Designer, _MADE

Overview

Collaborates across disciplines to translate concepts into tangible, testable solutions through design, fabrication, and prototyping. Contributes to innovative design outcomes with creativity, curiosity, and hands-on problem-solving. Anticipates project needs and supports research, testing, and iterative development to advance design solutions. Passion for storytelling, technology, and creating meaningful human-centered experiences while learning through unfamiliar tools, equipment, materials, and technical processes.

HKS _MADE (Materials, Applications & Digital Explorations) is a hands-on innovation lab dedicated to rapid experimentation, testing, and iteration. It is a place where bold thinking is encouraged, and the boundaries of traditional practice are intentionally pushed. The team blends creative exploration with technical rigor, using prototyping as a tool to investigate materials, systems, and technologies in ways that spark new possibilities and inform the design process at every stage.

Responsibilities

• Collaborates with designers, architects, engineers, researchers, and fabrication specialists across HKS futures and _MADE studios to develop functional prototypes for architectural spaces, building elements, products, and interactive environments
• Translates conceptual ideas, research questions, and design intent into tangible, buildable, and testable physical solutions
• Develops design concepts, 3D models, technical drawings, fabrication files, and assembly documentation to support prototype development and production
• Applies iterative design methodologies, progressing concepts through digital modeling, physical fabrication, testing, evaluation, and refinement
• Assists in engineering, detailing, fabrication, and assembly of physical prototypes, experimental building elements, mechanical systems, and functional products
• Operates digital fabrication equipment, including 3D printers, CNC routers, laser cutters, and conventional workshop tools, in accordance with established safety procedures
• Explores materials, manufacturing processes, structural configurations, mechanical connections, and assembly techniques to evaluate feasibility, constructability, and performance
• Utilizes computational and parametric design tools to investigate geometric, material, and fabrication possibilities and develop innovative design solutions
• Supports the integration of electronics, sensors, actuators, lighting, microcontrollers, and other emerging technologies into functional and interactive prototypes
• Collaborates with engineering and technical specialists to resolve mechanical, structural, electrical, and material challenges through practical experimentation and problem-solving
• Supports applied research and experimental investigations into emerging materials, advanced manufacturing methods, architectural systems, and product development
• Conducts prototype testing, collects performance data, and documents observations, technical challenges, and lessons learned to inform design refinement and future applications
• Assists in evaluating the feasibility, scalability, and potential application of prototypes into architectural projects, new products, and emerging design services
• Coordinates prototype development activities, including material procurement, fabrication planning, assembly, installation, and collaboration with external manufacturers and specialists
• Prepares and maintains design documentation, fabrication records, technical presentations, and physical demonstrations while supporting project schedules, budgets, and resource requirements

Education and Experience

• Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Computational. Design, Digital Fabrication, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or related field preferred
• Typically 5+ years of experience in design, prototyping, fabrication, product development, or similar domains preferred
• Experience developing and fabricating physical models, prototypes, assemblies, or products
• Experience working in a fabrication laboratory, makerspace, design workshop, or a similar environment preferred
• Portfolio demonstrating design development, technical problem-solving, fabrication, and completed physical work is strongly preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced: expert-level experience, knowledge or skills
• Intermediate: experience, knowledge or skills required to produce high-quality solutions or work
• Basic: familiar with primary concepts or capabilities and may perform elementary functions depending on role

• Advanced experience and skills in 3D modeling and design software, such as Rhino, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or comparable CAD platforms
• Intermediate experience with parametric and computational design tools, particularly Grasshopper preferred
• Intermediate experience developing accurate 3D models, technical drawings, fabrication files, and assembly documentation
• Basic knowledge of geometric modeling, dimensional accuracy, tolerances, and fabrication constraints
• Basic experience with electronics, wiring, sensors, actuators, or microcontroller platforms, such as Arduino or ESP32 preferred
• Basic experience in programming (e.g., Python, C++, or similar languages) preferred
• Basic experience with Adobe Creative Suite or comparable graphic and presentation tools
• Basic skills in MS Office Suite preferred
• Intermediate experience with digital fabrication technologies, including FDM or resin 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser cutting
• Intermediate experience with conventional workshop tools, fabrication processes, and safe equipment operation
• Basic experience translating digital designs into fabricated components and assembled prototypes
• Basic experience in advanced manufacturing, robotic fabrication, material experimentation, and innovative assembly systems
• Advanced ability to effectively meet deadlines at expected quality
• Intermediate presentation, graphic and visualization skills to communicate design ideas
• Intermediate organizational skills and the ability to work on multiple projects at the same time
• Intermediate ability to build and maintain client relationships
• Intermediate ability to problem solve and apply innovative solutions
• Intermediate ability to collaborate in a team environment
• Basic ability to communicate in a clear, concise and professional manner both verbally and in writing
• Travel will be required

If you currently work for HKS, please submit your application via the Internal Careers Portal.