Product Designer (Remote Ohio)

Crown Equipment Corporation - Minneapolis, MN

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Minneapolis, MN

Machinery Manufacturing

About the position

Crown Equipment Corporation is seeking a talented Interaction Designer to lead the process of product development for new and innovative software products and services. This role requires a self-motivated individual who can work with minimal supervision and execute all phases of the software product development process, including planning, research, conceptualization, and content creation. The Interaction Designer will interface with leaders within Design and other key departments such as Engineering, Service, Marketing, and Sales, ensuring that the product development aligns with customer needs and company goals. The position involves significant collaboration with peers in Engineering and Design Research to plan, facilitate, and document research learnings that drive product development. The designer will draft project plans that include clear research goals, schedules, periodic milestones, and defined deliverables. Documenting and presenting findings for cross-department and stakeholder consumption is a critical aspect of this role. Additionally, the designer will support international engineering teams based in Germany or New Zealand, contributing to a global perspective in product development. In terms of conceptual design and innovation, the Interaction Designer will assist in leading the development of solutions that incorporate a high degree of product innovation, differentiating value, and competitive advantage. This includes communicating design concepts and themes to project stakeholders through research analysis, narrative descriptions, wireframing, design mockups, and prototypes. Project management skills are essential, as the designer will manage projects, tasks, and cross-department communication to ensure deliverables are met. Miscellaneous responsibilities include assisting Design leadership with any Interaction Design issues, staying current on advancements in the design field, building relationships with stakeholders and development teams, attending trade shows and professional events, and supporting material submission for design competitions. The designer will also support Legal with patent issues and participate in professional organizations. This position offers mostly remote work, with some onsite work required in New Bremen, OH, necessitating a reasonable commute.

Responsibilities

• Lead the process of product development for new and innovative software products and services.
• Execute on all phases of the software product development process including planning, research, conceptualization, and content creation.
• Interface with leaders within Design and other key departments such as Engineering, Service, Marketing, and Sales.
• Work with peers in Engineering and Design Research to plan, facilitate, and document research learnings to understand customer needs and drive product development.
• Draft project plans that include clear research goals, schedules, periodic milestones, and defined deliverables.
• Document and present findings for cross-department and stakeholder consumption.
• Support international engineering teams (Germany or New Zealand).
• Assist in leading the development of solutions that incorporate a high degree of product innovation, differentiating value, and competitive advantage.
• Communicate design concepts and themes to project stakeholders through research analysis, narrative description/wireframing, design mockups, and prototypes.
• Manage projects, tasks, and cross-department communication to ensure deliverables are met.
• Collaborate with team members to prepare and present project work.
• Work closely with Senior UX Interaction Designer and Product Development counterparts to ensure project objectives are clearly defined and understood.
• Assist Design leadership with any Interaction Design issues that need attention, engaging Visual Design and/or Design Research.
• Stay current on advancements in the design field, design trends, or related fields.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and development teams in support of worldwide products and services.
• Attend trade shows, professional events, and read periodicals relative to the field.
• Support material submission for design competitions.
• Support Legal with patent issues.
• Participate and hold membership in professional organizations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate degree in the field of Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Interactive Media Studies, Visual Design, Industrial Design or related.
• 5 years of interaction design experience.
• Good skills in communication, planning, and product development.
• Ability to plan projects and research activities while applying the most contemporary design methods to conceptualization, prototyping and implementation, supported by a well-developed knowledge of technology.
• Work samples must exhibit strong skills in visual design, conceptual thinking, and creative problem solving -- Include portfolio link with application.
• Ability to frequently travel with overnight stays (6-20%) and valid passport.
• Reliable transportation to travel locally between company locations during scheduled workday.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in the field of Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Interactive Media Studies, Visual Design, Industrial Design or related.
• Successful experience in all phases of software product development.
• Experience with or ability to demonstrate holistic product thinking: How users, technology, and business goals intersect to deliver products and/or services that benefit customers while generating a positive ROI.

Benefits

• Health/Dental/Vision/Prescription Drug Plan
• Flexible Benefits Plan
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan
• Life and Disability Benefits
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation
• Tuition Reimbursement
• and much more.