Product Designer – Junior

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer – Junior

Company: Gensler

Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Industrial Design

Date Posted: 2026-06-01

Experience Level: Junior (1-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Contribute to the end-to-end design and development lifecycle of physical products, including furniture collections, spatial systems, and lighting fixtures, within a dynamic studio environment.

• Engage in collaborative design charrettes and work sessions to define strategic goals and explore innovative design directions for diverse market verticals.

• Produce a range of design deliverables, from initial concept sketches and 3D models to digital prototypes and detailed technical drawings, ensuring clarity of design intent.

• Research and integrate advanced materials, sustainable manufacturing methods, ergonomic considerations, and emerging technologies to enhance product innovation and performance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically for physical product design, explicitly excluding UI/UX responsibilities, and requires a strong foundation in object-based design principles with a focus on tangible product creation and development.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and refine design concepts for furniture, spatial systems, and lighting fixtures, translating strategic goals into tangible product solutions.

• Actively participate in brainstorming sessions, design charrettes, and collaborative workshops to generate and evolve innovative design ideas.

• Create detailed 3D models, digital prototypes, and comprehensive technical drawings to effectively communicate design intent and manufacturing specifications.

• Conduct thorough research into materials, manufacturing processes, ergonomic principles, and sustainability strategies to inform design decisions and drive product innovation.

• Build physical mock-ups, material studies, and scale models to test and validate design concepts, ensuring functionality and aesthetic coherence.

• Prepare compelling presentations, diagrams, and storytelling artifacts that clearly articulate design narratives and rationale to stakeholders.

• Explore and propose applications of emerging technologies, such as generative AI, computational design, and advanced visualization, within product and spatial design contexts.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on "hands-on collaboration with designers, architects, technical specialists, and fabricators" indicates a strong need for cross-functional communication and the ability to translate design concepts into manufacturable specifications.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Completion of undergraduate or graduate study in Industrial Design, Environmental Design, or a similar object-based design education platform.

Experience: 1 – 5 years of relevant product design experience, with a demonstrable portfolio showcasing physical product development.

Required Skills:

• High proficiency in Solidworks for 3D modeling and design.

• Strong rendering skills, with Keyshot preferred for visualization.

• Experience with NLM AI visualization platforms such as Nano Banana.

• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign for graphic design and presentation materials.

• Robust skills in 3D modeling, prototyping, and material exploration.

• Ability to create or interpret technical drawings, fabrication details, and assembly diagrams.

• Strong analytical, conceptual, and problem-solving abilities.

• Resourceful, self-motivated, and eager to collaborate.

Preferred Skills:

• Hands-on experience in model making, digital fabrication (CNC, laser cutting), or 3D printing.

• Curiosity and foundational knowledge of emerging technologies including generative AI, computational processes, XR/VR/AR for visualization, parametric design tools, and material innovation.

• Demonstrated leadership experience in academic or community settings.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks effectively.

• A bold thinker with a passion for experimentation and iterative design processes.

• Artistic storytelling and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly articulate design intent.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for "object-based education platform" and specific software like Nano Banana suggests the company is looking for candidates with specialized training in physical product design, not general design or digital UI/UX. The experience range of 1-5 years bridges the gap between entry-level and mid-level, indicating a need for some practical application of skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of physical product design projects demonstrating the full design process from concept ideation to detailed development.

• Include examples of 3D models, technical drawings, and physical mock-ups to illustrate design execution and manufacturability.

• Present case studies that highlight material research, manufacturing method exploration, and ergonomic considerations.

• Demonstrate proficiency with required software (Solidworks, Keyshot, Adobe Creative Suite, Nano Banana) through project examples.

Process Documentation:

• Detail the design process followed for each project, including user research, concept development, iterative refinement, and technical detailing.

• Document material selection rationale, manufacturing method analysis, and sustainability considerations.

• Illustrate the creation and application of technical drawings, fabrication details, and assembly diagrams.

• Showcase the use of digital fabrication techniques or 3D printing in prototyping and model making.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the focus on physical product design and the mention of technical drawings and fabrication, the portfolio should explicitly detail the candidate's ability to translate abstract concepts into concrete, manufacturable designs, with a strong emphasis on the practical application of design principles and tools.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 annually, plus bonuses.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Disability insurance and wellness programs.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• Generous paid holidays and paid time off.

• 401k retirement plan with employer match considerations.

• Profit sharing and employee stock ownership opportunities.

• Twice annual bonus opportunities.

• Reimbursement for certain professional licenses and associated renewals/exam fees.

• Tuition reimbursement for eligible academic programs or classes.

Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with an on-site work arrangement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the information in the job description. The extensive benefits package, including professional development reimbursements and profit sharing, indicates a company culture that invests in employee growth and long-term commitment. The 40-hour work week is standard, but the on-site nature implies a structured daily schedule.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Architecture, Design, and Planning. Gensler is a global leader in the design industry, known for its innovative approach to creating spaces and products that shape the built environment.

Company Size: Gensler is a large, global firm, employing thousands of professionals across numerous international offices. This scale offers diverse opportunities for collaboration and exposure to a wide range of projects.

Founded: Gensler was founded in 1965, bringing decades of experience and a deep understanding of design principles and market evolution.

Team Structure:

• The Product Design team operates within a creative studio environment, likely integrated with larger architectural and design project teams.

• Reporting structure is typically hierarchical, with junior designers working under senior designers and design directors.

Methodology:

• Gensler emphasizes a research-driven and iterative design process, encouraging exploration and experimentation.

• Data analysis and user insights inform design decisions, aiming for solutions that are both aesthetically compelling and functionally effective.

• Workflow optimization and the adoption of emerging technologies are key to maintaining a competitive edge and delivering innovative solutions.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Gensler's status as a major global design firm suggests a high standard for design quality and innovation. The "creative studio environment" implies a collaborative and dynamic workspace where designers are encouraged to push boundaries, especially with the inclusion of advanced technologies like AI and XR.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Junior Product Designer role, suitable for individuals with foundational education and 1-5 years of practical experience. It signifies an entry to early-stage career development within the design field, focused on skill acquisition and contribution to project teams.

Reporting Structure: Junior designers typically report to Senior Designers or Design Leads, who provide mentorship, project guidance, and performance feedback. This structure facilitates learning and development under experienced professionals.

Operations Impact: While not a traditional "revenue operations" role, this Product Designer will directly impact project success and client satisfaction through the creation of innovative and functional physical products. Their work contributes to Gensler's reputation for design excellence and its ability to deliver high-quality solutions across various market verticals.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in CAD software (Solidworks, Keyshot), gain hands-on experience with digital fabrication, and explore emerging technologies in design.

• Project Exposure: Work on a diverse portfolio of projects, gaining experience across different market sectors (e.g., workplace, hospitality, retail, healthcare).

• Mentorship & Leadership: Potential for mentorship from senior designers, leading to greater autonomy, client interaction, and future leadership roles within design teams.

• Specialization: Possibility to specialize in specific product categories (e.g., furniture, lighting) or in areas like sustainable design or advanced manufacturing technologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The defined experience level and explicit mention of professional development reimbursements point to a structured career path within Gensler, emphasizing continuous learning and advancement within the design discipline.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Gensler's Los Angeles office is likely a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster creativity and innovation, reflecting the firm's commitment to design excellence.

Office Location(s): Los Angeles, CA, United States. Specific details about accessibility and amenities would be available upon inquiry or during the interview process.

Workspace Context:

• Expect a dynamic studio environment with spaces designed for individual focused work, collaborative team sessions, and material/prototype exploration.

• Access to cutting-edge design software and hardware, including powerful workstations, 3D printers, and potentially CNC machines.

• Frequent interaction with a diverse team of designers, architects, and technical specialists, encouraging a rich exchange of ideas and collaborative problem-solving.

Work Schedule: The standard full-time schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, expected to be performed on-site. While a structured schedule is typical, there may be flexibility depending on project demands and team needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The description of a "creative studio environment" and the emphasis on hands-on work suggest a workspace that is both functional for design production and inspiring for creative ideation.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of application, resume, and portfolio to assess qualifications and alignment with role requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely present their portfolio, discussing their design process, problem-solving approach, and contributions to key projects. Be prepared to articulate your design choices and demonstrate proficiency with required software.

• Technical Assessment: May include a design challenge or a review of technical drawing/modeling skills. A practical exercise focused on Solidworks or a similar tool is plausible.

• Team/Manager Interviews: Discussions focused on collaboration style, cultural fit, understanding of design principles, and passion for product design.

• Final Round: Potentially with senior leadership to assess overall fit and strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Physical Product Design: Prioritize projects demonstrating your ability to design and develop tangible products, not just digital interfaces.

• Detail Your Process: Clearly articulate your design journey for each project – ideation, research (materials, manufacturing, ergonomics), concept development, prototyping, and technical detailing.

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Include examples that explicitly showcase your skills in Solidworks, Keyshot, Adobe Creative Suite, and Nano Banana.

• Demonstrate Problem-Solving: Explain the challenges faced in each project and how you overcame them through creative design solutions.

• Material & Manufacturing Focus: Emphasize your understanding of materials, fabrication methods, and how these informed your design decisions.

• Visual Storytelling: Ensure your portfolio is visually compelling and easy to navigate, using high-quality renderings, photos of physical models, and clear diagrams.

Challenge Preparation:

• Practice creating 3D models in Solidworks, focusing on complex forms and manufacturability.

• Be prepared to discuss material properties and potential applications for different product types.

• Develop a concise narrative for presenting a design project, covering problem, process, solution, and impact.

• Research Gensler’s recent product design projects and understand their design philosophy.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a "physical products" role and specific software like Nano Banana means the portfolio review will be highly technical and focused on tangible design outcomes. Candidates should be ready to discuss the "how" and "why" behind their design decisions in detail.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Solidworks: Essential for 3D modeling, part design, assembly, and generating technical drawings. Proficiency is a core requirement.

• Keyshot: Preferred rendering software for creating high-quality visualizations of product designs.

• Nano Banana: Required for NLM AI visualization platforms, indicating an interest in advanced visualization techniques.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

Design & Visualization:

• Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign: Critical for creating presentations, diagrams, mood boards, and refining visual assets.

• 3D Printing & Digital Fabrication: Hands-on skills with technologies like CNC, laser cutting, and 3D printing are highly valued for prototyping and model making.

• Emerging Technologies: Familiarity with generative AI, computational design, XR/VR/AR for visualization, and parametric design tools is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily geared towards 3D design, visualization, and digital fabrication. Proficiency in specific software like Solidworks and Nano Banana is non-negotiable, highlighting the specialized nature of this physical product design role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Experimentation: A strong drive to explore new solutions, technologies, and materials, with a passion for iterative design and bold thinking.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Valuing hands-on collaboration with diverse teams, including architects, technical specialists, and fabricators, fostering a shared pursuit of design excellence.

• Problem-Solving: An insatiable drive to find solutions to complex design challenges, approaching them with intellectual curiosity and analytical rigor.

• Client Focus: Dedication to delivering high-quality, impactful design solutions that meet client needs and shape environments.

• Sustainability: Commitment to researching and integrating sustainable materials and manufacturing methods into product designs.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Studio Environment: Expect a highly collaborative setting where ideas are shared freely, and cross-disciplinary input is encouraged.

• Iterative Feedback Loops: Regular design reviews and critiques are likely part of the process, fostering continuous improvement and refinement.

• Knowledge Sharing: A culture that supports learning from colleagues and sharing expertise, particularly regarding new technologies and design methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: Gensler's culture appears to value creativity, intellectual curiosity, and practical application. The emphasis on "bold thinkers" and "experimentation" suggests an environment that encourages pushing design boundaries while maintaining a strong focus on delivering tangible, high-quality results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Translating Concepts to Production: Bridging the gap between creative concepts and manufacturable, cost-effective physical products requires strong technical understanding and problem-solving skills.

• Integrating Emerging Technologies: Staying current with and effectively incorporating rapidly evolving technologies like generative AI and XR into the design workflow can be challenging.

• Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: Delivering designs that are visually compelling while also meeting stringent ergonomic, performance, and sustainability requirements.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively communicating complex design ideas and technical specifications to diverse stakeholders with varying technical backgrounds.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Software Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in Solidworks, Keyshot, and explore new visualization platforms.

• Material & Manufacturing Exposure: Hands-on experience with new materials and advanced fabrication techniques.

• Project Diversity: Gaining broad experience across different project types and market sectors within Gensler.

• Mentorship Programs: Learning from experienced design leaders within the firm.

• Industry Conferences & Workshops: Potential for participation in events focused on design innovation, technology, and materials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents an excellent opportunity for a junior designer to tackle complex physical product challenges within a leading global design firm, with significant support for professional growth and skill development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your design process for a physical product from initial concept to final design." (Prepare to walk through a portfolio project, focusing on Solidworks, material research, and technical detailing.)

• "How would you approach researching and integrating a new sustainable material into a furniture collection?" (Focus on your research methodology and ability to assess material properties.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Gensler's product design work, and how do you see yourself contributing to our studio?" (Research Gensler's recent product designs and connect them to your skills and aspirations.)

• "How do you stay updated on emerging technologies and design trends relevant to physical products?" (Mention specific resources like design publications, tech blogs, and industry events.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the brief/problem, your process, key design decisions, challenges overcome, and the final outcome.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in Solidworks, Keyshot, and other relevant software, perhaps by showing wireframes, detailed models, or rendering workflows.

• Focus on Physicality: Highlight your understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and how these informed your design. Use high-quality images of physical models or prototypes if available.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for junior roles, if your design led to specific improvements (e.g., reduced material waste, improved ergonomics), articulate this.

• Be Concise and Engaging: Respect the interviewers' time by being clear, direct, and passionate about your work.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview will heavily assess your practical design skills, technical proficiency with specific software, and your understanding of the physical product development lifecycle. Be ready to defend your design choices and demonstrate a clear, repeatable process.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Gensler's Workday careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight experience and skills directly relevant to physical product design, emphasizing Solidworks, Keyshot, Adobe Suite, and any relevant fabrication or prototyping experience. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest physical product design projects that best showcase your skills in 3D modeling, material exploration, technical detailing, and problem-solving, ensuring it aligns with Gensler's design aesthetic and requirements.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice walking through your portfolio projects, clearly articulating your design process, technical capabilities, and ability to collaborate. Be ready to discuss your experience with Nano Banana and other visualization tools.

• Research Gensler: Familiarize yourself with Gensler's product design portfolio, recent projects, and company culture to articulate your interest and alignment during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data. All details should be verified directly with Gensler before making application decisions.