thermal management strategies, Ingress Protection (IP) ratings, and overall mechanical performance, within the product design.

• Manage and maintain all 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and design documentation throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring version control and accessibility for all stakeholders.

• Liaise with external suppliers and manufacturing partners to ensure design for manufacturability (DFM), achieve target quality standards, and meet cost objectives.

• Support the physical prototyping process, including 3D printing and other fabrication methods, and actively participate in prototype validation and user testing.

• Gather and incorporate feedback from prototype testing, internal reviews, and market insights to drive iterative improvements in product design.

• Champion and develop a consistent product design language that reinforces AI-Blox's brand identity and emphasizes the modularity and high-performance nature of its edge AI hardware.

📝 Enhancement Note: Responsibilities clearly indicate a hands-on role requiring both creative design thinking and rigorous technical execution. The emphasis on "manufacturability," "thermal management," and "IP protection" suggests a need for a designer who understands engineering constraints and can translate them into practical design solutions, rather than purely conceptual work.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related design or engineering discipline.

Experience: 2-5 years of professional experience in industrial product design, with a demonstrated track record of bringing hardware products from concept to production.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional 3D modeling proficiency with advanced skills in CAD software such as Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or similar parametric modeling tools.

• Strong rendering capabilities using Blender or comparable software to produce high-fidelity visualizations for concept presentation and marketing.

• Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, including but not limited to 3D printing (SLA, FDM, SLS), CNC machining, injection molding, die casting, and sheet metal fabrication.

• Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping techniques and iterative design processes.

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator) for visual communication, presentation development, and asset preparation.

• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal, for effective collaboration in an international team and with global clients.

• A keen technical interest and a demonstrated ability to learn and apply mechanical design principles and engineering concepts.

• Strong problem-solving aptitude, with a focus on translating technical challenges into practical and elegant design solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with thermal management principles and design considerations for electronic enclosures.

• Experience with Ingress Protection (IP) rating requirements and design methodologies.

• Knowledge of design for assembly (DFA) principles.

• Understanding of materials science relevant to product enclosures and hardware components.

• Experience working with international suppliers and managing manufacturing relationships.

• Basic understanding of electronics and their integration into product designs.

• Proficiency in Dutch or French language.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Master's degree and 2-5 years of experience positions this as a mid-level role. The emphasis on technical understanding, CAD, rendering, and manufacturing processes, alongside a "technical interest and willingness to learn about mechanical design," suggests a candidate who can bridge the gap between pure aesthetics and engineering realities, a critical skill in hardware product design.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio showcasing a minimum of 3-5 diverse hardware product development projects, demonstrating the full design lifecycle from concept ideation to production-ready designs.

• Projects should clearly illustrate your ability to translate complex technical requirements (e.g., electronics integration, thermal management) into manufacturable and aesthetically refined products.

• Detailed case studies that highlight your specific contributions, design process, problem-solving methodologies, and the impact of your design decisions on product functionality and manufacturability.

• Evidence of proficiency in 3D CAD modeling, including complex assemblies, detailed drawings, and design for manufacturing considerations.

Process Documentation:

• Demonstrations of your systematic approach to design problem-solving, including research, ideation, concept development, prototyping, and iteration.

• Documentation of your workflow for managing and organizing 3D CAD data, 2D technical drawings, and Bills of Materials (BOM).

• Examples of how you have collaborated with engineering teams and suppliers, detailing communication strategies and feedback integration processes.

• Evidence of your process for evaluating and selecting materials and manufacturing technologies based on technical, aesthetic, and cost requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Product Designer role, particularly one involving hardware and complex technical requirements, the portfolio is paramount. It should not only showcase aesthetic talent but also demonstrate a rigorous, process-driven approach to problem-solving, engineering integration, and manufacturability. Emphasis on case studies that detail the how and why behind design decisions will be crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry benchmarks for Industrial Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Brussels, Belgium, a competitive salary range is estimated to be between €45,000 and €65,000 annually. This estimate considers the cost of living in Brussels, the specialized technical skills required, and the company's offering of stock options.

Benefits:

• 32 Vacation Days: Including 12 additional leave days, offering a generous work-life balance.

• Healthcare Benefits: Provided through Alan, covering medical expenses.

• Group Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for employees.

• Meal Vouchers: For daily meal expenses.

• Flex Income Plan: Through Payflip, offering a flexible benefits package.

• Stock Options: Opportunity to gain equity in a growing AI hardware company.

• Team Drinks & Events: Regular social gatherings to foster team cohesion.

• Brand New Office: A modern workspace located in the heart of Brussels.

Working Hours: Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week), with the expectation of on-site presence in the Brussels office. While core hours are standard, the company culture may allow for some flexibility in scheduling, particularly given the on-site nature of the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on publicly available data for similar roles in Brussels, factoring in experience level and the tech industry context. The benefits package is comprehensive and reflects a modern startup environment, with stock options being a significant component for long-term employee engagement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, specifically Edge AI Hardware and Modular Systems. AI-Blox operates within the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence, focusing on the development of high-performance, specialized hardware for deploying AI models at the network edge. This places them at the intersection of hardware engineering, AI/ML, and embedded systems.

Company Size: AI-Blox is likely a growing startup or scale-up, indicated by the offer of stock options and the need to build out their product design function. A smaller to medium-sized company provides opportunities for significant individual impact and direct collaboration with leadership.

Founded: The company was founded to address the growing demand for efficient and powerful edge AI solutions. Its mission is to democratize AI by making it accessible and deployable on localized, high-performance hardware, moving away from purely cloud-based processing.

Team Structure:

• The Industrial Product Designer will be a key member of the product development team, likely reporting to a Head of Product, VP of Engineering, or CTO.

• They will work closely with a team of electronics engineers who design the core AI modules and systems.

• Collaboration will extend to external mechanical engineering consultants and a global network of suppliers.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: While creative, the design process is heavily influenced by technical data, including thermal performance metrics, mechanical stress analysis, and manufacturing feasibility studies.

• Iterative Development: The company embraces a cycle of prototyping, testing, and refinement, valuing feedback loops to continuously improve product design.

• Modular Design Philosophy: A core tenet is the development of modular hardware, allowing for flexibility, scalability, and easier integration across different AI applications. Designs must reflect and support this modularity.

Company Website: [AI-Blox Company Website - Placeholder, as actual URL is not provided in input but company_url is given as AI-Blox]

https://jobs.workable.com/company/v74uxXRvYhBKyuErzZVPpv/jobs-at-ai-blox (Company Page Link)

📝 Enhancement Note: AI-Blox's focus on "AI at the edge" and "modular hardware" suggests a company that values innovation, technical rigor, and practical application. The culture is likely fast-paced, collaborative, and engineering-centric, with a strong emphasis on tangible product outcomes.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This Industrial Product Designer role is positioned at a mid-level (2-5 years of experience). It requires a solid foundation in design principles and technical skills, with the capacity to independently manage design projects from concept through to manufacturing handover. The role is crucial in translating complex technical requirements into tangible, manufacturable products.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a senior member of the engineering or product team, such as an Engineering Manager, Head of Product, or CTO. This reporting line implies close collaboration with technical leadership and direct involvement in strategic product decisions related to hardware form factor and user experience.

Operations Impact: The Industrial Product Designer's impact is direct and significant. They are responsible for the physical embodiment of AI-Blox's technology, influencing not only the product's aesthetics and usability but also its performance, manufacturability, cost, and brand perception. Successful designs will enhance AI-Blox's market competitiveness by delivering robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing edge AI hardware.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas like thermal design, advanced manufacturing techniques, or materials science within the context of edge AI hardware.

• Design Leadership: Progress to a Senior Industrial Designer or Design Lead role, mentoring junior designers and taking ownership of larger product initiatives or design system development.

• Cross-Functional Mobility: Develop a broader understanding of electronics engineering, product management, or supply chain, potentially transitioning into related roles within the company.

• Impactful Projects: Lead design for next-generation AI hardware, influencing the future direction of the company's product portfolio and technology.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a clear path for growth within a specialized and high-demand tech sector. The combination of design creativity and technical problem-solving means opportunities exist for both deepening technical expertise and advancing into leadership positions.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: AI-Blox offers a brand new office located in the heart of Brussels. This suggests a modern, well-equipped workspace designed to foster collaboration and innovation. As the role is designated "On-site," the office will be the primary location for work.

Office Location(s): Brussels, Belgium. The central location implies good accessibility via public transport and proximity to amenities.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office design is expected to support teamwork, with spaces for design reviews, brainstorming sessions, and interdisciplinary collaboration with engineers.

• Tools and Technology: Access to state-of-the-art design software (CAD, rendering), rapid prototyping equipment (3D printers), and potentially testing facilities for hardware validation.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for frequent face-to-face interaction with colleagues from engineering, product, and potentially marketing teams, facilitating efficient communication and problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours are approximately 40 per week, consistent with a full-time role. Given the on-site requirement, predictable availability during core business hours in Brussels is expected. The company's startup nature might imply a dynamic work environment where occasional flexibility is valued, but the core expectation is consistent on-site presence.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "brand new office in the heart of Brussels" and a strong emphasis on on-site work suggest a company that values in-person collaboration and a dedicated physical workspace. This environment is conducive to hands-on design work and rapid iteration cycles.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: HR or a hiring manager will review your application and resume, assessing your qualifications against the core requirements. Be prepared to highlight your relevant experience and technical skills.

2. Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: This is a critical stage. You will be asked to present your portfolio, walking through key projects. Expect in-depth questions about your design process, problem-solving approaches, CAD skills, rendering techniques, and understanding of manufacturing constraints. Be ready to discuss challenges faced and how you overcame them.

3. Team/Hiring Manager Interview: This interview will likely focus on cultural fit, collaboration style, and how you approach working with technical teams. Questions may explore your understanding of AI hardware, edge computing, and your ability to integrate technical requirements into your designs.

4. Final Interview (Potentially with Leadership): A final conversation to assess overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with AI-Blox's vision. This may involve discussing your career aspirations and how you see yourself contributing to the company's growth.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best demonstrate your proficiency in hardware design, technical integration, CAD modeling, rendering, and manufacturing considerations. Prioritize projects similar in scope or industry to AI-Blox if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your process, the challenges encountered, your specific contributions, the solutions you implemented, and the tangible outcomes (e.g., improved manufacturability, cost reduction, enhanced performance).

• Showcase Technical Rigor: Highlight how you incorporated technical requirements like thermal management, IP protection, and mechanical constraints into your designs. Provide examples of detailed CAD models and technical drawings.

• Demonstrate Rendering Prowess: Include high-quality renderings that effectively communicate the product's aesthetics, form, and intended use.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Know every detail of your presented projects and be ready to answer questions about your design choices, tools used, and collaboration experiences.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Exercise: You may be given a hypothetical product design challenge related to edge AI hardware. Prepare to brainstorm, sketch initial concepts, and discuss how you would approach the technical and aesthetic requirements.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Anticipate questions about how you would handle conflicting design requirements (e.g., aesthetics vs. thermal performance, cost vs. material quality).

• Manufacturing Feasibility: Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of different manufacturing methods for specific product components.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes the portfolio and technical skills. Candidates should prepare to not only show their work but also articulate the strategic and technical thinking behind each design decision, demonstrating a strong understanding of hardware product development from concept to production.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D CAD Software: Proficiency is essential. Expected tools include Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or similar parametric modeling platforms for creating detailed product designs, assemblies, and technical drawings.

• Rendering Software: Expertise in Blender or comparable tools (e.g., Keyshot, V-Ray) for creating photorealistic product visualizations, concept art, and marketing assets.

• Prototyping Technologies: Hands-on experience and understanding of 3D printing (SLA, FDM, SLS) for rapid iteration and functional prototyping. Familiarity with CNC machining and other fabrication methods is also highly valued.

Analytics & Reporting (Design Context):

• While not a data analyst role, designers will use tools to analyze design performance:
  • Simulation Software: Potentially used for basic thermal or stress analysis within CAD packages.
  • Project Management Tools: For tracking design tasks and timelines (e.g., Jira, Asana).

CRM & Automation (Design Context):

• PLM/PDM Systems: Familiarity with Product Lifecycle Management or Product Data Management systems for managing design iterations and documentation is beneficial.

• Collaboration Platforms: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or dedicated design review platforms for communication and feedback exchange.

• Adobe Creative Cloud: Essential for creating presentations, marketing visuals, and refining render outputs (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily focused on design and visualization tools. The emphasis on CAD and rendering, alongside prototyping technologies, highlights the hands-on nature of the role. Understanding how these tools integrate into a broader product development workflow, including collaboration and documentation, is key.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Technical Excellence: A drive to push boundaries in edge AI hardware design, balancing cutting-edge aesthetics with robust engineering performance.

• Collaboration & Open Communication: A culture that encourages cross-functional teamwork, open feedback, and transparent communication across diverse international teams.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to designing products that are not only technically superior but also intuitive, functional, and meet the needs of end-users and diverse deployment scenarios.

• Efficiency & Manufacturability: A practical approach to design, focusing on creating products that are cost-effective to produce, reliable, and scalable.

• Adaptability & Continuous Learning: Embracing the fast-paced nature of the AI industry and a commitment to staying updated with new technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes.

Collaboration Style:

• Interdisciplinary Teamwork: Expect to work closely with electronics engineers, and potentially software developers, to ensure seamless integration of hardware and software.

• Supplier Partnerships: A collaborative approach with external suppliers and manufacturers is crucial for successful product realization, requiring clear communication and problem-solving.

• Feedback Integration: An open culture for receiving and providing constructive feedback on designs, fostering a continuous improvement cycle.

• Knowledge Sharing: Encouragement of sharing insights, best practices, and lessons learned across the product development team.

📝 Enhancement Note: AI-Blox likely fosters a culture that values both creativity and technical rigor. The emphasis on "AI at the edge" and "modular hardware" suggests that practical application, scalability, and efficiency are as important as innovative design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Constraints with Aesthetics: The core challenge will be designing enclosures and interfaces for complex electronic systems that meet stringent thermal, mechanical, and IP requirements while maintaining a clean, modern, and brand-aligned aesthetic.

• Rapid Iteration in a Fast-Paced Market: The edge AI industry evolves quickly. Designers must be agile, capable of iterating designs rapidly to incorporate new technology or respond to market demands.

• Global Supplier Management: Effectively communicating design intent and managing quality control with international suppliers can present logistical and communication challenges.

• Adopting New Technologies: Staying current with emerging materials, manufacturing techniques, and design software relevant to hardware development in the AI sector requires continuous learning.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Edge AI Hardware: Gain specialized knowledge in the design of hardware for AI applications, including specific thermal solutions, power management considerations, and component integration.

• Advanced Manufacturing Techniques: Opportunities to explore and implement cutting-edge manufacturing processes in product development.

• Cross-Functional Skill Development: Learn from electronics engineers and product managers to gain a broader understanding of the product development lifecycle.

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

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior team members and potentially mentor junior designers as the team grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to hardware product development in a cutting-edge tech field. The growth opportunities are substantial, offering a chance to become a specialist in a high-demand area and contribute significantly to a company's product roadmap.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process & Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a project from your portfolio where you had to balance conflicting technical requirements (e.g., thermal management vs. aesthetics). How did you approach it, what was your process, and what was the outcome?" Focus on explaining your methodology, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

• Technical Integration: "How do you approach designing enclosures for complex electronic components, considering factors like heat dissipation, EMI shielding, and component placement?" Prepare to discuss your understanding of how internal components influence external form.

• Manufacturing & Prototyping: "Describe your experience with 3D printing for prototyping. What are the trade-offs of different 3D printing technologies for producing functional prototypes? How do you ensure a design is manufacturable?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Brand Alignment: "AI-Blox has a modular design philosophy for its edge AI hardware. How would you ensure your designs reflect and enhance this philosophy?" Be ready to discuss how you interpret and apply brand identity in hardware.

• Team Collaboration: "This role requires close collaboration with electronics engineers. How do you typically work with engineers who have different technical priorities than designers?" Prepare examples of successful cross-functional teamwork.

• Vision & Impact: "Where do you see the future of edge AI hardware design heading, and how do you envision your role contributing to AI-Blox's success in this space?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structured Narrative: For each project, present a clear story: Problem Statement -> Your Role/Objective -> Design Process (Research, Ideation, CAD, Rendering, Prototyping) -> Technical Challenges & Solutions -> Final Design & Outcome -> Key Learnings.

• Visual Emphasis: Use high-quality renderings and clear CAD screenshots. If possible, show physical prototypes. Keep text minimal on slides; let your verbal explanation guide the audience.

• Focus on "Why": Explain why you made certain design choices. Connect your decisions back to the technical requirements, user needs, or business objectives.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., "reduced assembly time by X%", "improved thermal dissipation by Y degrees," "achieved Z IP rating").

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the specifics of your CAD models, materials, and manufacturing processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to articulate their design process with a strong technical and problem-solving focus. The interview will likely probe deeply into their understanding of hardware development, manufacturing, and their ability to collaborate effectively with engineering teams.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Industrial Product Designer position:

• Submit your application, resume, and a link to your comprehensive design portfolio through the Workable platform.

• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features hardware product design projects that demonstrate expertise in 3D CAD modeling, rendering, prototyping, and an understanding of manufacturing processes. Highlight projects that show how you integrated technical requirements.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight keywords from the job description, such as "Industrial Design," "3D Modeling," "CAD," "Blender," "3D Printing," "Thermal Management," and "Manufacturing Technologies." Quantify your achievements whenever possible.

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on your design process, problem-solving skills, and technical contributions. Prepare to answer questions about your experience with edge AI hardware, modular design, and collaboration with engineering teams.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AI-Blox's mission, products, and their focus on AI at the edge and modular hardware. Understand their brand identity and how it might influence design language.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details, particularly regarding salary estimates and specific internal processes, should be verified directly with AI-Blox during the application and interview stages.