Industrial/Product Designer for Premium Kitchenware (Ceramics + Wood)

1. Project Overview We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced Industrial / Product Designer to transform a validated product concept into production-ready 3D CAD models and 2D engineering drawings. The project consists of a premium, cohesive 10-piece kitchenware/home decor storage set. The design combines two distinct materials: high-gloss glazed ceramic jars and a custom, fluidly sculpted structural wooden base (made of beechwood/rubberwood with a walnut stain). The final deliverables will be used directly for manufacturing mold-making (for ceramics) and CNC milling (for the wooden base) in China. 2. Scope of Work & Key Deliverables The selected designer will be responsible for the following: • Concept Refinement & 3D Modeling: Convert our 2D reference sketches, dimensions, and structural concepts into precise 3D CAD models. The design must feature tight tolerances, smooth mechanical fits, and clean tolerances for lid closures (including recess grooves for food-grade silicone seals). • Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Ensure the ceramic jars account for material shrinkage during kiln-firing and have appropriate draft angles for mold release. Optimize the wooden base curves for seamless 3-axis or 5-axis CNC router carving. • Technical Production Files: Deliver high-quality, clean 3D CAD files in industry-standard formats (STEP, IGES, and native SolidWorks or Fusion 360 files). • 2D Engineering Drawings: Provide comprehensive 2D technical drawings detailing exact dimensions (in mm), cross-sections, wall-thickness analysis, and clear material/finish specifications (e.g., high-gloss glaze for ceramic, matte stain for wood). 3. Required Qualifications • Proven portfolio demonstrating successfully manufactured consumer goods, ideally combining ceramics, tableware, kitchenware, or furniture/woodwork. • Expertise in SolidWorks, Autodesk Fusion 360, or Rhino. • Strong understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles specifically for ceramic slip-casting and CNC woodwork carving. • Excellent communication skills in English and ability to iterate designs based on technical feedback. 4. IP & NDA Requirements • Before we share any proprietary reference images, sketches, or specific aesthetic concepts, the selected freelancer must sign a strict Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). All intellectual property, files, and design iterations generated during this project will remain the exclusive property of the client. 5. Application Requirements Please answer the following questions when submitting your proposal: 1. Can you share 2 or 3 examples from your portfolio that showcase products you designed that went directly into mass production (specifically involving ceramics or woodwork)? 2. Which 3D CAD software do you use, and are you comfortable delivering optimized STEP and IGES files? 3. How do you typically account for ceramic shrinkage and mold-release draft angles during your initial 3D design phase?