Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: PRINSCO

Location: Willmar, MN 56201

Job Type: OTHER

Category: Product Design / Engineering Operations

Date Posted: 2025-12-18

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

Remote Status: Hybrid (Quarterly office visits to Willmar, MN required)

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on translating innovative concepts into tangible product designs through technical drawings and 3D modeling, directly supporting GTM and manufacturing operations.

• The Product Designer will be instrumental in enhancing product development, R&D, and process improvements within an established engineering framework.

• Requires a strong foundation in CAD software such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks, coupled with a minimum of 6 months of practical 2D and 3D design experience.

• The position emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and clear communication to drive product lifecycle efficiencies and support sales and manufacturing initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "OTHER" employment type is unusual for a specific role like Product Designer. It's assumed this is a full-time position based on the detailed responsibilities and benefits offered. The "0-2 years" experience level is inferred from the minimum 6 months of experience and the "Senior Designer" title in the original posting, suggesting a role that can accommodate growth.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and create detailed technical drawings and schematics for new and existing products to support sales, engineering, and manufacturing operations.

• Utilize 3D modeling software (SolidWorks) to design, prototype, and refine product concepts, ensuring manufacturability and performance.

• Maintain and update CAD files, blueprints, and documentation to reflect product enhancements, design changes, and process improvements.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including R&D, sales, and production, to gather design requirements and ensure successful product implementation.

• Contribute to process improvement initiatives by identifying design-related efficiencies and solutions that enhance workflow and reduce costs.

• Support the product development lifecycle from conceptualization through to production release, ensuring design integrity and adherence to specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the original description uses "Senior Designer," the stated experience requirement of "at least 6 months of 2D & 3D design experience" suggests a more entry-to-mid-level focus. The responsibilities have been tailored to reflect this, emphasizing foundational design tasks and collaborative support rather than independent strategic design leadership.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

Required Skills:

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

• Strong command of SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assembly, and design visualization.

• Demonstrated experience in creating detailed technical drawings and schematics.

• Excellent problem-solving abilities to address design challenges and propose effective solutions.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) for effective collaboration across teams.

• High level of organization and attention to detail to manage multiple design variables and ensure accuracy.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.

• Familiarity with water management solutions or related industrial products.

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials.

• Basic understanding of GTM sales support documentation needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The original job description mentions "Senior Designer" but only requires 6 months of experience. This has been interpreted as an entry-to-mid-level role where "Senior" might refer to the scope of responsibility within the design function rather than extensive seniority. The skills are thus framed to reflect this, emphasizing core CAD proficiency and foundational design tasks.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse design projects demonstrating proficiency in both 2D technical drawings and 3D modeling using AutoCAD and SolidWorks.

• Include examples of designs that have undergone or could undergo a manufacturing process, highlighting considerations for production.

• Present projects that illustrate problem-solving capabilities, such as redesigns or improvements to existing components or systems.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how design documentation (e.g., CAD files, BOMs, technical drawings) is organized and maintained for version control and clarity.

• Detail your approach to gathering and interpreting design requirements from stakeholders (e.g., R&D, sales) to ensure accurate design outputs.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how design outputs integrate with downstream processes, such as manufacturing, quality control, or sales collateral creation.

📝 Enhancement Note: A portfolio is crucial for design roles. These requirements are inferred based on standard expectations for designers to showcase their technical skills, design thinking, and ability to translate concepts into production-ready assets, particularly in a technical product environment.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $30.00 - $34.00 per hour (DOE - Depending on Experience)

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical plan options.

• Dental coverage.

• Vision coverage.

• 100% company-paid life insurance.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week. Specific daily schedules to be confirmed by the hiring manager. The hybrid nature requires flexibility for quarterly in-office presence in Willmar, MN.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range was provided in the input. The "OTHER" employment type does not specify full-time or part-time, but the comprehensive benefits package strongly suggests a full-time role. The hybrid requirement with quarterly visits is noted to inform the candidate about the work arrangement.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water Management Solutions (Manufacturing)

Company Size: PRINSCO is part of a larger organization, but specific employee count for this division isn't detailed. The "Senior Designer" title suggests a team with established roles and potentially a growing engineering department.

Founded: Information not provided, but PRINSCO is positioned as a leader in its field, indicating a company with established market presence and operational history.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will be part of the Engineering Team, likely reporting to an Engineering Manager or Lead Designer.

• Collaboration is expected across R&D, Sales, and Manufacturing departments, requiring strong cross-functional communication skills.

Methodology:

• Prinsco's mission ("To care. To contribute. To solve.") and values (integrity, relationships, hard work) emphasize a results-oriented, ethical, and collaborative approach.

• Design processes will likely be data-informed, leveraging technical specifications and performance metrics to drive product development and improvements.

• Emphasis on "hard work" and "solving" suggests a culture that embraces challenges and dedicates effort to finding innovative solutions.

Company Website: prinsco.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Company-specific details beyond the provided description are limited. The industry and core values are used to infer the operational environment and team dynamics relevant to a design role within a manufacturing context.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Product Designer, likely falling into an entry-to-mid-level within the engineering and design function. It offers a foundation for specialization in product development, CAD, and technical illustration within the water management sector.

Reporting Structure: The designer will report to a manager or lead within the Engineering department. They will collaborate extensively with R&D, Sales, and Manufacturing teams, providing design support and technical expertise.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work directly impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of the sales and manufacturing operations. High-quality technical drawings and 3D models streamline production, reduce errors, and support sales efforts by clearly visualizing product capabilities. Contributions to R&D and process improvements drive innovation and operational efficiency.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Develop deep expertise in SolidWorks and AutoCAD, potentially becoming a subject matter expert for CAD standards and best practices.

• Product Development: Progress to roles with greater design responsibility, leading design aspects of new product launches or complex projects.

• Process Improvement: Transition into roles focused on optimizing design-to-manufacturing workflows, potentially contributing to industrial engineering or operations management.

• Industry Knowledge: Gain specialized knowledge in water management solutions, making them a valuable asset in this niche industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are inferred based on the typical career progression for design roles within manufacturing companies, focusing on skill development, increased responsibility, and potential specialization within the company's industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work environment. While the role is primarily remote, quarterly in-office visits to the Willmar, MN office are mandatory for collaboration and team engagement.

Office Location(s):

• Primary work location: Remote.

Workspace Context:

• The remote aspect allows for focused, independent work.

• Quarterly visits to the Willmar office provide opportunities for direct interaction with the engineering team, R&D, sales, and manufacturing personnel, fostering a collaborative and connected work environment.

• Access to necessary design software and potentially company-specific CAD templates will be provided or expected.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is expected. The hybrid arrangement necessitates careful planning for remote workdays and scheduled in-office days to maximize collaboration and project efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role is a key differentiator. The description emphasizes the need for remote focus balanced with essential in-person collaboration.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess technical skills (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and relevant experience.

• Technical Interview: Discussion focused on design processes, problem-solving scenarios, and hands-on demonstration or review of CAD projects. Candidates may be asked to walk through their portfolio.

• Cross-Functional Interview: Meeting with members from R&D, Sales, or Manufacturing to evaluate communication, collaboration skills, and understanding of how design impacts their respective areas.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Final discussion on role expectations, company culture, career aspirations, and compensation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight Core Skills: Ensure your portfolio clearly showcases your proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks through diverse 2D and 3D examples.

• Demonstrate Process: For a few key projects, explain your design methodology, including problem identification, ideation, iteration, and final output. Use visuals to illustrate each stage.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, explain the outcome or benefit of your designs (e.g., improved manufacturability, clearer sales visualization).

• Tailor to Prinsco: If possible, include a project that relates to industrial products or manufacturing processes to demonstrate relevance.

• Organize Clearly: Present your portfolio in a well-structured digital format (e.g., PDF, online portfolio) that is easy to navigate.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a component for a specific application, considering material constraints, manufacturing methods, and cost-effectiveness.

• Practice explaining technical designs clearly and concisely to non-technical stakeholders.

• Review Prinsco's products and industry to understand their market and potential design challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process and portfolio review tips are tailored for a design role, emphasizing technical skills, process understanding, and the ability to communicate design intent and impact.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D technical drawings, schematics, and drafting. Proficiency in creating dimensioned, layered, and annotated drawings is key.

• SolidWorks: Crucial for 3D modeling, part design, assembly creation, and potentially basic simulation or rendering. Experience with parametric modeling is expected.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus, understanding how design data (e.g., material specifications, tolerances) is used in manufacturing execution systems (MES) or ERP systems is beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Familiarity with how design documentation is stored and accessed within a company's document management system or PDM (Product Data Management) system.

• Understanding how designs are linked to sales opportunities or product configurations in CRM systems, though direct CRM use may be minimal.

📝 Enhancement Note: This section focuses on the core CAD software required. Other tools are mentioned in a broader context of how design integrates with company operations.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity: Upholding ethical design practices and ensuring the accuracy and reliability of technical documentation.

• Relationships: Building strong collaborative relationships with R&D, Sales, and Manufacturing teams to ensure design alignment and project success.

• Hard Work: Demonstrating dedication and effort in problem-solving and delivering high-quality design outputs, especially when facing technical challenges.

• Care, Contribute, Solve: Applying these core values by creating designs that are safe, functional, and contribute to Prinsco's mission of solving water management challenges.

Collaboration Style:

• Proactive engagement with cross-functional teams to understand their needs and provide design solutions.

• Openness to feedback and constructive criticism on designs, using it to refine and improve.

• Clear and consistent communication, especially during the hybrid work arrangement, to ensure all team members are informed and aligned.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values (integrity, relationships, hard work) and mission are directly translated into behavioral expectations for a designer within the company's operational context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Remote/Hybrid Gaps: Effectively collaborating and maintaining strong communication with teams across remote and in-office settings.

• Technical Complexity: Understanding and designing for the specific technical requirements of water management solutions.

• Balancing Design Needs: Juggling multiple design projects concurrently, each with unique specifications and deadlines.

• Adapting to Evolving Technology: Staying current with advancements in CAD software and design methodologies.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced CAD Training: Pursuing certifications or advanced courses in SolidWorks and AutoCAD to enhance technical proficiency.

• Product Specialization: Deepening knowledge of water management systems and their engineering principles.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learning about the intricacies of sales processes and manufacturing operations to create more effective designs.

• Project Leadership: Taking on lead roles in design aspects of specific product development projects as experience grows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed around the hybrid nature of the role, the technical demands of the industry, and typical career development paths for designers.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Describe your process for taking a product concept from initial idea to final technical drawings. What steps do you take to ensure accuracy and manufacturability?" (Focus on detailing your workflow, software usage, and problem-solving within each step).

• Software Proficiency: "How would you approach designing a complex assembly in SolidWorks, and what are some common challenges you've encountered and overcome in AutoCAD?" (Be ready to discuss specific features, techniques, and troubleshooting).

• Collaboration & Communication: "Imagine you've designed a component that a manufacturing engineer feels is too difficult to produce. How would you handle this situation, especially if working remotely?" (Emphasize active listening, collaborative problem-solving, and finding mutually beneficial solutions).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working for Prinsco, and how do you see your skills contributing to our mission of 'To care. To contribute. To solve.'?" (Research Prinsco's products and values; connect your design approach to their mission).

• "How do you approach collaboration in a hybrid work environment, and what strategies do you use to stay connected and productive?" (Highlight your organizational skills and proactive communication methods).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• The "Why": For each project, clearly articulate the problem it solved or the objective it met.

• The "How": Walk through your design process, highlighting your use of AutoCAD and SolidWorks, and any key decisions made.

• The "What": Showcase the final technical drawings and 3D models, pointing out critical details and specifications.

• The "Impact": If possible, discuss any tangible benefits or outcomes of your design (e.g., improved efficiency, cost savings, enhanced functionality).

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions are crafted to assess technical skills, problem-solving abilities, communication, and cultural fit, with specific advice on how to prepare using company information and role expectations.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on paycomonline.net.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest 2D and 3D design projects, ensuring they highlight your proficiency in AutoCAD and SolidWorks. Organize them logically, perhaps by project type or complexity, and prepare to present them clearly.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your CAD skills, design experience (even if limited), problem-solving abilities, and any experience in manufacturing or product development contexts. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare for Technical Questions: Review common design challenges and practice explaining your design process and software workflows. Be ready to discuss your portfolio in detail.

• Research Prinsco: Understand their products, mission, and values. Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the team, projects, and company culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details, especially regarding the "Senior Designer" title versus experience requirements and the "OTHER" employment type, should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.