Lead Industrial Designer, Robotics

About the Role

The Robotics team at Openai is focused on unlocking general-purpose robotics and pushing towards AGI-level intelligence in dynamic, real-world settings. As a Lead Industrial Designer, you will play a central role in shaping the physical experience of future robotic systems and ensuring that design intent remains intact from concept through implementation. You will be expected to collaborate closely with engineers and other stakeholders to translate product goals into compelling physical designs that balance aesthetics, functionality, manufacturability, and system constraints.

Openai is committed to innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with robotics and AI. As a company, they value creativity, curiosity, and a passion for learning, and they are looking for individuals who share these values and are excited about the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the tech industry.

What You Will Do

• Define and evolve the visual identity, form language, and design principles of robotic products and supporting hardware systems
• Create sketches, renderings, digital concepts, and physical prototypes to communicate design intent and explore new product directions
• Develop production-intent surface geometry and digital assets that can be integrated directly into engineering CAD workflows
• Partner closely with product, engineering, and leadership teams to translate product goals into compelling physical designs
• Drive industrial design decisions across the product development lifecycle, balancing aesthetics, functionality, manufacturability, and system constraints
• Collaborate with mechanical engineers to ensure design intent is preserved throughout development and manufacturing
• Conduct design reviews and provide feedback on proportion, surface quality, form, fit-and-finish, and overall product experience
• Support rapid concept exploration and iteration through physical and digital prototyping
• Establish and maintain design standards, workflows, and best practices for industrial design and surface development
• Help define the long-term design vision for future robotic products and hardware platforms

What We Are Looking For

• Exceptional taste and strong intuition for proportion, form, surface quality, and physical product design
• Experience designing consumer electronics, robotics products, transportation products, advanced hardware systems, or other highly refined physical products
• Strong portfolio demonstrating excellence in industrial design, form development, visual storytelling, and physical product execution
• Experience creating CAD geometry, Class A surfaces, or production-intent digital assets that can be directly consumed by engineering teams
• Proficiency with industry-standard design and surface development tools such as Alias, NX, Rhino, Blender, Gravity
• Ability to move from ambiguous product concepts to detailed, production-ready design assets
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to work closely with engineers and other stakeholders
• Passion for innovation and creativity, with a desire to push the boundaries of what is possible with robotics and AI

Nice to Have

• Experience with Excel and other productivity tools
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and constraints
• Experience with design for manufacturability and assembly
• Familiarity with AI and machine learning principles
• Experience working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with multiple stakeholders

Benefits and Perks

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge robotics and AI projects
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals
• Access to industry-standard design and surface development tools
• Professional development opportunities, including training and education programs
• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
• Opportunity to make a lasting impact in the tech industry
• Access to a network of professionals in the field of robotics and AI
• Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance and contributions

• Make sure your portfolio is up-to-date and showcases your best work, including examples of industrial design, form development, and physical product execution.
• Be prepared to talk about your design process and how you balance aesthetics, functionality, and engineering constraints.
• Familiarize yourself with Openai's products and mission, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with their goals.
• Practice your communication and collaboration skills, as you will be working closely with engineers and other stakeholders.
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with CAD geometry, Class A surfaces, and production-intent digital assets.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek feedback during the interview process.
• Research the company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how you align with them.