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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Knife Designer

💰 $65,000 - $120,000

Industrial DesignProduct DevelopmentManufacturing

🎯 Role Definition

Are you passionate about the intersection of form, function, and finely crafted steel? This role requires a highly creative and detail-oriented Knife Designer to join our dynamic product development team. In this pivotal role, you will be the visionary force behind our next generation of knives, tools, and cutlery. You will be responsible for the entire design lifecycle, translating market trends, user needs, and brand identity into tangible, best-in-class products. This is an incredible opportunity for a designer who is obsessed with ergonomics, innovative mechanisms, and the intricate details that separate a good knife from a great one. If you're ready to make your mark on the industry and see your designs in the hands of enthusiasts and professionals worldwide, we want to see your portfolio.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Industrial Designer
  • Product Designer (Hard Goods / Sporting Goods)
  • Mechanical Design Engineer

Advancement To:

  • Senior Knife Designer / Lead Industrial Designer
  • Product Design Manager
  • Director of Product Development

Lateral Moves:

  • Product Manager
  • Brand Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conceptualize and develop new knife and multi-tool designs through brainstorming, sketching, and ideation, ensuring alignment with our brand's aesthetic and market strategy.
  • Create detailed and accurate 3D CAD models and assemblies for all components of a knife, including blades, handles, liners, locking mechanisms, and hardware, using SolidWorks or similar software.
  • Produce high-fidelity photorealistic renderings of design concepts for internal reviews, marketing materials, and stakeholder presentations.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive technical specification packages, including 2D engineering drawings with GD&T, for clear communication with manufacturing partners.
  • Drive the physical prototyping process, utilizing 3D printing and other rapid prototyping methods to create functional models for ergonomic and mechanical evaluation.
  • Conduct thorough research and analysis of market trends, competitor products, and emerging technologies to identify new opportunities and maintain a competitive edge.
  • Select and specify appropriate materials for all components, including blade steels, handle materials (G10, Micarta, carbon fiber, titanium), and hardware finishes, balancing performance, cost, and manufacturability.
  • Apply principles of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) to ensure designs are efficient and cost-effective to produce at scale.
  • Collaborate closely with mechanical engineers to refine and validate locking mechanisms, pivot actions, and overall structural integrity of the designs.
  • Lead and participate in design review meetings, effectively presenting concepts and articulating design decisions to cross-functional teams and executive leadership.
  • Manage multiple design projects concurrently, adhering to strict timelines and development calendars from initial concept through to production launch.
  • Perform hands-on testing and evaluation of prototypes and first production samples, providing detailed feedback for revisions to engineering and manufacturing teams.
  • Integrate user feedback and ergonomic principles to create handle shapes and textures that provide exceptional comfort, grip, and control for various hand sizes and use cases.
  • Define and document the Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) strategy for new products and product line extensions to create a cohesive and appealing product family.
  • Travel domestically and internationally as needed to visit manufacturing facilities, attend trade shows, and conduct field research.

Secondary Functions

  • Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams to develop compelling product narratives and ensure technical accuracy in all customer-facing communications.
  • Provide creative and technical input for packaging design, instruction manuals, and other collateral materials to ensure a holistic user experience.
  • Assist the legal team by providing necessary drawings and documentation for patent applications and intellectual property protection.
  • Support the quality assurance team by helping to define inspection criteria and troubleshoot issues identified during production.
  • Participate in the continuous improvement of internal design processes, tools, and standards to increase efficiency and creative output.
  • Engage with the end-user community through forums, social media, and events to gather direct feedback and build brand ambassadorship.
  • Maintain a well-organized digital library of design assets, CAD files, and project documentation for future reference and team collaboration.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Expert-Level 3D CAD: High proficiency in parametric modeling software, primarily SolidWorks, for complex part and assembly design.
  • 2D/3D Rendering: Skill in creating visually compelling renderings for concept presentation using tools like KeyShot, SolidWorks Visualize, or similar.
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Strong capability with Illustrator for vector graphics and technical line art, and Photoshop for image editing and mockups.
  • Rapid Prototyping: Hands-on experience with 3D printing (FDM, SLA) and other prototyping techniques for model creation and evaluation.
  • Technical Drawing & GD&T: Ability to create and interpret detailed engineering drawings with proper dimensioning and tolerancing.
  • Materials Science: Deep knowledge of knife steels (e.g., D2, S30V, M390), handle materials, composites, and their respective properties and applications.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Strong understanding of mechanical principles, including locking mechanisms (liner lock, frame lock, axis lock), pivot systems, and kinematics.
  • Freehand Sketching: Excellent ability to quickly communicate ideas and forms through traditional or digital sketching.

Soft Skills

  • Creativity & Aesthetic Sensibility: A refined eye for form, proportion, color, and texture, combined with innovative problem-solving.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design, ensuring every element is considered from blade grind to pocket clip placement.
  • Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a cross-functional team, including engineers, marketers, and project managers.
  • Communication & Presentation: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the confidence to present and defend design concepts.
  • Problem-Solving: Proactive and resourceful in overcoming technical challenges and design constraints.
  • Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage deadlines and deliverables for multiple projects simultaneously.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's of Science (BS) or Master's in Industrial Design or Mechanical Engineering.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Design
  • Product Design
  • Mechanical Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 3-7 years of professional experience in industrial design or product development of hard goods.

Preferred:

  • A strong, compelling portfolio that demonstrates a proven track record of designing and launching successful knife, tool, or outdoor equipment products. Experience with overseas manufacturing is a significant plus.
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