Industrial Designer – Smart Glasses (Optomechanical Focus, Contract)

Location: Remote (US-based preferred) Type: Contract Commitment: 15–20 hours/week Duration: 8–12 weeks (prototype phase) Compensation: Paid contract (cash). Optional small equity later for long-term contributors Start Date: ASAP About the Role We are building a next-generation smart glasses platform and are entering the industrial design + prototype execution phase. We are looking for an Industrial Designer with optomechanical experience who can design the smart glasses end-to-end — balancing form, comfort, optics, and hardware constraints — and help drive the design from concept through prototype. This is a hands-on, execution-focused role. You will design something that gets built. In addition to design ownership, this role includes light Technical Program Management (TPM) responsibilities to keep prototype execution aligned across engineering and design. What You’ll Do Primary: Design the Smart Glasses Design the physical form factor of smart glasses (frames, temples, bridge, hinges) Optimize for comfort, wearability, weight distribution, and long-term use Balance aesthetics with real hardware constraints Create manufacturable CAD, not just concept art Optomechanical Integration (Required) Design frames and housings that integrate: Cameras and optical components Cover glass and lens stacks Sensors and electronic modules Account for: Camera field-of-view (FOV) Optical axis alignment Occlusion, glare, and reflection risks User visual ergonomics (eye relief, tilt, fit) Collaborate with hardware engineers to manage optical, mechanical, thermal, and spatial constraints Prototype Execution Produce CAD, exploded views, and assembly logic Iterate designs based on engineering and prototype feedback Prepare files and documentation for physical prototype builds Support multiple design revisions (Rev A / Rev B) Light TPM Responsibilities Coordinate weekly with hardware and prototype engineers Track design milestones and dependencies Document decisions and maintain organized design files Flag risks early and help keep execution on schedule Who This Role Is For You are someone who: Has designed wearables or compact consumer electronics Is comfortable integrating optics and electronics into physical products Understands that good design must be buildable and wearable Has worked in early-stage or prototype-driven environments Can execute independently while collaborating closely with engineers Required Experience Industrial Design background Experience designing wearables (smart glasses, AR/VR, headsets, earbuds, helmets, or similar) Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, or equivalent) Experience integrating cameras, optics, PCBs, and batteries Prototype experience (not just renders or concept studies) Familiarity with optomechanical constraints in small enclosures Nice to Have (Not Required) Smart glasses or AR hardware exposure Startup or early-stage product experience DFM/DFA awareness Experience working with manufacturers or suppliers What This Role Is NOT Not a graphic design role Not UX/UI only Not fashion eyewear only Not a co-founder role Not a research-only optics position If you have never designed a physical product that reached prototype or production, this will not be the right fit. Deliverables (What Success Looks Like) By the end of the contract, you will deliver: 3–5 initial smart glasses form-factor concepts One finalized design direction CAD files and exploded views Assembly logic ready for prototype build Investor-ready visuals of the product Compensation & Equity Paid contract during prototype phase No equity required upfront Optional small equity grant (≤0.25%) only for long-term contributors after funding How to Apply Please send: Portfolio (wearables or hardware projects prioritized) Brief explanation of your role in shipped or prototyped products Availability (hours/week) and start date Contact: [email protected] Apply tot his job