Contract - Industrial Designer
Aescape is seeking an experienced Contract Industrial Designer to play a hands-on role in the design and execution of the next generation of our hardware platform. You will work closely with mechanical engineering, robotics, manufacturing, and product leadership to translate system requirements into manufacturable, cost-effective, and elegant physical designs.
You will be embedded in a fast-moving hardware program, making real trade-offs, producing production-ready design outputs, and iterating directly with engineers and suppliers.
This role is based out of in the office in New York City, NY
Aescape is the NY-based lifestyle robotics company redefining self-care.
Backed by $128MM in funding from investors like Valor Equity Partners (an early investor in Tesla and SpaceX), we launched the world’s first-to-market AI-powered robotic massage experience with Equinox in August 2024 and quickly went viral: WIRED, Fast Company, Popular Science, Sports Business Journal, Fortune, Vogue and Bloomberg are only some of the leading publications that have covered our technology, with celebs like Will Smith posting about us.
Since then, we’ve announced partnerships with global industry leaders across hospitality, pro sports, corporate wellness, and luxury real estate — with more on the horizon as we supercharge growth.
What You’ll Do
In this role, you will:
Own and execute industrial design workstreams from kick off through production-intent designs
Translate system-level requirements (cost, reliability, serviceability, ergonomics, safety) into concrete industrial design solutions
Partner tightly with mechanical and robotics engineers to resolve constraints around structure, actuation, cabling, cooling, access, and assembly
Drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) decisions across enclosures, covers, interfaces, and subassemblies
Contribute to design optimization initiatives, including material selection, part consolidation, fastening strategies, and finish rationalization
Develop CAD models and production-ready geometry suitable for tooling and supplier handoff
Produce production representative renders that convey design intent and finish to non-technical stakeholders and leadership
Support prototype builds, pilot runs, and design validation by rapidly iterating based on test results
Ensure the final product balances premium feel with operational and financial constraints
What You’ll Bring
7+ years of industrial design experience with complex electromechanical or robotic products
Proven experience taking products from concept through production release
Strong CAD skills (e.g., SolidWorks or equivalent), including production-intent modeling
Deep understanding of plastics, metals, soft goods, finishes, fastening methods, and tolerance stack-ups
Demonstrated experience making disciplined design trade-offs within defined cost and manufacturing constraints
Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes such as injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, die casting, and extrusion
Comfort working in close partnership with mechanical engineering, quality and manufacturing teams, resolving trade-offs quickly and pragmatically
Ability to move fast, accept ambiguity, and make informed decisions with incomplete information
Experience working with overseas manufacturers and interpreting supplier feedback into design changes
Strong communication skills and the ability to explain design intent and trade-offs to cross-functional partners
Nice to Have
Experience with the design for soft good, foam, and fabric wrapping
Experience with robotics, medical devices, fitness equipment, or other safety-critical hardwarePrior work on products with service, refurbishment, or field-maintenance requirements
Familiarity with regulatory, safety, or compliance considerations in physical products
What’s In It For You
Join a trailblazing tech company anticipated to transform the massage industry
The chance to make a difference with a product that empowers healthier and happier living
Team culture driven by passion, ambition, empowerment, inclusion, curiosity, and fun!
We’ll grow together – your personal and professional growth are equally important
An environment that empowers individuals, emboldens teams, and rewards achievement
Contract length: 3–6 months (with potential extension based on program needs)
Competitive contract rate, commensurate with experience
Opportunity to work on a category-defining physical AI product alongside a senior, experienced hardware team
Begin Your Aescape Career Journey
At Aescape, we're on a mission to redefine self-care for a better world, and we're seeking trailblazers to join us on this journey. We're inspired by individuals who are passionate, driven, and eager to learn. We value diverse perspectives and resourceful, determined individuals who are committed to making a difference. At Aescape, we empower people to reach their full potential, just as our product empowers better living. If you're ready to innovate, create, and make a meaningful impact, we want you on our team.
YOUR JOURNEY. YOUR AESCAPE.