At a Glance
- Tasks: Design innovative physical products for sleep, travel, and hospitality.
- Company: Z Lab, a leader in premium, sustainable product design.
- Benefits: Freelance flexibility with competitive pay based on experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for ongoing collaboration if there's a good fit.
- Why this job: Bring your creative ideas to life and impact the future of consumer products.
- Qualifications: Experience in industrial or product design with a focus on consumer goods.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Z Lab is looking for a freelance industrial or product designer to support the development of new physical products across our sleep, travel and hospitality range. We make premium, sustainable sleep tools for clients in hospitality, aviation and corporate travel, and are developing several new product ideas that need thoughtful design support, technical refinement and supplier-ready detail.
We are looking for someone who can help take product ideas from concept through to prototype, CAD, supplier drawings and manufacturing handover. You are an industrial or product designer with experience designing physical consumer products. You have strong taste, good technical judgement, and an understanding of materials, manufacturing, detailing and user experience.
Experience in any of the following would be especially relevant:
- travel accessories
- eyewear
- soft goods
- moulded products
- TPE/silicone/rubber-like materials
- packaging
- amenity kits
- wellness products
- sustainable materials
- premium consumer goods
You can create clear sketches, CAD files, product drawings, renders and supplier-ready briefs. Freelance/project-based to start, with potential for an ongoing working relationship if there is a good fit. Day rate or project fee dependent on experience. If this sounds like you, please send a short note, your portfolio, and a brief description of one or two physical products you have helped bring to life.
Industrial / Product Designer employer: Z Lab
At Z Lab, we pride ourselves on being an innovative employer that values creativity and sustainability in product design. Our collaborative work culture fosters growth and encourages designers to push boundaries while developing premium products for the hospitality and travel sectors. With opportunities for freelance work that can evolve into long-term partnerships, we offer a unique chance to contribute to meaningful projects in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Industrial / Product Designer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow designers, attend industry events, and connect with potential clients on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a killer portfolio that highlights your best work, especially projects related to travel accessories or sustainable materials. We want to see your design journey from concept to prototype!
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your pitch! When reaching out to Z Lab or similar companies, make sure to customise your message. Highlight how your experience aligns with their needs in the sleep and hospitality sectors. We love a personal touch!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get noticed. Make sure to include a brief description of your past projects and how they relate to the role. We’re excited to see what you can bring to the table!
We think you need these skills to ace Industrial / Product Designer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Best Work:When you send us your portfolio, make sure it highlights your best projects. We want to see the physical products you've designed that really showcase your skills and creativity. Pick a couple of standout pieces that demonstrate your experience in areas like travel accessories or sustainable materials.
Tailor Your Note:In your short note, don’t just copy and paste a generic message. Let us know why you're excited about working with Z Lab specifically. Mention any relevant experience you have that aligns with our focus on premium, sustainable products. A personal touch goes a long way!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your descriptions of past projects are easy to understand. Highlight your role in bringing those products to life, especially if you’ve worked on prototypes or CAD files.
Follow Up:After you’ve submitted your application through our website, don’t hesitate to follow up if you haven’t heard back in a week or two. It shows your enthusiasm and commitment to the opportunity. We love seeing candidates who are proactive!
How to prepare for a job interview at Z Lab
✨Know Your Portfolio Inside Out
Make sure you can talk confidently about your past projects. Highlight specific products you've designed, especially those that align with Z Lab's focus on sustainable sleep tools and travel accessories. Be ready to discuss your design process and the impact of your work.
✨Understand the Brand and Market
Do your homework on Z Lab and their product range. Familiarise yourself with their values around sustainability and premium quality. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about materials, manufacturing processes, and user experience. Brush up on your knowledge of TPE, silicone, and other relevant materials. Being able to discuss technical details will demonstrate your expertise and judgement in product design.
✨Showcase Your Design Process
Be prepared to walk through your design process from concept to prototype. Use sketches, CAD files, and renders from your portfolio to illustrate your approach. This will not only showcase your skills but also give insight into how you think and solve design challenges.
