Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Brunswick Corporation

Location: Auckland, New Zealand

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Product Design / UX/UI

Date Posted: 2026-04-15

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop intuitive user interfaces for complex marine engineering systems, translating technical data into accessible and user-friendly digital experiences.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including marine engineers, product managers, and global design/software engineering teams, to ensure consistent design quality and effective implementation across platforms.

• Conduct user research with marine end-users and domain experts to validate design decisions, uncover insights, and drive user-centered design principles throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Champion design excellence and user-centered thinking across the organization, influencing product strategy and advocating for best practices in the marine technology sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within Navico Group, a division of Brunswick Corporation, a global leader in marine technology. The Product Designer will focus on bridging the gap between complex physical marine engineering and intuitive digital interfaces, emphasizing a refined aesthetic sensibility drawn from precision instruments and advanced vehicles. The hybrid work arrangement indicates a need for both in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Translate intricate marine engineering data, system controls, and machinery functionalities into clear, scannable, and actionable user interfaces for various digital platforms.

• Partner with local and global engineering and product teams to gain a deep understanding of technical constraints, user workflows, and specific domain requirements within the marine industry.

• Leverage existing marine industry interface conventions while thoughtfully evolving them to establish new benchmarks for usability, visual appeal, and user engagement.

• Lead and participate in design workshops, facilitating collaboration between engineers, domain experts, and end-users to foster innovation and gather critical feedback.

• Develop compelling prototypes, animations, and interaction models to effectively communicate design vision, articulate user journeys, and guide the development process.

• Bridge the technical gap between design and engineering by demonstrating fluency across multiple devices, screen breakpoints, and diverse use cases inherent in marine technology.

• Employ a systematic problem-solving approach to identify and resolve complex UX/UI challenges, ensuring a seamless and efficient user experience.

• Create high-fidelity illustrations, custom iconography, and engaging motion design elements that not only enhance usability but also reinforce brand expression and product identity.

• Advocate for design excellence and user-centered design principles by presenting design rationale and impact to stakeholders across the organization.

• Maintain meticulous attention to detail in component design, interaction specifications, and overall file organization to ensure design integrity and developer handoff efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of deep technical understanding (marine engineering data) and sophisticated design execution (intuitive interfaces, craft aesthetic). The role requires proactive engagement with engineers and users, as well as a strategic approach to evolving industry standards.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Interactive Design, Human Factors, Visual Design, or a related field with a curriculum focused on user-centered design principles.

Experience: 5+ years of prior professional experience in Product Design, UX/UI Design, or a closely related field, with a demonstrable track record of designing complex digital products.

Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Figma and other modern design and prototyping tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Principle, After Effects).

• Strong visual design skills with a highly refined aesthetic sensibility, capable of drawing inspiration from precision instruments and high-performance vehicles and applying it to digital interfaces.

• Proven ability to understand and communicate complex engineering concepts, demonstrating technical aptitude and the capacity to engage deeply with technical stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience designing for complexity, effectively translating dense technical information into clear, scannable, and actionable user interfaces.

• Experience designing across multiple platforms (desktop, mobile, tablet) and contexts, with a strong understanding of responsive design principles and implementation.

• Analytical and systematic approach to problem-solving complex design challenges, with a focus on user needs and business objectives.

• Meticulous attention to detail in UI component design, interaction flows, and organized file management for efficient collaboration and handoff.

• Skills in creating compelling illustrations, custom iconography, and motion design that enhance usability and brand expression.

• Strong communication, presentation, and collaboration skills, particularly when working with cross-functional and geographically distributed teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing for industrial, maritime, automotive, or other technical domains where complex machinery and data are central.

• Understanding of data visualization principles and experience designing real-time monitoring interfaces.

• Familiarity with developing and maintaining design systems and experience with component-based design methodologies.

• Experience conducting user research, including interviews, usability testing, and persona development within technical user groups.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "refined aesthetic sensibility" and inspiration from "precision instruments" suggests a high bar for visual polish and attention to detail, aligning with the premium nature of marine products. The requirement for technical aptitude and experience with complexity is crucial for translating engineering data. Figma proficiency is explicitly stated as expert-level.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the end-to-end design process, from user research and ideation through to final UI implementation and iteration.

• Showcase case studies that highlight your ability to tackle complex problems, particularly those involving technical data translation and user experience optimization in challenging environments.

• Include examples of UI design for various platforms (web, mobile, potentially embedded systems) and demonstrate proficiency in responsive design and cross-device consistency.

• Present prototypes or interactive demos that effectively communicate interaction design, motion graphics, and the overall user flow of your designed solutions.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of your systematic approach to design, including research methodologies, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing processes.

• Illustrate how you have documented design decisions, user flows, and interaction specifications for clear handoff to development teams.

• Show how you have leveraged design systems or component libraries to ensure consistency, scalability, and efficiency in your design work.

• If applicable, include examples of how you have contributed to or managed design documentation for complex systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio should clearly articulate the candidate's ability to handle technical complexity and translate it into user-friendly designs. Case studies demonstrating problem-solving for industrial or technical domains, along with evidence of a structured design process and collaboration, will be critical.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a Product Designer with 5-10 years of experience in Auckland, New Zealand, a competitive salary range would typically be between NZD $100,000 and NZD $140,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for experienced UX/UI professionals in major metropolitan areas of New Zealand, considering the specialized nature of marine technology and the company's global standing.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health and medical insurance coverage.

• Retirement savings plan contributions (e.g., KiwiSaver matching).

• Paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development, including training, workshops, and conference attendance.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses or incentives.

• Employee assistance programs for well-being support.

• Access to employee discount programs for Brunswick products and services.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. The role operates on a hybrid basis, requiring a balance of in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility. Specific daily schedules may vary based on team needs and project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on industry data for Auckland, New Zealand, for a Product Designer with significant experience. Actual compensation may vary based on the candidate's specific qualifications, interview performance, and the company's compensation philosophy. Benefits are standard for a large, established corporation.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Marine Technology & Recreation. Brunswick Corporation is a global leader in recreational marine products, encompassing engines, boats, marine electronics, and accessories. Navico Group, a division of Brunswick, specializes in technology, systems, and solutions for marine, RV, and specialty vehicles, boasting a portfolio of leading brands such as Simrad, Lowrance, B&G, C-MAP, and others.

Company Size: Brunswick Corporation is a large, publicly traded company with tens of thousands of employees globally. Navico Group, as a significant division, also operates on a substantial scale, implying a structured corporate environment with ample resources and established processes. This size offers stability and opportunities for career advancement but may also mean navigating larger organizational structures.

Founded: Brunswick Corporation was founded in 1845. Navico Group is a more recent entity formed through acquisitions and integrations of prominent marine technology brands. This long history suggests a company with deep roots in manufacturing and innovation, adapting over time to technological shifts.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will likely be part of the Navico Group's design or product development team, which is globally distributed. Collaboration will be key with local engineering teams in Auckland and with design counterparts in other regions.

• The reporting structure will likely involve a Design Lead or Head of Product Design, with the designer working closely with Product Managers and Engineering Leads.

Methodology:

• The team likely employs a combination of agile development methodologies for software components and iterative design processes for user interfaces.

• Data analysis and user research findings are crucial for informing design decisions, with an emphasis on understanding the unique needs of marine users and the technical constraints of the equipment.

• Workflow planning and optimization will be essential to manage the complexity of designing for multiple brands and product lines within Navico Group.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged, particularly in design tool usage and process streamlining.

Company Website: https://www.brunswick.com/, https://www.navico.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of Navico Group and its portfolio of brands suggests a focus on high-performance, specialized marine electronics and systems. The company culture likely values innovation, technical excellence, and a passion for the marine lifestyle. The hybrid work model and global team structure are key operational aspects.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as an experienced Product Designer, typically falling into the mid-to-senior level of a design career path. It requires a strong foundation in design principles, significant practical experience (5+ years), and the ability to work autonomously while also contributing to team goals. The focus on translating complex technical data and evolving industry standards suggests a role with considerable impact and responsibility.

Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager or Lead within Navico Group’s product development function. They will work closely with Product Managers, Engineering Leads, and potentially UX Researchers or other designers within the division. This structure emphasizes collaborative project execution.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact is directly tied to the usability, desirability, and effectiveness of the digital interfaces that complement Brunswick's physical marine products. By creating intuitive user experiences for complex systems, this role directly influences customer satisfaction, product adoption, brand perception, and potentially operational efficiency for users (e.g., boat operators, technicians). Success in this role contributes to Brunswick's overarching goal of defining the future of marine recreation and technology.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to deepen expertise in specific areas of marine technology, user research for technical domains, or advanced interaction design.

• Leadership: Opportunity to grow into a Senior Product Designer role, mentoring junior designers, leading design initiatives for major product lines, or taking on more strategic design responsibilities.

• Cross-Brand Exposure: Working across different brands within Navico Group (e.g., Simrad, Lowrance, C-MAP) provides broad exposure to various product types and user bases, enriching the designer’s portfolio and understanding of the marine ecosystem.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning opportunities in areas like data visualization, advanced prototyping, design systems, and potentially emerging technologies relevant to the marine sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential for designers passionate about technical products and complex systems. The opportunity to influence product strategy and contribute to industry-leading brands is a key attraction for career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role requires a hybrid work arrangement, meaning a blend of in-office presence and remote work. The office environment in Auckland is likely a modern workspace designed to foster collaboration among engineering, product, and design teams.

Office Location(s): Auckland, New Zealand. Specific office details would typically be provided upon inquiry or during the interview process. Proximity to transportation and amenities would be beneficial for hybrid work.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is expected to be collaborative, encouraging interaction with engineers and product managers to facilitate real-time problem-solving and design iteration.

• Access to standard design software, hardware, and potentially specialized marine simulation or testing equipment might be available, depending on the specific team setup.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with the design team (both locally and globally) and other cross-functional departments are crucial for alignment and knowledge sharing.

Work Schedule: While standard full-time hours apply (approx. 40 hours/week), the hybrid nature allows for some flexibility. The need to collaborate with global teams might occasionally require adjusting schedules for meetings across different time zones. The focus is on delivering results and effective workflow management, rather than strict adherence to a rigid schedule.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model necessitates strong self-management and communication skills. The workspace context suggests an environment where designers are integrated into the broader product development ecosystem, not isolated.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review your application and resume, looking for alignment with the required experience and skills, particularly Figma proficiency and experience with complex design challenges.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will be asked to present their portfolio, focusing on case studies that demonstrate their design process, problem-solving abilities, visual craft, and ability to handle technical complexity. Expect to discuss your role, the challenges faced, and the outcomes of your projects.

• Design Challenge/Exercise: A practical design exercise or case study may be assigned, either take-home or conducted during an interview. This will assess your approach to a specific problem relevant to marine technology interfaces.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with engineering leads, product managers, and potentially other designers to assess technical aptitude, collaboration skills, and cultural fit. Questions will likely probe your understanding of user-centered design principles and your ability to work within a hybrid, global team.

• Final Interview: Typically with a senior leader (e.g., Head of Design, Director of Product) to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and confirm alignment with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Projects: Select 3-5 strong case studies that best showcase your experience with complex systems, technical translation, and refined visual design. Prioritize projects similar to marine technology or industrial applications if possible.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, clearly articulate the problem, your process, your specific contributions, the challenges you overcame, and the measurable impact or learnings. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Technical Aptitude: Explicitly mention how you understood and worked with technical constraints or engineering data. If you have examples of creating detailed UI specifications for developers, include them.

• Showcase Figma Mastery: Be prepared to discuss your Figma workflows, component usage, and any contributions to design systems.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Explain how you partnered with engineers and other stakeholders, including any challenges and how you resolved them through communication.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Domain: Research Brunswick Corporation, Navico Group, and their product lines (e.g., marine electronics, navigation systems). Familiarize yourself with common challenges in designing for these industries.

• Practice Problem Framing: Be ready to dissect a design problem, ask clarifying questions, define user needs, and outline potential solutions.

• Focus on Process: For any exercise, emphasize your design thinking process, not just the final visual output. Explain your rationale at each step.

• Consider Technical Constraints: Think about how engineering limitations might influence design decisions in a hardware-integrated product context.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential design challenge highlights the practical, execution-oriented nature of this role. Candidates should prepare to deeply discuss their design process and problem-solving capabilities, particularly concerning technical complexity.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Figma: Expert proficiency is mandatory for UI design, prototyping, and potentially design system management.

• Prototyping Tools: Proficiency in tools like Figma's prototyping capabilities, Principle, or Adobe After Effects for creating interactive prototypes and animations.

• Illustration & Iconography Software: Adobe Illustrator or similar vector graphics tools for creating custom assets.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No direct CRM responsibilities are implied for this design role. However, understanding how user feedback and product usage data might be managed within broader company systems is helpful.

📝 Enhancement Note: Figma is the absolute core tool for this role, with expert-level expectations. The ability to create detailed prototypes and animations is also critical for communicating design intent.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Next-Gen Thinking: Brunswick's slogan "Next Never Rests™" emphasizes a forward-looking culture committed to pushing boundaries and defining future technologies.

• Craftsmanship & Precision: The role's description highlights an appreciation for "craft" and "precision," suggesting a culture that values high-quality execution, attention to detail, and elegance in both physical and digital products.

• User-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and serving the needs of marine end-users and experts, driving product development based on research and validation.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The emphasis on working with diverse, global, and cross-functional teams points to a culture that values open communication, shared ownership, and mutual support.

• Passion for the Marine Industry: A shared enthusiasm for boating, watercraft, and the marine lifestyle likely permeates the culture, fostering a sense of purpose among employees.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Designers are expected to be deeply integrated with engineering and product management, fostering a collaborative environment where design decisions are informed by technical realities and business objectives.

• Global Teamwork: Working effectively with distributed teams requires strong asynchronous communication skills, clear documentation, and a proactive approach to staying aligned.

• Feedback Culture: An environment where constructive feedback is welcomed and exchanged openly among team members to drive continuous improvement in design and product quality.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value both technical excellence and a passion for innovation, particularly within the marine sector. The emphasis on "craft" and "next-gen" technologies suggests a high standard for quality and forward-thinking design.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Technical Complexity: The primary challenge will be transforming intricate marine engineering data and controls into intuitive, user-friendly interfaces without oversimplifying critical functionality.

• Balancing Global Consistency with Local Needs: Ensuring design consistency across diverse product lines and global markets while catering to specific regional or user group requirements.

• Bridging Physical and Digital: Effectively integrating digital interfaces with physical marine hardware, considering user interaction in a potentially harsh or dynamic environment.

• User Research in Niche Domains: Conducting effective user research with specialized marine users and experts who may have unique workflows and technical jargon.

• Managing Hybrid and Global Teams: Maintaining effective collaboration, communication, and design alignment across different time zones and work arrangements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepening Marine Domain Expertise: Gaining in-depth knowledge of marine systems, navigation, and the user behaviors specific to the maritime industry.

• Advanced UX/UI Techniques: Opportunities to hone skills in areas like data visualization, real-time interface design, and interaction design for complex systems.

• Design System Contribution: Potential to contribute to or lead the development of design systems for Navico Group's various brands, enhancing scalability and efficiency.

• Industry Conferences & Training: Access to industry events and professional development resources focused on UX/UI design, marine technology, and product development.

• Mentorship: Opportunities to learn from senior designers and product leaders within Brunswick Corporation and Navico Group.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to designing for a technically advanced, niche industry. The growth opportunities are substantial for a designer looking to specialize and make a significant impact in the marine technology space.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to translate highly technical or complex data into a user-friendly interface. What was your process, and what were the key challenges?" (Focus on your systematic approach, research, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure design consistency across multiple products or brands, especially when working with distributed teams?" (Discuss your experience with design systems, style guides, and communication strategies.)

• "Imagine you're designing a new interface for real-time engine monitoring on a boat. What are the critical user needs and potential technical constraints you'd consider first?" (Demonstrate your ability to think critically about the domain and user context.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to Brunswick Corporation and the marine technology industry?" (Show genuine interest in the company's mission and products.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineering teams, particularly when there might be differing opinions on design solutions?" (Emphasize your communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)

• "How do you stay updated on the latest design trends and technologies, and how do you apply them to your work?" (Demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each case study, clearly define the problem, your specific role and contributions, your design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), the challenges you faced, your solutions, and the ultimate outcome or learnings.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., improved usability scores, increased user engagement, reduced error rates).

• Showcase Figma Skills: Be prepared to discuss your Figma workflows, component library usage, and any advanced techniques you employ.

• Explain Your Rationale: For every design decision, be ready to explain why you made it, linking it back to user needs, business goals, or technical constraints.

• Be Enthusiastic: Convey your passion for design and the marine industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong design process, technical aptitude, collaborative spirit, and a genuine interest in the marine technology domain. The portfolio presentation is a critical component.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Brunswick careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight projects that demonstrate your experience with complex systems, technical data translation, and a refined visual aesthetic. Prioritize case studies that showcase your Figma proficiency and problem-solving skills.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly articulates your 5+ years of experience, your Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and your expert-level skills in Figma and other design tools. Use keywords from the job description such as "user experience," "user interface," "marine engineering," "prototyping," and "data visualization."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process and project outcomes. Be ready to discuss your approach to user research, collaboration with engineers, and how you handle complex technical challenges. Prepare specific examples for behavioral questions.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Brunswick Corporation, Navico Group, and their product brands. Understand their market position, innovation focus, and company values to demonstrate your genuine interest and cultural 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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