Lead Designer

About the role

Starpath is developing the technology for human life on the Moon and Mars. This role focuses on the visual and tactile aspects of our hardware, including space solar arrays and lunar robotics. You will establish the design language for all Starpath products, ensuring a consistent aesthetic across our growing portfolio. The position sits at the intersection of engineering and aesthetics, translating complex orbital mechanics into intuitive physical forms. You are responsible for defining how Starpath hardware is perceived, felt, and understood by every stakeholder. Your work will directly influence the usability and reliability of critical life-support and energy systems in space. This is an opportunity to build the visual identity of a pioneering space infrastructure company from the ground up.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Define Starpath's industrial design language, covering form, surfacing, materials, and details to create a unified visual narrative.
• Create concept designs in CAD for new products and updates, moving from initial rough sketches to fully realized design intent ready for production.
• Collaborate with mechanical, structures, and manufacturing engineers to translate abstract design concepts into buildable hardware that meets rigorous specifications.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive design standards and libraries that ensure visual consistency and efficiency across the entire Starpath product portfolio.
• Lead formal design reviews and represent the critical design perspective within cross-functional product decision-making sessions.
• Produce high-fidelity renderings and visualizations that effectively communicate the design vision to both internal teams and external partners.
• Ensure visual and formal cohesion across all Starpath hardware platforms, from solar arrays to lunar robotics, to reinforce brand identity.
• Simplify complex forms and systematically reduce visual clutter where it does not contribute to function or user understanding.
• Establish material palettes and surface finishes that perform reliably in the demanding conditions of the space environment.
• Document design rationale and decisions to preserve institutional knowledge and guide future iterations of the hardware.
• Partner with user experience researchers to incorporate astronaut workflow insights into the physical hardware architecture.
• Iterate on designs rapidly based on feedback from testing, simulation, and prototype validation cycles.
• Act as the primary guardian of design integrity throughout the product development lifecycle, from concept to flight hardware.
• Mentor junior designers by providing direction, feedback, and constructive critique to elevate the entire team's output.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or a related field focused on hardware development.
• Possess six or more years of professional industrial design experience with a robust portfolio showcasing complex hardware product design.
• Demonstrate strong CAD skills, specifically in direct concept modeling tools such as SolidWorks, Alias, Rhino, or similar software.
• Show a proven ability to establish and maintain a coherent design language across multiple distinct hardware products and systems.
• Submit a portfolio required for consideration that clearly demonstrates your process, thinking, and final design outcomes.
• Exhibit meticulous attention to detail and the capacity to manage multiple design deliverables simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Communicate effectively with engineering teams using the precise language of manufacturing and technical constraints.
• Understand the importance of reliability and durability when making aesthetic decisions for hardware that impacts human safety.

Nice to have

• Bring experience gained at a renowned hardware company famous for strong design principles, such as Apple, Tesla, or Nike.
• Possess a background that bridges industrial design and mechanical engineering, including hands-on familiarity with GD&T and DFM methodologies.
• Show proficiency with advanced visualization and rendering tools like KeyShot, Blender, Cinema 4D, or comparable software suites.
• Have a track record of designing hardware intended for extreme environments or systems where reliability is non-negotiable.
• Demonstrate foundational sketching abilities to quickly explore and communicate early concept generation ideas.
• Have experience collaborating closely with brand and marketing teams to develop and maintain a consistent visual identity.
• Have served as the sole designer or the first designer within a growing hardware company, navigating ambiguity and ownership.

Practical notes

• Occasional business travel may be required to visit partner facilities or testing locations.
• Comprehensive benefits are provided, including paid time off and health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• To comply with United States Government export regulations, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, refugee, or asylee, or be eligible to obtain the necessary authorizations.