Product Designer Veterinary (f/m/d) at Arthrex

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer Veterinary (f/m/d) Company: Arthrex Location: Munich, Bavaria, Germany Job Type: Full-time Category: Product Design / Engineering Operations Date Posted: August 27, 2025 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years) Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

This role focuses on the design and enhancement of veterinary products, leveraging 3D CAD software for mechanical modeling and drawing creation.
The Product Designer will be instrumental in optimizing manufacturing processes and improving product quality through design modifications and stakeholder engagement.
Key responsibilities include providing technical information for regulatory affairs, marketing, and product management, alongside close collaboration with engineering teams.
The position requires a strong understanding of design control activities and the ability to manage change requests to ensure high-quality project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a "Product Designer," the detailed responsibilities—creating mechanical models, modifying designs for manufacturing optimization, supporting regulatory affairs, and collaborating with engineers on process improvements—position this role firmly within an engineering operations or product development operational support function. The emphasis on process optimization and technical documentation aligns with core operations principles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

Create detailed mechanical models and technical drawings using specified 3D CAD software (e.g., PTC Creo, SolidWorks) in alignment with engineering specifications.
Modify existing product designs to enhance functionality, improve product performance, and optimize manufacturing processes for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Propose and implement suggestions to elevate product quality, refine procedures, and streamline operational workflows.
Provide regular and timely progress reports on assigned tasks, project status, and potential roadblocks to relevant stakeholders and management.
Support regulatory affairs, marketing, and product management teams by providing accurate technical information and documentation for product lifecycle management and market compliance.
Collaborate closely with cross-functional engineering teams, manufacturing partners, and other stakeholders to drive product development initiatives and implement process improvements.
Review, generate, and manage change requests (CRs) to document and implement design modifications, ensuring adherence to quality standards.
Assist in the execution of design control activities, maintaining comprehensive records and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and internal quality management systems.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed indicate a hands-on role focused on the practical application of design principles within an engineering context. The emphasis on "optimizing manufacturing processes," "improving product quality," and "collaboration with engineers to support manufacturing partners" highlights an operations-centric approach to product design.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Completion of secondary education or an equivalent qualification is required.

Experience:

Several years of hands-on experience in product design, with a focus on mechanical aspects and manufacturing processes.
Proven experience in modifying existing designs to achieve targeted improvements in product performance and production efficiency.

Required Skills:

Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as PTC Creo, SolidWorks, or similar industry-standard tools for creating mechanical models and technical drawings.
Excellent knowledge and practical application of MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) for documentation, reporting, and communication.
Strong verbal and written communication skills to clearly articulate ideas, issues, and project progress to team members and management.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills enabling effective collaboration and relationship-building with cross-functional teams and external partners.
High degree of flexibility and adaptability to thrive in a dynamic work environment with evolving priorities.
Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and maintain detailed records.
Fluent proficiency in both German and English (verbal and written) is essential for effective communication within a global organization.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with design control activities and documentation within a regulated industry (e.g., medical devices, veterinary products).
Familiarity with generating and managing change requests (CRs) in a structured product development process.
Understanding of regulatory affairs requirements and their impact on product design and documentation.
Experience in supporting marketing and product management with technical product information.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for proficiency in specific 3D CAD software and MS Office, coupled with strong communication and organizational skills, is standard for engineering support roles. The dual language requirement (German and English) is typical for companies with international operations. The "several years of experience" suggests a mid-level position where some independent contribution is expected.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Showcase a minimum of 2-3 distinct projects that demonstrate your proficiency in 3D CAD software, highlighting your ability to create complex mechanical models and detailed technical drawings.
Include examples of design modifications undertaken to improve product quality, optimize manufacturing processes, or reduce production costs, clearly articulating the challenge, your solution, and the outcome.
Provide documentation samples that illustrate your process for managing change requests (CRs) or contributing to design control activities.
Demonstrate your ability to provide technical information and support to cross-functional teams, such as regulatory affairs, marketing, or product management.

Process Documentation:

Illustrate a process for design modification, including initial analysis, CAD implementation, and review/approval stages.
Showcase your approach to collaborating with engineers and manufacturing partners, outlining communication protocols and feedback loops.
Present examples of how you ensure timely reporting and status updates on design tasks, perhaps through project tracking tools or documented progress reports.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a product design role with operational responsibilities, a portfolio demonstrating practical application of CAD skills, process improvement initiatives, and clear documentation practices is crucial. This section infers that candidates are expected to present tangible evidence of their contributions to product development and manufacturing efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry standards for a Mid-Level Product Designer in Munich, Germany, with 2-5 years of experience, the estimated annual salary range is €50,000 - €65,000. This estimate considers the cost of living in Munich and the specialized skills required.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health insurance coverage, including dental and vision.
Generous paid time off (PTO) and holiday allowance.
Opportunities for professional development, including training programs and potential for further education.
Contribution to retirement savings plans.
Access to employee assistance programs for personal and professional support.
Potential for performance-based bonuses.
Company-sponsored initiatives for employee well-being and work-life balance.

Working Hours:

Standard full-time working hours of approximately 40 hours per week.
While the role is on-site, there may be flexibility in daily start and end times, subject to team coordination and business needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates for Munich, Germany, for a mid-level role requiring specialized CAD skills and language proficiency are based on general market data. Benefits are typical for established companies in Germany.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Medical Technology / Orthopedics, with a growing division focused on Veterinary products. Arthrex is a global leader in arthroscopy and orthopedics, known for innovation and product quality. Company Size: Arthrex is a large, global organization with thousands of employees worldwide, indicating a well-structured environment with established processes. Founded: 1981. Arthrex has a long history of innovation and growth, suggesting a stable and experienced company culture.

Team Structure:

The Product Designer will likely be part of the Engineering department, specifically within a team focused on Veterinary product development.
The team structure is expected to involve close reporting lines to an Engineering Manager or Senior Engineer, with direct collaboration with other designers, engineers, and project leads.
Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, involving regular interaction with regulatory affairs, marketing, product management, and potentially manufacturing operations teams.

Methodology:

Arthrex emphasizes innovation, quality, and a customer-centric approach, which translates into a rigorous product development methodology.
Data analysis and rigorous testing are integral to ensuring product efficacy and safety, particularly in the medical and veterinary fields.
Workflow planning and optimization are critical for efficient product development and manufacturing.
The company likely employs structured processes for design control, change management, and quality assurance.

Company Website: https://www.arthrex.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Given Arthrex's standing in the medical device industry, the company culture is likely to be professional, innovation-driven, and highly focused on quality and compliance. The size of the company suggests ample resources and structured career paths.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Mid-Level Product Designer within the Engineering operations. It requires independent contribution and problem-solving skills, serving as a bridge between conceptual design and manufacturing feasibility. Reporting Structure: The Product Designer will likely report to an Engineering Manager or a Senior Product Engineer. They will collaborate closely with a broader engineering team and provide technical support to non-engineering departments. Operations Impact: This role directly impacts product quality, manufacturing efficiency, and the technical accuracy of product documentation. Contributions influence market readiness, regulatory compliance, and the overall success of veterinary product lines.

Growth Opportunities:

Skill Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific 3D CAD software, advanced manufacturing techniques, or specialized areas within veterinary product design.
Project Leadership: Potential to lead design aspects of smaller projects or take on increased responsibility for complex design tasks within larger initiatives.
Cross-functional Exposure: Gain experience in regulatory affairs, marketing, and product management by providing technical support, offering insights into career paths within these departments.
Advanced Training: Access to internal and external training programs to enhance technical skills, project management capabilities, or knowledge of industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: Mid-level roles in established companies like Arthrex typically offer clear paths for skill development and project ownership, leading to senior individual contributor roles or management opportunities within engineering or operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based at Arthrex's facility in Freiham, Munich. This is likely a modern office and R&D environment, designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Office Location(s): Freiham, Munich, Germany. This location is part of Munich's growing technology and business hub.

Workspace Context:

The workspace will likely be a dedicated desk within an engineering or design team area, equipped with necessary CAD workstations and software.
There will be ample opportunity for face-to-face collaboration with engineers, project managers, and other team members in meeting rooms and common areas.
Access to prototyping labs or testing facilities may be available, depending on the specific team's resources.

Work Schedule:

Standard full-time hours are expected, with the role being on-site. Flexibility in daily working hours may be available, but adherence to core business hours and project deadlines is paramount.

📝 Enhancement Note: An on-site role in Munich implies a professional office setting with standard business hours, characteristic of European corporate environments.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the HR and hiring team to assess qualifications and experience.
Technical Interview: A discussion focused on your 3D CAD skills, design methodologies, and experience with product modification and manufacturing optimization. Expect questions about specific projects from your portfolio.
Behavioral Interview: Assessing your communication skills, teamwork abilities, problem-solving approach, and cultural fit with Arthrex's values. This may involve situational questions.
Portfolio Presentation: You may be asked to present a selection of your work, detailing your process, challenges faced, and the impact of your contributions.
Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader in the engineering department or a hiring manager to discuss the role in detail and address any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Curate Wisely: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your 3D CAD proficiency, process improvement initiatives, and understanding of manufacturing optimization.
Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem statement, your design process, the tools used, the specific challenges encountered, your solutions, and the measurable outcomes or impact.
Highlight Operations Impact: Emphasize how your design work contributed to manufacturing efficiency, product quality improvements, or cost savings. Quantify results whenever possible.
Demonstrate Process: Show examples of your documentation, including technical drawings, change requests, or process flow diagrams, to illustrate your systematic approach.
Prepare for Questions: Be ready to discuss your design choices, challenges in stakeholder communication, and how you handle feedback and revisions.

Challenge Preparation:

You might be given a small design problem or a scenario to walk through your problem-solving process. This could involve modifying a simple part or outlining steps for a design review.
Focus on demonstrating your structured thinking, understanding of CAD principles, and ability to communicate your approach clearly and concisely.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is critical for this role. Candidates should be prepared to articulate not just the design output but also the operational considerations and process improvements they've driven.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

3D CAD Software: PTC Creo, SolidWorks, or similar. Proficiency in at least one is essential.
MS Office Suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook. Essential for daily tasks, reporting, and communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

While not explicitly mentioned, familiarity with data analysis tools for evaluating design performance or manufacturing process data would be beneficial.
Tools for project tracking and task management may be utilized.

CRM & Automation:

Not directly relevant to this design role, but understanding how product design integrates with broader business systems (like ERP or PLM) can be advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technical requirement is proficiency in 3D CAD software. The operational aspect implies a need for good documentation and reporting tools, typically found within the MS Office suite.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

Innovation: A commitment to developing novel solutions and improving existing products and processes.
Quality: A dedication to excellence in design, manufacturing, and product performance, adhering to stringent standards.
Teamwork: Collaboration and mutual support across departments to achieve common goals.
Customer Focus: Designing with the end-user (veterinarians, animal owners) in mind, ensuring product effectiveness and usability.
Efficiency: Striving for streamlined processes and optimized workflows in product development and manufacturing.

Collaboration Style:

Expect a collaborative environment where engineers, designers, and other specialists work closely together.
Open communication and constructive feedback are likely encouraged to foster continuous improvement.
Cross-functional teams will collaborate on projects, requiring effective communication and mutual understanding of different departmental needs and constraints.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a medical technology company, Arthrex likely values a culture of precision, collaboration, and continuous improvement, with a strong emphasis on quality and compliance.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

Balancing Design with Manufacturing Constraints: Effectively translating innovative design concepts into manufacturable products that meet quality, cost, and timeline requirements.
Navigating Regulatory Requirements: Ensuring all designs and documentation comply with relevant veterinary or medical device regulations.
Cross-functional Communication: Effectively communicating technical details and design rationale to non-technical stakeholders in marketing, sales, and regulatory affairs.
Adapting to Evolving Technologies: Staying current with advancements in CAD software, materials, and manufacturing processes relevant to veterinary products.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Advanced CAD Training: Opportunities to master advanced features in chosen CAD software or learn new modeling techniques.
Industry Certifications: Potential support for obtaining certifications related to product design, quality management, or specific engineering disciplines.
Mentorship: Access to experienced engineers and designers for guidance and skill development.
Exposure to New Product Lines: Opportunities to contribute to a diverse range of veterinary products, broadening your industry knowledge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for product design roles in regulated industries, requiring a blend of creative problem-solving and adherence to strict operational and regulatory standards. Growth opportunities are tied to skill development and project experience.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

Design Process: "Walk me through your process for taking a product design from concept to a manufacturable state, including how you incorporate feedback for process improvements."
Problem-Solving: "Describe a time you had to modify an existing design to improve product quality or optimize a manufacturing process. What was the challenge, your approach, and the outcome?"
Collaboration: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with engineers, manufacturing partners, and non-technical stakeholders like marketing or regulatory affairs?"
CAD Proficiency: "What are your preferred 3D CAD software features for design optimization and documentation, and why?"
Change Management: "How do you approach reviewing and generating change requests (CRs) to ensure accuracy and compliance?"

Company & Culture Questions:

"What interests you about Arthrex and our work in the veterinary product space?"
"How do your personal values align with Arthrex's focus on innovation and quality?"
"Describe your ideal team environment and how you contribute to team success."

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Structure: Organize your presentation logically, perhaps by project. For each project, cover: Problem/Objective -> Your Role -> Design Process & Tools -> Key Challenges & Solutions -> Outcomes/Impact (Quantified if possible).
Visuals: Use high-quality renders, CAD screenshots, and clear technical drawings. If possible, show before-and-after comparisons for design modifications.
Process Focus: Clearly articulate the steps you took, especially those related to optimizing manufacturing or improving product quality.
Conciseness: Be mindful of time and focus on the most impactful aspects of your work. Be prepared to answer detailed questions about your designs and processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only design skill but also operational thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication within a structured engineering environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer Veterinary position:

Submit your application through the provided link on the Arthrex careers portal.
Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with 3D CAD software, product design, process optimization, and any work related to design control or change requests. Use keywords from the job description.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your best projects, focusing on those that showcase your 3D CAD skills, design modifications for improvement, and technical documentation. Be ready to present and discuss them.
Research Arthrex: Familiarize yourself with Arthrex's company mission, values, and their specific contributions to the medical and veterinary technology sectors.
Practice Your Responses: Prepare for common interview questions related to design processes, problem-solving, collaboration, and your experience with relevant tools and responsibilities.

⚠️ 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.

Product Designer Veterinary (f/m/d)