Industrial / Product Designer (m/w/d) Furniture & Consumer Products

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Industrial / Product Designer (m/w/d) Furniture & Consumer Products

Company: mtc commerce GmbH (Kazai)

Location: Berlin, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Industrial Design

Date Posted: March 04, 2026

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

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is for a creative Industrial/Product Designer focused on developing tangible furniture and consumer products for a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) interior brand.

• The position emphasizes end-to-end product ownership, from initial ideation and prototyping to market launch, with a strong emphasis on bringing designs to life in real-world applications.

• The designer will leverage cutting-edge tools, including AI visualization software and traditional prototyping methods, to conceptualize and refine product designs.

• This is an on-site role based at the company's studio in Berlin, fostering a collaborative environment for hands-on product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The job title and description clearly indicate a focus on product design within the furniture and consumer goods sector. The emphasis on "bringing ideas to life" and "end-to-end product ownership" suggests a hands-on role with significant responsibility, typical of a mid-level designer who can work independently but also collaborate effectively within a team. The mention of "Kazai" as the brand name is included for context and brand recognition.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Independently and collaboratively develop 4-6 new furniture and consumer products per year, managing the entire lifecycle from concept to production-ready design.

• Utilize 3D printing, physical samples, and CAD software (e.g., Rhino, Fusion) to create tangible prototypes and refine product designs.

• Employ AI tools such as Midjourney and Krea for rapid ideation, visualization, and exploration of design concepts.

• Take full ownership of product development, ensuring designs are practical, manufacturable, and align with market needs and brand aesthetics.

• Collaborate closely with production partners to ensure manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and quality standards are met.

• Conduct material testing and analysis to inform design decisions and select appropriate components for new products.

• Contribute to visual communication strategies for product launches and marketing materials.

• Participate actively in design reviews and team brainstorming sessions, offering creative input and solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities are directly extracted from the "Aufgaben" section of the job description, detailing the specific activities and tools involved in product development within this role. The emphasis on "eigenständig & im Team" and "Verantwortung für dein Produkt – von der Idee bis zur Umsetzung" highlights the dual nature of independent work and team collaboration, coupled with comprehensive product ownership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific degree is listed, a background in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related creative field is implied.

Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of professional experience in product design, with a demonstrated track record in furniture, home goods, or consumer products.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in product development, from ideation to implementation.

• Strong portfolio showcasing developed furniture, home goods, or consumer products (PDF or link required).

• Excellent command of CAD software (e.g., Rhino, Fusion) and visualization tools (e.g., Keyshot, Adobe Suite).

• Proficiency in utilizing 3D printing and prototyping techniques to materialize design concepts.

• Familiarity and enthusiasm for incorporating AI tools (e.g., Midjourney, Krea) into the design workflow.

• A keen eye for form, materials, and aesthetics, with strong visual communication skills.

• Ability to think independently while thriving in a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within a Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) brand environment.

• Understanding of furniture manufacturing processes and material science.

• Experience with rapid prototyping and iterative design processes.

• Ability to conduct material testing and analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Qualifikation" section directly outlines the required experience and skills. The implied education level is inferred from the minimum experience requirement and the nature of product design roles. The distinction between required and preferred skills is based on the explicit mentions in the job description.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A comprehensive portfolio is mandatory, submitted as a PDF or a live link.

• The portfolio must clearly demonstrate developed products specifically within the furniture, home goods, or consumer products sectors.

• Showcase the applicant's ability to take a product from initial concept through to tangible realization, highlighting the design process and problem-solving.

Process Documentation:

• The portfolio should implicitly or explicitly detail the design process, including ideation, concept development, prototyping (3D printing, samples), CAD modeling, and refinement.

• Evidence of collaboration with production partners or understanding of manufacturing constraints is beneficial.

• Demonstrate the application of AI tools in the design workflow and their impact on the creative process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary requirement for a portfolio is explicitly stated. The enhancement focuses on what a strong portfolio for this role should contain, drawing inferences from the responsibilities and required skills, emphasizing the end-to-end product development lifecycle and the use of specific tools and methodologies mentioned.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry standards for a mid-level Industrial/Product Designer with 2-3 years of experience in Berlin, Germany, a competitive salary range would typically fall between €45,000 - €60,000 per year. This estimate considers the cost of living in Berlin, the specific industry (furniture/consumer products), and the company's DTC model which often implies a dynamic and growth-oriented environment.

Benefits:

• Your designs will be produced and reach real households, offering tangible impact and creative satisfaction.

• Significant design freedom and responsibility for owning your products from concept to launch.

• Access to regular training and professional development, with a specific focus on emerging technologies like AI in design.

• Flexible working hours, allowing for personal rhythm and work-life integration.

• A vibrant office environment located in the heart of Berlin, equipped for hands-on prototyping and collaborative work.

• Complimentary coffee, tea, and snacks available throughout the workday.

Working Hours:

The role is full-time, with flexible working hours allowing employees to manage their schedule according to their personal rhythm. While specific daily start/end times are not mandated, a standard full-time commitment (approximately 40 hours per week) is expected, with the flexibility to adapt around core collaboration needs and project deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary range is an estimate based on typical German market rates for this experience level and role in Berlin. Benefits are directly extracted from the "Benefits" section. Working hours are inferred from "Full-Time" employment type and "Flexible working hours" benefit, aligning with industry norms for flexible schedules.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce (Direct-to-Consumer - DTC) within the Interior Design and Home Goods sector. The company, operating under the brand "Kazai," focuses on developing and selling its own furniture and home products across Europe.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the description suggests a dynamic, growing brand structure that allows for end-to-end product ownership and close-knit team collaboration, typical of a startup or scale-up environment (likely between 10-50 employees based on the studio setup and product development focus).

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the description positions mtc commerce GmbH as an established "Berliner Interior Brand" with a clear DTC model and a focus on developing its own product lines, indicating a modern, forward-thinking approach to the market.

Team Structure:

• The operations team appears to be lean and highly collaborative, with designers working both independently and within a team structure.

• Reporting lines are likely to be direct, with designers reporting to a Head of Design or Product Development lead.

Methodology:

• Design Process: Emphasis on a hands-on, iterative design process, starting with ideation, moving through prototyping (3D printing, physical samples), CAD modeling, and continuous refinement based on material testing and production feedback.

• Innovation: Encouragement to explore and integrate new technologies, particularly AI tools, into the design workflow for visualization and concept generation.

• Product Ownership: A strong culture of ownership, where designers are responsible for the entire product lifecycle, ensuring practical viability and market success.

Company Website: http://mtc-commerce.de

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is derived from the company description and brand name. The size and structure are inferred from the description of the studio, product development process, and emphasis on collaboration. The methodology highlights the core operational approaches to product design as described.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Industrial/Product Designer. It requires a foundation of 2-3 years of experience and offers significant autonomy and responsibility, moving beyond junior support roles into direct product ownership. The opportunity to develop 4-6 products annually signifies a substantial scope of work and impact.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a Head of Design or a Senior Product Manager, within a team that fosters close collaboration. The structure is implied to be relatively flat, allowing for direct communication and quick decision-making.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct impact on the company's core offering – its product catalog. Successful product development directly contributes to revenue growth, brand positioning, and customer acquisition within the DTC furniture and consumer products market. The designer's work is highly visible and tangible, leading to direct contribution to the company's success.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific product categories (furniture, home goods), advanced prototyping techniques, or AI-driven design tools.

• Product Line Expansion: Lead the development of entire product lines or categories, taking on more strategic design direction.

• Leadership Potential: Transition into Senior Designer or Design Lead roles, managing junior designers and overseeing larger product development projects.

• Continuous Learning: Benefit from regular training, including specialized workshops on AI and future design trends, fostering ongoing professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The career level is inferred from the "2-3 years of experience" requirement. The growth opportunities are extrapolated from the company's stated commitment to training and the nature of product development roles within a growing DTC brand. The impact section emphasizes how product design directly influences business outcomes.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The company operates from a studio space in the heart of Berlin, designed for hands-on work with prototypes, samples, and new ideas. This suggests an environment that blends creative workspace with functional areas for product development.

Office Location(s): Central Berlin, Germany. Specific address details are not provided but are implied to be easily accessible.

Workspace Context:

• The studio environment is geared towards collaboration, with ample space for working on prototypes and brainstorming.

• Access to essential tools and technology is provided, including 3D printers, CAD software, and AI visualization platforms.

Work Schedule:

The role offers flexible working hours, allowing employees to structure their day according to personal preferences and productivity rhythms. While full-time commitment is expected, the emphasis is on output and effective collaboration rather than strict adherence to a 9-to-5 schedule. This flexibility is beneficial for creative roles that may involve deep focus periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment details are drawn from the "Benefits" section referencing the "studio in the heart of Berlin" and the general tone of the job description, which suggests a hands-on, collaborative, and modern workspace.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of CV and portfolio to assess relevant experience and design capabilities.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, detailing key projects, design rationale, and problem-solving approaches. This is a critical step where they demonstrate their skills and experience.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or a discussion focusing on specific technical skills (CAD, AI tools) and design thinking.

• Team & Culture Fit: Interviews with the design team and potentially other stakeholders to evaluate collaboration style, enthusiasm for the brand, and alignment with company values.

• Final Interview: Discussion with hiring management to finalize the offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in furniture, home goods, or consumer products, highlighting your end-to-end product development process.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, the challenges faced, your solutions, and the final outcome. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Key Skills: Explicitly demonstrate your proficiency with CAD, visualization tools, and AI applications. Show how you've used these to achieve specific design goals.

• Showcase Ownership: Emphasize projects where you took significant responsibility, demonstrating initiative and a results-oriented approach.

• Be Prepared to Discuss: Be ready to elaborate on your design choices, material considerations, and any production-related challenges or solutions.

Challenge Preparation:

• If a design challenge is presented, focus on understanding the brief thoroughly.

• Prioritize ideation and concept development, demonstrating creative thinking.

• Clearly articulate your design process and rationale, even if the solution is not fully polished.

• Be mindful of time management and present your ideas concisely and effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are standard for design roles, tailored to the specific requirements mentioned in the job description, such as the portfolio content, use of AI tools, and product ownership.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: Rhino, Fusion (explicitly mentioned), and other relevant 3D modeling software.

• Visualization Tools: Keyshot, Adobe Suite (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator for rendering, mockups, and graphic assets).

• Prototyping: 3D Printing, physical model making.

• AI Visualization Tools: Midjourney, Krea (explicitly mentioned), and similar AI generative design platforms.

Analytics & Reporting: While not explicitly stated, the company's DTC model implies a need for understanding product performance metrics. Designers might interact with data related to product popularity, sales performance, and customer feedback to inform design decisions.

CRM & Automation: Not directly relevant to the designer's core role, but awareness of how products are marketed and sold through e-commerce platforms would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools and technology stack are directly extracted from the "Aufgaben" and "Qualifikation" sections, highlighting the specific software and hardware required for this product design role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A strong emphasis on generating new ideas and exploring novel approaches, including the use of AI in design.

• Ownership & Responsibility: Designers are empowered to take full responsibility for their products, driving them from concept to market.

• Tangible Impact: A value placed on creating products that are not just conceptual but real, functional items used by consumers.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: While individual ownership is key, creative teamwork and shared ideation are encouraged.

• Continuous Learning: Commitment to ongoing professional development, especially in emerging design technologies.

Collaboration Style:

• Hands-on and Studio-Based: Encourages direct, in-person collaboration within the Berlin studio.

• Iterative and Feedback-Driven: Design work involves continuous refinement based on prototyping, material testing, and team feedback.

• Cross-Functional: Designers will likely collaborate with production, marketing, and e-commerce teams to ensure product success.

• Open to New Tools: A culture that embraces experimentation with new technologies like AI to enhance the design process.

📝 Enhancement Note: These points are inferred from the company's description, the emphasis on product ownership, the studio environment, and the mention of regular training, particularly in AI. These reflect a modern, agile, and product-centric company culture.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Production Constraints: Effectively translating innovative designs into manufacturable, cost-effective products.

• Rapid Iteration: Managing the pace of developing 4-6 new products annually while maintaining high design quality.

• Integrating AI Seamlessly: Harnessing the potential of AI tools without compromising core design principles or unique brand identity.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring buy-in and smooth collaboration with production, marketing, and sales teams throughout the product lifecycle.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• AI in Design Specialization: Deep dive into advanced AI tools and their application in product conceptualization and visualization.

• Product Lifecycle Management: Gain comprehensive experience managing products from ideation through to market launch and post-launch analysis.

• Material Science & Manufacturing Processes: Develop deeper expertise in selecting and working with various materials and understanding manufacturing techniques.

• DTC E-commerce Product Strategy: Understand the unique demands and opportunities of designing for a Direct-to-Consumer market.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges are identified based on the typical demands of product design roles, especially within a DTC context and with the integration of new technologies. Growth opportunities are tied to the company's stated commitment to training and the inherent learning potential within the role.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for taking a product from initial concept to a production-ready design. Walk us through a specific example from your portfolio." (Focus on end-to-end ownership, problem-solving, and tangible outcomes.)

• "How do you envision integrating AI tools like Midjourney or Krea into your product design workflow for furniture or consumer goods? What are the benefits and potential drawbacks?" (Demonstrate understanding of AI's role in design and your practical application.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working for Kazai/mtc commerce GmbH, and what excites you about our approach to product development?" (Show research into the brand and alignment with their DTC model and hands-on approach.)

• "How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks when working on multiple product development projects simultaneously?" (Demonstrate organizational skills and ability to handle workload.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, present the problem, your creative process, key decisions, challenges, and the final outcome. Use strong visuals to support your story.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, mention any metrics related to the product's success (e.g., sales, customer feedback), even if it's based on assumptions or early market testing.

• Highlight Tool Proficiency: Clearly demonstrate your expertise with CAD, visualization software, and AI tools within your project examples.

• Showcase Ownership: Emphasize your role and contributions, especially in projects where you led significant aspects of the design or development.

• Be Enthusiastic: Convey your passion for product design and your excitement about the specific work mtc commerce GmbH is doing.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions and preparation strategies are crafted to align with the specific responsibilities, required skills, and company culture outlined in the job description, focusing on practical application, tool usage, and design ownership.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Industrial / Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on join.com.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 2-3 years of product design experience, focusing on achievements in furniture, home goods, or consumer products. Use keywords from the job description such as "product development," "prototyping," "CAD," and "AI tools."

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your portfolio (PDF or link) is polished, showcases your best work in the specified categories, and clearly articulates your design process and product ownership for each project.

• Craft a Compelling Cover Message: Briefly introduce yourself, express your enthusiasm for Kazai's mission, and explain why your skills and experience make you a strong fit for this role. Mention your interest in hands-on product development and AI integration.

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with mtc commerce GmbH and the Kazai brand. Understand their current product offerings and their DTC model to better articulate your interest and fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.

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