Industrial Designer - Brass Decorative Hardware Development

Company Overview

Tradition Hardware designs and manufactures premium solid brass hardware inspired by classic styles that have stood for generations. Every piece is crafted from solid brass by our in-house team of designers and engineers, serving discerning homeowners, contractors, and designers who value authentic craftsmanship and timeless design.

Position Summary

We are seeking a talented Industrial Designer to lead product development from concept to production, creating beautiful and functional brass hardware that honors traditional craftsmanship while meeting modern manufacturing requirements. This role offers the opportunity to shape our product line direction, work directly with brass foundries and finishing specialists, and see your designs come to life in premium homes and commercial spaces. You'll be a product visionary - developing new designs, optimizing existing products, and ensuring every piece meets our exacting standards for both aesthetics and manufacturability.

Key Responsibilities

Product Design & Development (60%)

• New Product Creation: Design innovative brass hardware pieces using Onshape CAD software (SolidWorks experience acceptable)

• 3D Modeling & Documentation: Create detailed 3D models, technical drawings, and manufacturing specifications

• Prototype Development: Coordinate prototype creation and iterate designs based on testing and feedback

• Design Research: Study historical hardware styles, market trends, and customer preferences to inform new products

• Product Line Planning: Develop cohesive collections that tell a story and meet market demands

• Aesthetic Excellence: Ensure all designs reflect traditional craftsmanship values while appealing to contemporary tastes

Design-for-Manufacturing (25%)

 

• Manufacturing Collaboration: Work closely with the manufacturer to optimize designs for production

• Material Specification: Select appropriate brass alloys, finishing processes, and manufacturing techniques

• Cost Optimization: Balance design aspirations with manufacturing costs and retail price targets

• Quality Standards: Establish design specifications that ensure consistent quality and durability

• Production Support: Provide technical support during manufacturing and resolve production issues

• Supplier Communication: Interface with Tradition Hardware Project Manager, and Manufacturer Engineers on design feasibility, tooling requirements, and production timelines

Documentation & Process (10%)

• Design Documentation: Maintain organized design files, revision histories, and technical specifications

• Manufacturing Drawings: Create detailed production drawings with tolerances and finishing specifications

• Design Standards: Develop and maintain design guidelines and brand consistency standards

• Process Improvement: Continuously improve design workflow and collaboration with manufacturing partners Market & Customer Integration (5%)

• Sales Support: Provide technical expertise for custom projects and special customer requests

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

• 3-5 years of product design experience, preferably in consumer goods, hardware, or home products

• Portfolio demonstrating strong design aesthetic and technical competency

• CAD Proficiency: Advanced skills in Onshape (preferred) or SolidWorks with willingness to learn Onshape

Technical Skills

• 3D Modeling: Expert-level 3D modeling and surface modeling capabilities

• Manufacturing Knowledge: Understanding of metal casting, machining, and finishing processes

• Technical Drawing: Ability to create detailed manufacturing drawings with proper tolerances

• Material Science: Knowledge of brass alloys, metal finishing, and corrosion resistance

• Design for Manufacturing: Experience optimizing designs for production efficiency and cost

Design Capabilities

• Aesthetic Sensibility: Strong eye for traditional and classic design proportions and details

• Problem Solving: Ability to balance aesthetic goals with functional and manufacturing constraints

• Attention to Detail: Obsessive focus on design refinement and quality standards

• Creative Vision: Ability to envision new products that fit within traditional design language

Professional Skills

• Communication: Clear communication with manufacturing partners, suppliers, and internal teams

• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple design projects with varying timelines

• Collaboration: Experience working with cross-functional teams, including operations and marketing

• Adaptability: Comfortable in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities

Preferred Qualifications

 

• Architectural Hardware Experience: Previous work with door hardware, cabinet hardware, or building products

• Metal Manufacturing: Direct experience with foundry operations, casting, or metal finishing

• Prototyping Skills: Hands-on experience with 3D printing, machining, or model making

Tools & Technology You'll Use

• Primary CAD: Onshape

• Design Software: Adobe Creative Suite for presentations and marketing support

• Prototyping: 3D printing in house, CNC machining & foundry prototyping outsourced

• Collaboration: Slack, video conferencing, project management tools

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary

• Creative Ownership: Lead role in shaping our product line and design direction

• Quality Focus: Work with premium materials and maintain high craftsmanship standards

• Manufacturing Integration: Direct involvement with Manufactruing and production processes

• Product Impact: See your designs manufactured and installed in beautiful spaces

• Learning Environment: Gain expertise in brass manufacturing and traditional hardware design

• Growth Opportunity: Potential to build and lead design team as company scales

• Design Resources: Budget for design software, industry events, and professional development

Design Philosophy & Brand Standards

• Traditional Inspiration: Designs rooted in historical accuracy and classic proportions

• Modern Functionality: Contemporary performance standards and installation requirements

• Quality Excellence: Every detail refined to reflect premium craftsmanship

• Manufacturing Reality: Beautiful designs that can be produced consistently and economically

• Brand Coherence: Products that work together as cohesive collections

Work Environment & Culture

• Collaborative: Work closely with operations, manufacturing, and customer service teams

• Quality-Focused: Company culture that values craftsmanship and attention to detail

• Innovation-Friendly: Encouraged to push boundaries while respecting traditional aesthetics

• Growth-Oriented: Opportunity to help build and shape a growing company

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Chief Design Officer

• Cross-functional collaboration: Marketing, Project & Fulfillment Operations Manager, Customer Service

• External relationships: Supplier engineering and development team

Location & Schedule

• Full-time position with flexible hours supporting manufacturing coordination

• Office-based in Orem, Utah

 

If you are interested, please send an email to careers@traditionhardware.com.

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