Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Designer

Company: PRINSCO INC

Location: Willmar, MN 56201, USA

Job Type: Other

Category: Product Design / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: December 18, 2025

Experience Level: Entry-Level (0-2 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This hybrid Senior Designer role focuses on bridging product development, sales, and manufacturing through skilled design and technical documentation.

• The position requires a strong foundation in CAD software, specifically AutoCAD and SolidWorks, for creating and maintaining detailed technical drawings and 3D models.

• Success in this role depends on effective cross-functional collaboration, translating innovative ideas into tangible product designs and process improvements.

• The role is integral to R&D efforts, product enhancement initiatives, and the continuous optimization of manufacturing processes within a mission-driven organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: While titled "Senior Designer," the experience requirement of 6 months suggests this may be an entry-level or junior-senior role. The focus on technical drawings and CAD aligns more with a Product Designer or CAD Designer role within an engineering or manufacturing context, rather than a UX/UI or graphic design senior position. The "Other" employment type is noted, and the "Product Design / Engineering Operations" category reflects the technical nature of the responsibilities.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and create comprehensive, detailed technical drawings and schematics for new and existing products, supporting both sales proposals and engineering specifications.

• Utilize 3D modeling software (SolidWorks) to design and refine product concepts, prototypes, and manufacturing components, contributing to research and development (R&D) initiatives.

• Implement design modifications and product enhancements by accurately updating and maintaining CAD files, ensuring version control and design integrity.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Engineering, Sales, and Manufacturing, to ensure design feasibility, manufacturability, and alignment with business objectives.

• Contribute to process improvement projects by providing design expertise and 3D modeling support for optimizing existing workflows and developing new operational efficiencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize the creation and maintenance of technical documentation and 3D models, which are core to product development and manufacturing operations. The focus on R&D and process improvements further solidifies its alignment with engineering operations.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Associate's Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Engineering Technology, Drafting, Mechanical Design) OR

Experience:

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD for 2D drafting and technical drawing creation.

• Expertise in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, part design, and assembly creation.

• Demonstrated ability to create detailed technical drawings with accurate dimensions, tolerances, and specifications.

• Strong problem-solving skills to address design challenges and identify practical solutions.

• Excellent organizational skills with the capacity to manage multiple design projects concurrently and adapt to evolving priorities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with version control systems for CAD files.

• Familiarity with water management solutions or related industrial products.

• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes and materials.

• Ability to interpret engineering requirements and translate them into design specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for AutoCAD and SolidWorks, coupled with the minimal experience, points towards a CAD Technician or Junior Product Designer role. The emphasis on problem-solving and organization is standard for design roles, but the communication requirement across all levels highlights the collaborative nature of this position within an operational setting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 distinct design projects that demonstrate proficiency in both 2D technical drawings and 3D modeling.

• Include examples of design iterations or improvements, highlighting problem-solving approaches and the resulting enhancements.

• Present documentation that clearly explains the design process, tools used (AutoCAD, SolidWorks), and the intended application of the designs.

Process Documentation:

• Examples of how you have documented design changes or updates to CAD files, ensuring clarity and traceability.

• A brief explanation of your personal workflow for managing design projects from concept to final technical drawing.

• How you approach gathering requirements and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure design accuracy and alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with a 6-month experience requirement, the portfolio should focus on academic projects, personal projects, or internship work that highlights core CAD skills and the ability to follow a design process. The emphasis is on demonstrating fundamental competence in the required software and a methodical approach to design.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $30.00 - $34.00 per hour.

Benefits:

• Two medical plan options, providing flexibility in healthcare choices.

• Comprehensive dental coverage to support oral health.

• Vision coverage for eye care needs.

• 100% company-paid life insurance, offering financial security for dependents.

Working Hours:

• Full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• This is a hybrid role, requiring quarterly visits to the Willmar, MN office. The remaining work can be performed remotely.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $30-$34/hour translates to approximately $62,400 - $70,720 annually for a full-time, 40-hour work week. This is competitive for an entry-level to junior CAD Designer role in a non-major metropolitan area, especially considering the benefits package. The hybrid nature with quarterly office visits is a key aspect of the work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water Management Solutions (Manufacturing/Engineering). Prinsco is a leader in providing innovative solutions for water management, indicating a focus on environmental sustainability and infrastructure. This context suggests a stable industry with a tangible impact.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size. However, the mention of "dynamic Engineering Team" and cross-departmental collaboration implies a structure that is likely mid-sized to large, allowing for specialization and inter-team projects.

Founded: The founding date is not provided. The company's mission "To care. To contribute. To solve." suggests a purpose-driven organization.

Team Structure:

• The role reports to an Engineering Team, implying a direct line into the product development and technical operations functions.

• Collaboration is expected across Sales, Engineering, and Manufacturing, indicating a matrixed or project-based team interaction model.

Methodology:

• Design work will likely involve iterative processes, from conceptualization to detailed technical documentation.

• Data-driven decision-making may be applied to product enhancements based on performance metrics and customer feedback.

• Process optimization is a key value, suggesting an environment that encourages efficiency and improvement in workflows.

Company Website: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/A4B1B4E5C13E29A079F0ED196C97CBE2/jobs/4527 (Note: This is the job application portal URL, not the direct company website. A search for "Prinsco Inc" would yield their official site.)

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's mission and core values suggest a culture that values impactful work and strong interpersonal relationships. This is important for candidates to understand for cultural fit during the interview process.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a "Senior Designer" but with entry-level experience requirements. It represents an opportunity for an individual to gain foundational experience in product design and engineering operations, working with critical CAD software and contributing to tangible product development. It serves as a potential stepping stone into more specialized design engineering roles or product management within the manufacturing sector.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Designer will report to the Engineering Team, likely to an Engineering Manager or Lead Designer. This structure provides direct mentorship and oversight from experienced professionals in the field.

Operations Impact: The designer's work directly influences product development timelines, the clarity of manufacturing instructions, and the effectiveness of sales materials. By creating accurate technical drawings and 3D models, they enable efficient production, reduce errors, and support the company's goal of providing effective water management solutions. Their contribution to R&D also fuels future product innovation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop advanced proficiency in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, potentially learning additional CAD/CAM software or specialized design techniques relevant to water management systems.

• Project Leadership: As experience grows, take ownership of design projects from concept through completion, managing scope and deliverables.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Transition into roles within product management, engineering analysis, or manufacturing process engineering by leveraging a deep understanding of product design.

• Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in water management technologies and design principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Senior" title combined with entry-level experience suggests this role is about potential and foundational skill-building. Candidates should view this as a growth opportunity where they can develop core competencies in a relevant industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment, balancing remote flexibility with in-office collaboration.

Office Location(s): 1717 16TH ST NE, Willmar, MN 56201. The quarterly visits are essential for team integration and project alignment.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused, individual work on design tasks remotely, while in-office time facilitates direct collaboration with the engineering team, design reviews, and hands-on interaction with prototypes or existing products.

• Access to industry-standard CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) will be crucial for both remote and in-office work.

Work Schedule:

• Standard full-time hours (approx. 40 hours/week).

• The hybrid arrangement offers flexibility in managing work location, with the expectation of being present in the Willmar office quarterly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature is a significant perk, offering work-life balance. However, candidates must be comfortable with the requirement for quarterly travel to the Willmar office to ensure engagement and effective collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and application to assess basic qualifications, especially CAD software proficiency and education.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates will likely be asked to present their design portfolio, showcasing their 2D and 3D work, and explaining their design process.

• Technical Assessment: A practical exercise or technical interview may be conducted to evaluate CAD skills live, potentially involving a small design task or problem-solving scenario.

• Behavioral Interview: Questions assessing problem-solving abilities, collaboration, communication, and cultural fit with Prinsco's values (integrity, relationships, hard work).

• Final Interview: Discussion with hiring manager or senior engineering personnel to confirm fit and discuss role expectations.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Core Skills: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks through diverse project examples.

• Showcase Process: For each project, explain your approach: problem identification, ideation, design execution, and refinement. Use visual aids effectively.

• Quantify Impact: If possible, describe the outcome or benefit of your designs (e.g., "improved efficiency by X%", "reduced material waste"). Even for academic projects, discuss intended benefits.

• Tailor to Prinsco: If possible, subtly align project examples with the company's industry (water management) or the types of products they create.

• Be Prepared for Technical Questions: Expect to discuss specific commands, features, or techniques used in your designs.

Challenge Preparation:

• CAD Proficiency Test: Be ready for a timed exercise to create a simple 2D drawing or 3D model using AutoCAD or SolidWorks. Practice common commands and shortcuts.

• Problem-Solving Scenario: Prepare to analyze a design problem and propose solutions, explaining your thought process and design choices.

• Collaboration Simulation: Be ready to discuss how you would work with engineers or sales teams to refine a design based on their feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should curate their best work, focusing on technical accuracy and a clear demonstration of their ability to use the required software effectively. Emphasize projects that show problem-solving and logical design progression.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D technical drawings, schematics, and layout design. Proficiency in creating detailed plans and elevations is key.

• SolidWorks: Crucial for 3D modeling, part design, assembly creation, and potentially basic simulation or rendering. Experience with features like extrudes, revolves, mates, and assemblies will be important.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to the designer's core tasks, but understanding how designs feed into sales processes (via technical drawings) and manufacturing workflows is part of the operational context.

• Potential for using PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) software if the company employs it for managing design revisions and product data.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirements are explicitly stated as AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience level and specific use cases for these tools in detail.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding honesty and ethical standards in design work, documentation, and communication.

• Relationships: Building strong working relationships with colleagues across departments to foster collaboration and mutual understanding.

• Hard Work: Demonstrating dedication, diligence, and a commitment to delivering high-quality design outputs within project timelines.

• Care: Contributing to solutions that effectively manage water, reflecting a sense of responsibility towards environmental impact and customer needs.

• Contribute: Actively participating in team projects and offering design expertise to achieve collective goals.

• Solve: Approaching design challenges with a problem-solving mindset, seeking practical and effective solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Expected to be proactive in seeking input from and providing design information to Engineering, Sales, and Manufacturing teams.

• Openness to feedback and iterative design processes is vital.

• Clear communication, especially during the quarterly in-office visits, will be essential for maintaining alignment and fostering strong working relationships.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values are "integrity, relationships, and hard work," complemented by a mission of "To care. To contribute. To solve." Candidates should be prepared to discuss how their work ethic and collaboration style align with these principles.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Remote and In-Office Work: Effectively maintaining collaboration and project momentum across different work locations, especially with only quarterly in-person interaction.

• Translating Technical Requirements: Accurately interpreting and implementing complex technical specifications from engineering into actionable designs.

• Managing Design Revisions: Efficiently handling product enhancements and changes, ensuring all CAD files are consistently updated and accurate.

• Balancing Multiple Projects: Juggling design tasks for different products or departments simultaneously, requiring strong time management and prioritization skills.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, potentially pursuing certifications.

• Industry Knowledge: Gaining in-depth understanding of water management technologies and manufacturing processes.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning about the needs and challenges of sales and manufacturing teams, broadening overall business acumen.

• Mentorship: Working alongside experienced engineers and designers to develop design best practices and problem-solving strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature presents a unique challenge for collaboration. Candidates should think about strategies for effective remote communication and how to maximize the value of in-office time.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex technical drawing you've created. What were the key considerations and challenges?" (Focus on detail, accuracy, and problem-solving.)

• "How do you ensure your 3D models accurately reflect the intended product functionality and manufacturability?" (Highlight your process and attention to detail.)

• "Walk me through how you would update a CAD file for a product that has undergone a design modification." (Demonstrate understanding of version control and documentation.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Prinsco and our mission in water management?" (Research the company's products and values.)

• "How do you embody our core values of integrity, relationships, and hard work in your daily work?" (Provide specific examples.)

• "Describe a time you had to adapt to changing project requirements. How did you handle it?" (Showcase your adaptability and problem-solving skills.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by software used or project type. Start with your strongest, most relevant projects.

• Storytelling: For each project, explain the problem, your design solution, the tools you used, and the outcome or intended benefit.

• Visuals: Use clear screenshots, renders, or even short videos of your 3D models. Ensure technical drawings are legible.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss specific commands, features, and design choices within AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

• Q&A: Anticipate questions about your design process, challenges faced, and how you would apply your skills to Prinsco's products.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific examples from their experience (academic, internships, personal projects) that directly address the requirements for AutoCAD, SolidWorks, technical drawing, and 3D modeling. Demonstrating a methodical and detail-oriented approach is key.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided Paycom link: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/A4B1B4E5C13E29A079F0ED196C97CBE2/jobs/4527

• <strong>Curate Your Portfolio:</strong> Select 3-5 of your strongest design projects that showcase proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks, emphasizing technical drawings and 3D modeling. Ensure clear documentation of your process and results.

• <strong>Tailor Your Resume:</strong> Highlight your experience with CAD software, any relevant education or certifications, and any projects that demonstrate problem-solving, organization, and communication skills. Use keywords from the job description.

• <strong>Prepare for Technical Skills Assessment:</strong> Practice basic CAD operations in AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools in detail during interviews.

• <strong>Research Prinsco Inc:</strong> Understand the company's mission, products (water management solutions), and core values (integrity, relationships, hard work) to articulate your interest and cultural fit.

<strong>⚠️ Important Notice:</strong> 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.