Product Designer (m/f/d)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer (m/f/d)

Company: Sereact

Location: Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design / Industrial Design / Hardware Engineering

Date Posted: August 25, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on defining the end-to-end design language and visual identity for autonomous robot systems, from initial concept through to manufacturability.

• It involves close collaboration with Mechanical and Hardware engineering teams to ensure technical feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and optimal usability for operators and technicians.

• The position requires a blend of creative product design skills and a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and material properties.

• The Product Designer will be instrumental in shaping how Sereact's cutting-edge robotics and AI technologies are experienced by end-users in industrial environments.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is categorized under Product Design and Industrial Design, with a strong emphasis on hardware development within the Embodied AI and Robotics sector. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for on-site presence in Stuttgart for team collaboration and access to physical prototypes, balanced with remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Product Design Language: Define and maintain a cohesive design language and visual identity across the entire autonomous robot systems product line, ensuring brand consistency and aesthetic appeal.

• Concept Development: Generate innovative concept designs, sketches, wireframes, and high-fidelity renderings for new product development and iterative improvements, aligning with technical specifications and market needs.

• User-Centric Design: Design for intuitive usability and seamless human-robot interaction, focusing on the daily experiences of operators and technicians who work directly with the hardware.

• Technical Collaboration: Act as a key liaison between design and engineering teams (Mechanical, Hardware, Electrical), ensuring design concepts are technically feasible, manufacturable, and meet cost targets.

• Trade-off Analysis: Evaluate and balance competing priorities such as form, function, cost, manufacturability, and technical constraints to make informed design decisions.

• Prototyping & Validation: Support the creation of prototypes and participate in testing phases to validate design choices and gather user feedback before final engineering handoff.

• Manufacturing Liaison: Collaborate with manufacturing partners and internal teams to ensure designs are optimized for production processes and material selection.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a "hands-on" approach to product design, requiring the candidate to not only conceptualize but also deeply understand and integrate with engineering and manufacturing realities. This goes beyond typical UX/UI design, focusing on the physical product's aesthetics, ergonomics, and manufacturability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related technical field. Experience:

• 2-5 years of professional experience in product design, with a demonstrated track record of shipping or near-shipping physical products.

• Experience working within a technical or engineering-focused environment is highly advantageous. Required Skills:

• CAD Proficiency: Expert-level skills in industry-standard CAD software such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Rhino for 3D modeling and design.

• Visualization Tools: Strong proficiency in rendering and visualization software like KeyShot, Blender, or the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for creating compelling product presentations.

• Manufacturing Knowledge: Solid understanding of various manufacturing methods (e.g., injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication) and their implications on design.

• Material Science: Working knowledge of material properties and their suitability for different applications in hardware design.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as product managers.

• Design Process: Comprehensive understanding of the product development lifecycle, from ideation and concept generation to detailed design and manufacturing support.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in designing robotics, autonomous systems, or complex electromechanical products.

• Familiarity with human-robot interaction (HRI) principles.

• Experience with rapid prototyping techniques and testing methodologies.

• Knowledge of DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "2-5 years" experience level suggests this is not an entry-level role but also not a senior leadership position, placing it in a mid-level contributor capacity. The emphasis on a "strong portfolio showing shipped or near-shipped physical products" is critical, indicating a need for tangible evidence of design execution and impact.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Physical Product Focus: Showcase a minimum of 2-3 significant physical product design projects, ideally in complex hardware, robotics, or industrial equipment.

• End-to-End Process Documentation: For each project, clearly illustrate the entire design process, from initial problem definition and user research through concept ideation, technical development, prototyping, and final manufacturing considerations.

• Technical Integration Examples: Include specific examples of how designs were adapted based on technical constraints, manufacturing limitations, or engineering feedback. Demonstrate an understanding of trade-offs made.

• Visualizations & Renderings: High-quality renderings, technical drawings, and potentially 3D models that effectively communicate the design intent, aesthetics, and functionality.

• Impact & Outcome: Quantify or clearly articulate the impact of the design, whether it's improved usability, manufacturability, cost reduction, or aesthetic enhancement.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design: Present case studies that detail the workflow for developing new product concepts, including user research, sketching, CAD modeling, and iterative refinement.

• System Integration: Demonstrate how designs were integrated with underlying mechanical, electrical, and software systems, highlighting collaboration with engineering teams.

• Performance Analysis: Show examples of how design decisions were informed by or led to measurable improvements in product performance, user satisfaction, or manufacturing efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirement is highly specific to physical products and the entire design-to-manufacturing lifecycle. Candidates should prepare to walk through their design process in detail, emphasizing their technical understanding and collaborative abilities, rather than just presenting polished visuals.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• Based on industry benchmarks for Product Designers with 2-5 years of experience in Stuttgart, Germany, the estimated annual salary range is €55,000 - €75,000. This estimate considers the company's focus on advanced technology (AI, Robotics), the technical nature of the role, and the cost of living in Stuttgart.

• Research Methodology: This range was derived by analyzing salary data from reputable sources for similar roles in the German market, adjusted for experience level (2-5 years) and location (Stuttgart). It also factors in the demand for specialized skills in industrial design and engineering collaboration.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: As indicated in the estimated range, reflecting skills and experience.

• Stock Options: Potential for equity participation in a rapidly growing Embodied AI company.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.

• Retirement Plan: Contribution to a German pension scheme or equivalent.

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, attending industry conferences, and continuous learning in cutting-edge AI and robotics design.

• Relocation Assistance: Support for candidates relocating to Stuttgart.

• Hybrid Work Model: Flexibility to balance on-site collaboration with remote work.

• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP): Potential for discounted company stock purchase.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time employment, typically around 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in structuring workdays, with expectations for on-site presence for key meetings, team collaboration, and hands-on design work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimate based on market data for Germany and the specified experience level. The benefits are typical for a tech startup in Germany, with a focus on growth potential (stock options) and employee well-being.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Embodied AI, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Manufacturing.

Company Size: Sereact is a rapidly growing company, likely in the startup to early-stage growth phase (estimated 50-200 employees based on typical Ashby job postings for this stage). This means a dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities for significant impact.

Founded: Founded in 2021, Sereact is a relatively young company focused on cutting-edge technology, suggesting a culture of innovation, agility, and a forward-thinking approach.

Team Structure:

• Cross-functional Teams: The Product Designer will work within agile, cross-functional teams composed of mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, software engineers, AI specialists, and product managers.

• Direct Collaboration: Expect close day-to-day interaction with the Mechanical and Hardware Engineering leads, as well as other designers.

• Reporting: Likely reports to a Head of Design, Product Lead, or CTO, depending on the company's organizational structure.

Methodology:

• Agile Development: Sereact likely employs agile methodologies for product development, emphasizing iterative design, rapid prototyping, and continuous feedback loops.

• Data-Driven Design: While design-focused, decisions will be informed by technical feasibility, user feedback, and business objectives.

• Innovation Focus: A culture that encourages experimentation, pushing boundaries in AI and robotics design.

Company Website: https://sereact.ai/

📝 Enhancement Note: As a startup in the deep tech space, Sereact likely fosters a culture of intense collaboration, rapid iteration, and a shared mission to innovate. The "m/f/d" in the job title indicates a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level Product Designer (2-5 years experience). It offers a significant opportunity to own product design end-to-end for a new class of physical products, moving beyond purely digital interfaces.

Reporting Structure: The designer will likely report to a senior design or engineering leader. This provides mentorship opportunities while also requiring a high degree of autonomy.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's work will have a direct and tangible impact on the functionality, usability, and market perception of Sereact's core autonomous robot systems. This role is critical for translating complex AI and robotics technology into user-friendly and manufacturable products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in robotics hardware design, human-robot interaction, and advanced manufacturing processes.

• Design Leadership: Progress to a Senior Product Designer or Design Lead role, mentoring junior designers and shaping the overall design strategy.

• Cross-Disciplinary Growth: Develop a strong understanding of AI, robotics engineering, and business strategy, potentially transitioning into product management or technical leadership roles.

• Impactful Projects: Contribute to groundbreaking technologies with significant real-world applications, building a portfolio of high-impact projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a startup like Sereact, growth is often tied to the company's success and the individual's ability to take on increasing responsibility. This role offers a unique chance to shape the physical manifestation of advanced AI, providing substantial career development potential.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model. This means a combination of remote work and on-site presence at the company's Stuttgart office.

Office Location(s): Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This region is a hub for engineering, automotive, and technology industries, providing a strong ecosystem for hardware development.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Hub: The office space will likely be designed to foster collaboration, with meeting rooms, shared workspaces, and potentially areas for prototyping and testing.

• Technology Access: Access to necessary design software, potential for 3D printing facilities, and collaboration tools.

• Team Interaction: Regular in-person interactions with engineering and design teams to facilitate rapid problem-solving and design iteration.

Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week.

• Flexibility is expected, with core hours likely required for team synchronization, particularly during collaborative sessions and critical project phases. On-site days will be crucial for hands-on work and team alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature suggests a balance between focused individual work (potentially remote) and essential in-person collaboration critical for hardware design. Candidates should be prepared for regular team meetings and design reviews at the Stuttgart office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio by the recruiting team to assess qualifications and fit.

• Portfolio Presentation & Technical Interview: A session where you present selected projects from your portfolio, explaining your design process, technical considerations, and problem-solving approaches. This will be followed by technical questions related to CAD, manufacturing, and design principles.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Meetings with Mechanical Engineers, Hardware Engineers, and potentially Product Managers to assess your ability to collaborate effectively and understand technical constraints.

• Hiring Manager/Team Lead Interview: A discussion focused on your experience, problem-solving skills, cultural fit, and career aspirations within Sereact.

• Final Round (Potentially): May involve a design challenge or a deeper dive into strategic thinking.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your skills in physical product design, technical integration, and end-to-end process. Prioritize projects with a strong engineering or manufacturing component.

• Tell a Story: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process, key decisions, technical challenges overcome, and the final outcome or impact. Use visuals effectively.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Explicitly detail your proficiency in CAD, visualization tools, and your understanding of manufacturing processes. Show how these skills were applied.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: Provide examples of how you worked with engineers and other stakeholders, including how you incorporated their feedback.

• Focus on "Shipped or Near-Shipped": Emphasize projects that have moved beyond the conceptual stage, demonstrating your ability to bring designs to production.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Thinking: Be prepared for a potential design challenge that requires you to think critically about a product problem, perhaps related to human-robot interaction or industrial applications.

• Problem Decomposition: Practice breaking down complex problems into manageable parts and outlining a design approach.

• Time Management: If a timed challenge is given, practice delivering a concise and well-reasoned solution within the allotted time.

• Communication: Focus on clearly articulating your thought process and design rationale.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component for this role. Candidates should prepare to "defend" their design choices and process, demonstrating a deep understanding of the physical product development lifecycle and cross-functional collaboration.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino (Proficiency in at least one is essential).

• Visualization Software: KeyShot, Blender, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator (for renderings, mockups, and presentations).

• 3D Modeling: Expertise in creating detailed 3D models for product design and engineering.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not directly an analytics role, understanding how to use data (e.g., user feedback, prototype testing results) to inform design decisions is crucial.

• Familiarity with project management tools like Jira or Asana for tracking design tasks and progress. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly applicable for this design role, but understanding how the physical product integrates with software systems (potentially managed via CRM or other platforms) is beneficial.

• Familiarity with collaboration platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Workspace for team communication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis is heavily on CAD and visualization tools, reflecting the physical nature of the product design. Proficiency here is non-negotiable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Innovation & Vision: A drive to push the boundaries of what's possible in embodied AI and robotics.

• Excellence & Quality: Commitment to high standards in design, engineering, and product execution.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A belief that the best solutions come from working together across disciplines.

• User-Centricity: A focus on creating products that are not only technologically advanced but also valuable and usable for end-users.

• Agility & Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, adapting quickly to new challenges and opportunities.

Collaboration Style:

• Integrated Teams: Expect a highly integrated approach where designers, engineers, and product managers work hand-in-hand throughout the product lifecycle.

• Open Communication: A culture that encourages open dialogue, constructive feedback, and transparent decision-making.

• Prototyping Culture: Emphasis on creating and testing physical prototypes early and often to validate design concepts and identify issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Sereact's culture is likely a blend of rigorous engineering discipline and ambitious startup energy. Values will center around innovation, collaboration, and delivering tangible, impactful products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Bridging Physical & Digital: Effectively translating complex AI capabilities into intuitive and robust physical product designs.

• Technical Constraints: Navigating the inherent limitations and trade-offs in hardware design and manufacturing.

• Rapid Iteration: Keeping pace with fast-evolving technology and market demands in a startup environment.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring seamless communication and agreement between design, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Robotics: Gain unparalleled experience in designing for advanced robotics and autonomous systems.

• Industry Exposure: Work with cutting-edge AI and hardware technologies, staying at the forefront of the industry.

• Mentorship: Learn from experienced engineers and designers in a high-growth startup environment.

• Portfolio Building: Develop a portfolio of impactful, physical products for a disruptive technology company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge lies in the interdisciplinary nature of the role, requiring a designer to be both creative and deeply technical. The growth opportunities are significant for someone looking to specialize in hardware design for advanced technology.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Design Process: "Walk me through a physical product design project from your portfolio, detailing your process from concept to manufacturing." Be prepared to discuss your approach to user research, ideation, CAD modeling, prototyping, and DFM.

• Technical Trade-offs: "Describe a situation where you had to make a significant trade-off between form, function, cost, or manufacturability. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?"

• Collaboration: "How do you typically collaborate with mechanical and electrical engineers? Can you give an example of a successful collaboration and a challenging one?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation: "Why are you interested in Sereact and our mission in Embodied AI?" Research Sereact's specific products and vision.

• Startup Environment: "How do you handle working in a fast-paced, evolving startup environment?"

• Design Philosophy: "What is your design philosophy when it comes to physical products, especially those interacting with humans in industrial settings?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Selectivity is Key: Choose 2-3 projects that best represent your capabilities for this specific role.

• Narrative Flow: Structure your presentation logically, explaining the problem, your unique contribution, the design process, technical challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

• Visual Aids: Use high-quality renderings, photos of prototypes, and technical drawings to support your narrative.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data or metrics to demonstrate the success of your designs.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Expect questions about specific design decisions, software techniques, and manufacturing considerations.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to articulate your understanding of hardware development, manufacturing processes, and human-robot interaction. Your portfolio should serve as the primary evidence of your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Ashby.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to highlight physical product design projects, emphasizing your experience with CAD, manufacturing, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering teams.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly states your experience level (2-5 years), relevant technical skills (CAD, visualization tools, manufacturing knowledge), and educational background. Use keywords like "Product Design," "Industrial Design," "Robotics," and "Hardware."

• Prepare Your Narrative: Practice presenting your portfolio projects, focusing on the end-to-end design process and your ability to integrate technical constraints. Be ready to discuss your approach to human-robot interaction and DFM.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with Sereact's mission, technology, and any publicly available product information to articulate your interest and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions based on the provided data and typical hiring practices for similar roles. All details, especially regarding salary and specific benefits, should be verified directly with Sereact during the application and interview process.