Industrial Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Industrial Product Designer Company: Living in a Bubble Location: Armenia, Quindío, Colombia Job Type: CONTRACTOR Category: Product Design & Development Date Posted: 2025-09-26 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: Fully Remote (Colombia-based)

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the conceptualization and development of innovative physical products, focusing on textile-rich and accessory goods for the campervan lifestyle market.
• Translate brand aesthetics and values into tangible, functional, and visually appealing product designs that resonate with a female-forward, lifestyle-focused audience.
• Manage the end-to-end product development lifecycle, from initial ideation and detailed specification to sampling and production coordination.
• Directly engage with Chinese factories and sourcing agents to ensure seamless communication, accurate quoting, and efficient sampling processes, requiring alignment with China business hours.
• Lead the design and specification of product packaging, including boxes, tags, labels, and instructions, ensuring brand consistency and market appeal.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a growth opportunity, with a clear pathway to become a Product Development Manager. The emphasis on direct communication with overseas suppliers and the specific target market (female-forward, lifestyle-focused) are key differentiators for this design position.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Execute and innovate on brand aesthetics and values to create compelling physical product concepts for campervan accessories.
• Develop precise and comprehensive product specification sheets, detailing all design elements, materials, dimensions, and functional requirements.
• Produce clear, high-quality visual product mockups, detailed design renders, and layout directions that effectively articulate material choices, form, and branding.
• Proactively manage development timelines, maintain detailed product trackers, and ensure all projects adhere to scheduled milestones.
• Conduct direct communication with Chinese factories via WeChat and email for quotes, specification clarification, and sampling follow-ups, necessitating flexible working hours to overlap with China business hours.
• Negotiate pricing with suppliers when sourcing agents are not utilized, aiming for cost-efficiency.
• Collaborate closely with sourcing agents to align on timelines, costs, and iterative design revisions.
• Articulate technical descriptions and design intentions in a simplified manner to ensure clear understanding by overseas suppliers.
• Lead the concept development for product packaging, including boxes, tags, printed pouches, labels, and instruction manuals.
• Prepare detailed specifications for packaging, covering size, materials, printing placement, and brand alignment.
• Work in tandem with the sourcing and branding teams to ensure marketing coherence and quality control for packaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibility for direct supplier negotiation and the explicit requirement to adapt communication for overseas factories highlights a hands-on, proactive approach expected from this designer. The emphasis on packaging as a lead responsibility underscores its importance in the brand's go-to-market strategy.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is mandated, a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Graphic Design, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature, demonstrating foundational design principles.

Experience: A minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in product design and development, with a strong emphasis on soft goods and textile products. Proven experience working directly with overseas manufacturers, particularly in Asia, is critical.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in textile and soft goods product development methodologies.
• Demonstrated experience in direct supplier communication, with a specific advantage for those familiar with Chinese factories and platforms like WeChat.
• Expertise in creating and managing detailed data sheets and product specification documents.
• Solid understanding of packaging and box design principles, including material selection and print production.
• Experience with OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) development and managing sampling cycles.
• Exceptional attention to detail in product specifications and design execution.
• Strong efficiency and time management skills to handle multiple projects and deadlines.
• Visual awareness, with a keen eye for color, proportion, and aesthetic appeal in product design.
• Proactive and clear communication skills, essential for remote collaboration and supplier management.
• Brand sensitivity, with the ability to align design elements with a specific lifestyle brand identity.
• Growth mindset, demonstrating ambition and potential for leadership and management roles.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering software (e.g., SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Keyshot, Blender).
• Experience with graphic design software for mockups and packaging (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite - Photoshop, Illustrator).
• Familiarity with e-commerce product presentation and digital rendering standards.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes for soft goods and packaging materials.
• Experience in negotiating with suppliers to achieve favorable cost structures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of "fast and organized" and "visually aware" alongside "communicates clearly and proactively" and "brand-sensitive" strongly suggests that while technical design skills are foundational, the ability to execute efficiently, collaborate effectively in a remote setting, and embody the brand's specific aesthetic are paramount.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Product Development Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating your product development process from concept to finished product. Highlight projects involving soft goods, textiles, or accessories.
• ** Specification Sheet Examples:** Include examples of meticulously crafted product specification sheets that clearly outline materials, dimensions, construction details, and quality control points.
• Visual Mockups & Renders: Present high-quality visual mockups and design renders that effectively communicate product form, function, and aesthetic appeal.
• Packaging Design Examples: Showcase your work on packaging concepts, including boxes, labels, and tags, demonstrating an understanding of branding and material considerations.
• Supplier Communication Evidence (Optional but Recommended): If possible, anonymized examples of clear and concise communication with overseas suppliers that led to successful outcomes.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Demonstrate an understanding of designing efficient product development workflows, from initial brief to final production approval.
• Implementation & Automation: Illustrate how you approach implementing design specifications and any systems or processes you've used to streamline sampling or production follow-up.
• Measurement & Analysis: Show how you track project timelines, manage revisions, and ensure quality control throughout the development process.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's emphasis on direct supplier communication and the pathway to Product Development Manager, the portfolio should not only showcase design output but also the candidate's ability to manage processes, communicate effectively, and drive projects to completion with meticulous detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a fully remote Industrial Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Armenia, Colombia, a competitive salary range would typically fall between COP 4,000,000 and COP 7,000,000 per month. This estimate is based on research of similar roles in the Colombian market, considering the cost of living and the specialized skills required, particularly direct international supplier communication.

Benefits:

• 15 days of Paid Vacation and Holiday Leave: Standard provision for paid time off.
• 10 days of Paid Sick Leave: Support for employee well-being and recovery.
• Seasonal Bonuses: Performance-based or company-wide bonuses, offering potential for additional compensation.
• Remote Work Flexibility: The ability to work from any location within Colombia, offering significant autonomy.
• Potential for Growth: Clear career progression towards a Product Development Manager role.

Working Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week. A significant aspect of this role involves overlapping working hours with China business hours, which may require flexibility in scheduling.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from general market data for remote design roles in Colombia and adjusted for the specific contractor employment type and the specialized requirements of direct international supplier management. The explicit mention of overlapping with China business hours is a crucial factor for potential candidates to consider regarding work-life balance and scheduling.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Lifestyle Brand / E-commerce (Campervan Accessories) Company Size: Small to Medium-sized (implied by "rapidly expanding" and direct communication approach, likely <50 employees) Founded: Information not provided, but the brand appears to be established and growing, focusing on a niche market.

Team Structure:

• The design function appears to be integrated within a small, agile team.
• Reporting likely to a founder or a senior manager overseeing product development and operations.
• Close collaboration expected with sourcing, marketing, and potentially sales functions.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Product Development: Concepts are informed by brand aesthetics and market appeal, likely with input from customer feedback and market trends.
• Agile Workflow: Emphasis on speed, organization, and proactive communication to manage development and supplier interactions.
• Brand-Centric Design: A strong focus on aligning all product and packaging design with the brand's unique style and target demographic.

Company Website: https://www.livinginabubble.co/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on a "camper van lifestyle brand" and "textile-rich and accessory products" suggests a niche market with a strong emphasis on aesthetics and user experience. The "rapidly expanding" nature implies a dynamic, fast-paced environment where adaptability and proactive contributions are highly valued.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer, suitable for individuals with 2-5 years of experience. It's designed as a stepping stone, with a clear trajectory towards a Product Development Manager role.

Reporting Structure: The Industrial Product Designer will likely report to a Head of Product, a Founder, or a senior member of the product team. This structure suggests direct access to leadership and the opportunity to influence product strategy.

Operations Impact: The Industrial Product Designer directly impacts the company's revenue and brand perception through the creation of desirable, high-quality physical products and compelling packaging. Successful product development and supplier management are critical for cost control, timely market entry, and customer satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Product Development Management: The primary growth path is to transition into a Product Development Manager role, taking on greater responsibility for strategy, team leadership, and overall product roadmap.
• Skill Specialization: Opportunity to deepen expertise in soft goods, textile product development, international sourcing, and packaging design.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Gain broader experience by working closely with marketing, e-commerce, and operations teams, understanding the full business lifecycle.
• Strategic Input: As the company grows, there will be opportunities to contribute to strategic decisions regarding new product lines and market expansion.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit "growth-minded" trait and the stated aim to "become our next Product Development Manager" are crucial. Candidates should view this not just as a design execution role, but as a foundational step towards a leadership position in product development within a growing lifestyle brand.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a fully remote position, offering work-from-home flexibility.

Office Location(s): The role is open to candidates located in Colombia, specifically mentioning Armenia, Quindío. This suggests a focus on building a team within a specific geographic region or time zone for easier coordination, even within a remote setup.

Workspace Context:

• Remote Collaboration: Expect to work primarily through digital channels, including email, video conferencing, and messaging apps like WeChat.
• Tools & Technology: Proficiency with design software, project management tools, and communication platforms is essential.
• Team Interaction: Regular virtual meetings and check-ins with the broader team will be part of the collaborative environment.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time hours (approximately 40 hours/week) are expected. However, the need to coordinate with Chinese factories (which operate on a significantly different time zone) will require flexibility and potentially adjusted working hours to ensure timely communication and project progression.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "remote OK" status combined with the Colombia-specific location and the need for China business hour overlap indicates a unique remote work dynamic. Candidates should be comfortable with asynchronous communication and flexible scheduling to accommodate international team and supplier needs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess basic qualifications, experience, and design aesthetic alignment.
2. Portfolio Review & Discussion: A dedicated session to walk through your portfolio, focusing on product development process, design decisions, and supplier interaction examples. Be prepared to discuss your approach to challenges and problem-solving.
3. Skills & Behavioral Interview: Deeper dive into specific skills (textile design, supplier communication, packaging) and behavioral questions to assess traits like proactivity, communication clarity, brand sensitivity, and growth mindset.
4. Final Interview/Offer: Discussion with the hiring manager or founder to finalize fit and extend an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best represent your experience in soft goods, textile products, packaging, and supplier collaboration.
• Showcase Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design process, the materials considered, the challenges faced (especially with suppliers), and the final outcome. Use visuals (sketches, renders, photos of prototypes/final products) effectively.
• Highlight Communication: If possible, subtly demonstrate your ability to communicate complex design details clearly, perhaps through mock specification sheets or descriptions of how you clarified requirements for manufacturers.
• Brand Alignment: Emphasize projects where you successfully translated a brand's aesthetic into a physical product.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would approach designing a new campervan accessory from scratch, considering materials, manufacturing, and brand fit.
• Supplier Communication Scenario: Prepare for questions about how you would handle a situation where a factory is deviating from specifications or a sample is not meeting quality standards.
• Time Management/Prioritization: Anticipate questions about how you manage multiple projects and deadlines, especially with international stakeholder communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "fast, organized, visually driven, and a proactive communicator" means the interview process will likely test not just design skill, but also operational efficiency and communication effectiveness. The portfolio is key to demonstrating these capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• 3D Modeling/Rendering Software: Proficiency in tools like SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Keyshot, Blender, or similar for creating detailed product mockups and renders.
• Graphic Design Software: Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for creating visual assets, mockups, and packaging artwork.
• Project Management Tools: Familiarity with platforms like Asana, Trello, Monday.com, or similar for tracking development timelines and tasks.
• Communication Platforms: Daily use of email, video conferencing (Zoom, Google Meet), and instant messaging (Slack, WeChat) is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, an understanding of how design choices impact product performance metrics (e.g., customer reviews, return rates) would be beneficial.
• Ability to interpret data related to product specifications and material costs.

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable to the design function, but awareness of how product data flows into CRM or e-commerce platforms is a plus.
• Understanding of how design specifications translate into automated workflows for production or inventory management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The toolset heavily leans towards design and communication. The core requirement is proficiency in visual design and rendering tools, coupled with strong project management and communication capabilities, essential for a remote role with international supplier interaction.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Speed & Efficiency: A strong emphasis on working quickly and producing clean, organized outputs.
• Visual Excellence: A deep appreciation for aesthetics, proportion, and how products look and feel.
• Proactive Communication: Valuing clear, timely updates and early problem identification.
• Brand Sensitivity: A commitment to understanding and embodying the company's specific lifestyle brand identity.
• Growth & Ambition: Encouraging team members to aim for leadership and take on increasing responsibility.

Collaboration Style:

• Remote-First: Expect a collaborative environment that relies heavily on digital tools and clear, concise communication.
• Cross-Functional: Close partnership with sourcing, branding, and potentially marketing teams is essential.
• Feedback-Oriented: A culture where constructive feedback is exchanged to improve designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be built around agility, creativity, and a strong brand identity. Candidates who thrive in fast-paced, remote environments and are eager to contribute to a growing brand will likely find this culture a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Speed and Detail: The need to work quickly while maintaining meticulous attention to detail in product specifications and designs.
• International Supplier Coordination: Navigating communication barriers, time zone differences, and quality control issues with overseas factories.
• Brand Aesthetic Interpretation: Consistently translating the specific "female-forward, lifestyle-focused" brand aesthetic into diverse product categories.
• Remote Collaboration Management: Effectively collaborating and maintaining strong working relationships without in-person interaction.
• Growth into Management: Transitioning from an individual contributor role to leadership responsibilities, including managing timelines, budgets, and potentially other team members.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Product Development Management Skills: Gaining hands-on experience in strategic product planning, supplier negotiation, and production oversight, preparing for a management role.
• International Sourcing Expertise: Deepening knowledge of global supply chains, manufacturing processes in Asia, and cross-cultural business practices.
• Brand Building: Contributing directly to the visual identity and product offering of a growing lifestyle brand.
• E-commerce Product Strategy: Understanding how product design impacts online sales, customer engagement, and brand perception.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are directly tied to the core responsibilities and the company's growth phase. The opportunities are clearly defined, emphasizing the potential for significant career advancement within the company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to communicate a complex design detail to an overseas manufacturer with a language barrier. How did you ensure they understood?" (Tests communication, supplier management)
• "Walk us through a product development project from your portfolio where you had to balance tight deadlines with design quality. What was your process?" (Tests efficiency, attention to detail, process)
• "How would you approach designing a new line of [specific product category, e.g., outdoor storage solutions] for our brand, considering our aesthetic and target audience?" (Tests brand sensitivity, creative thinking, product development approach)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What appeals to you about the campervan lifestyle or our brand specifically?" (Tests brand alignment, motivation)
• "How do you stay organized and manage your time effectively in a remote work environment?" (Tests self-management, proactivity)
• "Describe a time you received constructive feedback on your design. How did you incorporate it?" (Tests receptiveness to feedback, growth mindset)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling: Frame each project as a narrative: the challenge, your solution, and the result.
• Visual Clarity: Ensure your visuals are high-resolution and clearly demonstrate your design intent and execution.
• Focus on Process: Explain how you arrived at your design, not just what the design is. Highlight your role in specification, prototyping, and supplier liaison.
• Quantify Impact: Where possible, mention any positive outcomes like successful sampling, on-time delivery, or positive customer feedback related to your designs.
• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific material choices, manufacturing constraints, or design decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily focus on demonstrating the key traits: speed, organization, visual awareness, clear communication, brand sensitivity, and a growth mindset. The portfolio is the primary tool to evidence these qualities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Industrial Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.
• Portfolio Customization: Ensure your portfolio prominently features relevant projects, ideally showcasing soft goods, textile products, packaging design, and examples of detailed specifications. Tailor your portfolio to highlight your ability to work with international suppliers.
• Resume Optimization: Clearly articulate your experience in product development, supplier communication (especially with overseas factories), OEM development, and packaging design. Use keywords from the job description such as "textile," "soft goods," "supplier communication," "packaging design," and "OEM."
• Cover Letter/Introduction: Briefly explain why you are a strong fit for Living in a Bubble, highlighting your visual awareness, proactive communication style, and your ambition to grow into a Product Development Manager role.
• Prepare for the Interview: Familiarize yourself with the company's brand and products. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail and provide specific examples of your problem-solving and communication skills, especially in relation to international suppliers.

⚠️ 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.

---