Were looking for an Industrial Design & Product Strategistto join Inertias growing team a resourceful, collaborative, and diligent designer, researcher, skilled facilitator, and experienced product strategist motivated by the opportunity to ensure new products are developed with customer and user experience top of mind.

About Inertia

At Inertia, we transform bold ideas into thriving products and businesses. We are a one-stop shop for strategy, design, and manufacturing, serving industries like medical devices, laboratory diagnostics, assistive devices, and alternative energy systems. Our mission is simple: to delight customers, launch successful products, and scale thriving businesses.

Startups and multinationals alike choose us for our relentless focus on innovation, speed, and qualityand because we make the product development journey seamless and collaborative. By working with Inertia, our clients achieve what matters most: products customers want, launch certainty, and scalable success.

Explore our work here: https://www.inertiapd.com/portfolio/

Who we are looking for

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in industrial design, product design, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of experience in product development and strategy consulting.
• Demonstrated success in a lead role on 3-5 product development projects, from problem definition and concept ideation to product commercialization for both physical and digital products.
• Exceptional sketching and visualization skills, effectively expressing ideas with clarity and precision.
• Proven ability to address complex mechanical challenges, applying industrial design principles to enhance user experiences.
• Strong knowledge of prototyping and mass production processes, including materials and techniques for both small- and large-scale manufacturing.
• Proficiency in applying qualitative and quantitative research methods, with the ability to analyze and present data clearly and simply.
• Experience with human-centered design and design thinking tools (e.g., journey mapping, persona development, service blueprinting, and IEC 62366 Human Factors Engineering).
• Workshop facilitation and discovery research expertise, including user interviews and other engagement activities.
• Disciplined project management skills, thriving in fast-paced, client-centric environments.
• A proven ability to build strong relationships and deliver outstanding customer service.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and experience with collaborative tools for managing and communicating ideas effectively

Responsibilities

As a Design & Product Strategy Lead, you will be responsible to:

• Collaborate with the Design Team to refine product concepts based on client requirements, market research, and user insights.
• Create detailed sketches, renderings, and digital models using industry-standard tools to effectively communicate design ideas.
• Develop and Test Prototypes, using various materials and techniques, participating in testing, evaluation, and iteration processes.
• Conduct Design Research activities, including product benchmarking, user interviews, surveys, ergonomics studies, and journey mapping.
• Facilitate Problem Discovery phases for new service or product development projects, identifying stakeholder needs, challenges, and opportunities.
• Synthesize and Present Research Findings in clear and actionable formats for clients and internal teams.
• Translate Research Insights into user requirements in collaboration with clients and product development teams.
• Support Seamless Continuity from product strategy through design, engineering, and manufacturing, ensuring alignment with user needs and business goals.
• Act as the Voice of the End User and Client, collaborating closely with engineers, designers, and cross-functional teams.
• Prepare Visual and Technical Documentation, including design briefs, technical drawings, presentations, and product specifications.
• Contribute to Continuous Improvement, reviewing practices, conducting competitor benchmarking, and enhancing Inertias product strategy services.
• Ensure Design Feasibility by working with engineering, marketing, and manufacturing teams to balance functionality and production requirements.
• Maintain Design Resources, including organizing files, managing the materials library, and supporting prototyping equipment upkeep.
• Engage in Project Team Activities, including daily scrums and regular reporting to ensure alignment and progress.
• Promote Workplace Health and Safety, actively supporting a healthy and inclusive team environment.
• Perform Other Relevant Duties as assigned to support team and organizational goals.

Estimated Responsibilities Distribution

• Research (35%): Conduct and synthesize user research, strategy workshops, and market analysis; present actionable insights.
• Concept Development (35%): Generate innovative product concepts, support prototype creation, and provide design assets for client meetings.
• Product Development (20%): Assist in CAD modeling, production drawings, prototyping, and testing alongside the mechanical design team.
• Additional Support (10%): Contribute to manufacturing documentation, office organization, and shop operations.

Interested in Joining Our Team?

Our people are our single biggest advantage. We have a talented and motivated team looking for more great people to work and grow with. Weve built an amazing culture on a foundation of openness, service, and integrity - that also makes for a great place to work. We rank as one of the Best Workplacesin Canadabased on our practices and survey results from all Inertia employees.

Inertia is committed to building a diverse team and providing a safe and inclusive workplace. We are continually learning and growing, including in our efforts to improve diversity and build equity, come join us!

Employment Type: Full Time

Primary Work Location: Hybrid based out of our34 Kern Road, Unit 3, Toronto, Ontario, Canada office. Must have the ability to commute to the office to support project and team needs...Must be legally permitted to work in Canada. International travel may be required.

Annual Salary: We are considering candidates with a variety of experience levels. We recognize its a competitive market, salary will be commensurate with knowledge, skills, experience, and local market conditions.

Interview Process:

• Phone screening with Human Resources

• Remote or in-person interview with Hiring Manager + Inertia team member

• In-personinterview with 2-3Inertia team memberswhere you present on a past project

• Offer, subject to reference calls

How to Apply: If this feels like a role and place where you will thrive, please follow the link in this post to submit your application online via https://inertiaengineering.bamboohr.com/careers/34?source=aWQ9MTg%3D

Learn More: Visit us at www.inertiapd.com and on LinkedIn at Inertia Product Development.