Staff Industrial Designer

Aurora Innovation Aurora Innovation · Robotics · Mountain View, CA · Hardware

Staff Industrial Designer role focused on developing user-centric design solutions for self-driving vehicle integration and user interactions. Responsibilities include sketching, CAD, prototyping, and collaborating with engineering, OEM partners, and suppliers to ensure manufacturability and seamless platform integration. Requires experience in industrial/automotive design, CAD proficiency, and knowledge of manufacturing processes.

What you'd actually do

  1. Develop thoughtful user-centric, well-resolved design solutions for self-driving kit vehicle integration and user interactions - Engaged with user researchers and product team experts.
  2. Communicate ideas through sketching, CAD, and high-quality visual assets to support storytelling and curation of concepts, in collaboration with design and marketing teams.
  3. Partner closely with engineering and aero partners to balance design intent with performance and feasibility.
  4. Collaborate with vehicle teams for seamless platform integration including mounting, protection, serviceability, and applying DFM principles in support of scalability.
  5. Prototype and test designs to validate decisions and identify potential issues early in the process.

Skills

Required

  • 3–6+ years of experience in industrial, automotive or product design
  • Portfolio demonstrating strong execution and a grasp of the end to end process from discovery through DFM refinement
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA, Alias, Keyshot or similar) for A-Surface design iteration development and visualization
  • Strong sketching skills used as a thinking tool and high fidelity presentation tool internally and externally
  • Working knowledge of manufacturing processes (injection molding, CNC, sheet metal, etc.) and experience collaborating with engineers on complex products

Nice to have

  • Familiarity with OEM or product design studio development environments and supplier collaboration
  • Exposure to sensor integration, including LiDAR, radar, and cameras
  • A strong curiosity regarding product assembly and a willingness to refine designs based on real-world constraints
  • High ownership, a focus on quality outcomes, and meticulous attention to detail

What the JD emphasized

  • highly collaborative
  • detail-oriented
  • balance design intent with performance and feasibility
  • DFM principles
  • practical problem-solving
  • clear communication
  • hands-on engagement
  • practical documentation