Product Designer (Remote Ohio)

Crown Equipment Corporation - Washington, DC

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Washington, DC

Machinery Manufacturing

About the position

Crown Equipment Corporation is seeking a Product Designer to join their team, primarily working remotely from Ohio. As one of the world's largest material handling companies, Crown is renowned for its award-winning product design and advanced engineering. The Product Designer will lead the development of innovative software products and services, engaging in all phases of the software product development process, including planning, research, conceptualization, and content creation. This role requires minimal supervision and involves interfacing with leaders across various departments such as Engineering, Service, Marketing, and Sales. The position reports to a Group Leader and is integral to driving product development that meets customer needs and enhances the company's competitive advantage. The Product Designer will be responsible for conducting design research, analysis, and documentation. This includes collaborating with peers in Engineering and Design Research to plan and document research findings that inform product development. The designer will draft project plans with clear goals and deliverables, ensuring that findings are effectively communicated to stakeholders. Additionally, the role involves conceptual design and innovation, where the designer will assist in developing solutions that offer significant product innovation and value. Communication of design concepts through various mediums such as wireframes, mockups, and prototypes is essential. Project management is another critical aspect of this role, as the Product Designer will manage tasks and communication across departments to ensure project objectives are met. The designer will work closely with the Senior UX Interaction Designer and Product Development teams to clarify project goals. Other responsibilities include staying updated on design trends, building relationships with stakeholders, attending professional events, and supporting legal matters related to patents. The role may also involve some onsite work in New Bremen, OH, as well as occasional travel for project-related activities.

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.
• Draft project plans that include clear research goals, schedules, periodic milestones, and defined deliverables.
• Document and present findings for cross-department and stakeholder consumption.
• Assist in leading the development of solutions that incorporate a high degree of product innovation 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.
• Assist Design leadership with any Interaction Design issues that need attention.
• 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 and assist Legal with patent issues.

Requirements

• Associate degree in Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Interactive Media Studies, Visual Design, Industrial Design or related field.
• 5 years of interaction design experience.
• Good skills in communication, planning, and product development.
• Ability to plan projects and research activities while applying contemporary design methods to conceptualization, prototyping, and implementation.
• Strong skills in visual design, conceptual thinking, and creative problem solving, demonstrated through work samples and portfolio.
• Ability to frequently travel with overnight stays (6-20%) and possess a valid passport.
• Reliable transportation to travel locally between company locations during scheduled workdays.

Nice-to-haves

• Bachelor's degree in Interaction Design, Human-Computer Interaction, Interactive Media Studies, Visual Design, Industrial Design or related field.
• Successful experience in all phases of software product development.
• Experience with holistic product thinking, understanding how users, technology, and business goals intersect.

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