Industrial Designer / Toy Designer (Physical Products) - Contractor

About KiwiCo

KiwiCo is an eCommerce company focused on inspiring curiosity and creativity in children and adults alike. The company creates engaging hands-on learning experiences through a subscription product line, an online store, and educational content designed to encourage making, exploring, and discovering.

Its Mountain View office is located near the Caltrain station. The role is set up as a hybrid position with 3 to 4 in-office days each week depending on the team, and the rest of the week worked remotely. The role may also be remote.

About the Role

KiwiCo is looking for a contract Product Designer with an industrial design or toy design background to help create appealing products and experiences for kids and families, from unboxing through play. The work centers on developing new product ideas that broaden the assortment by introducing fresh play patterns, materials, and price points for a wide audience.

The ideal candidate brings strong mechanical intuition, enjoys making products that are both engaging and practical, and is motivated by user testing. The role also calls for someone who can apply brand and visual design guidance to products that immediately attract both kids and adults.

You will own projects end to end, taking concepts all the way to finished products. The work includes ideation, brainstorming, prototyping, presenting concepts, refining designs, testing, creating product specifications, and supporting sampling. You will work independently while collaborating closely with the broader Product Design team.

What You Will Do

• Develop consumer products from concept through manufacturing, with toy design experience considered an advantage.
• Move projects through the full product development cycle, from early idea to completed product.
• Bring concepts to life through hands-on prototyping using tools such as laser cutters, 3D printers, and manual fabrication methods.
• Create clear visual presentations of product ideas using sketches, renders, and 3D models.
• Use 3D software and rendering tools to communicate and refine design directions.
• Incorporate user testing and kid insights to improve product engagement and suitability.
• Lead multiple projects at once with strong prioritization, planning, and time management.
• Partner with Operations, Sourcing, Editorial, and Marketing teams to move work forward collaboratively.
• Continue learning and experimenting to expand creative possibilities and push design boundaries.

Required Qualifications

• At least 4 years of experience designing products from concept through manufacturing.
• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field such as Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or Product Design.
• Solid proficiency in 3D modeling software such as Solidworks or Fusion360.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Suite.
• Proficiency with rendering tools such as Keyshot or Blender.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting pay for this role is $48 to $55 per hour. The final hourly rate may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and business needs.

KiwiCo may also provide a broader rewards package that can include an annual bonus, stock options, and benefits supporting health, financial security, and well-being. Full benefit details would be shared if an offer is made.

Additional Information

This position is offered on an at-will basis, and the company may change any part of the total rewards package at any time for any reason.

KiwiCo is committed to building a diverse workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other legally protected status.

Applicants who are excited about creating innovative, delightful, and enriching products for kids are encouraged to apply.