Prototype Managers

Industrial Backpack & Protective Case Designer (Prototype / Heavy-Load Systems) Corner Cup We are developing a high-grade, industrial backpack system designed to carry 50+ lbs of equipment in real-world conditions. This product sits at the intersection of Pelican / HPRC protective cases , military & industrial field packs , and portable dispensing systems (beverage / lab / fluid). We are seeking a hands-on product designer / industrial designer with real experience in load-bearing systems , protective enclosures , and functional prototyping —not soft goods fashion backpacks. This role will lead the design, testing, and iteration of a working prototype . Responsibilities Design an industrial-grade backpack system capable of safely carrying 50+ lbs Develop protective hard-shell or hybrid (hard + soft) enclosures Engineer load distribution , ergonomics, and structural reinforcement Design for real-world use (heat, vibration, movement, outdoor environments) Create production-ready CAD files for prototyping and manufacturing Collaborate on material selection (HDPE, aluminum, composites, Kevlar, foams, etc.) Build and iterate functional prototypes Work with CNC shops, fabricators, and suppliers Perform or guide stress testing and field testing Optimize design for manufacturability and scalability Required Experience Industrial Design, Mechanical Design, or Product Engineering background Experience designing heavy-load backpacks or field equipment Familiarity with Pelican / HPRC-style protective cases Strong understanding of structural load paths and weight distribution Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, or similar) Experience taking products from concept → prototype Comfortable designing for 50+ lb load ratings Knowledge of ergonomics for extended wear Highly Preferred / Nice to Have Experience with military, industrial, or field equipment CNC knowledge (designing for milling, routing, cutting, drilling) Knowledge of injection molding or rotational molding Experience with fluid systems , portable dispensing, or pressurized systems Materials knowledge: HDPE, ABS, aluminum, composites, Kevlar Familiarity with shock absorption, vibration isolation, and thermal insulation Experience working with Pelican-style latch systems, seals, gaskets Understanding of IP ratings / weatherproofing Prior work on medical, lab, or ruggedized equipment What We're Building A rugged, professional backpack system Designed for real daily use , not showroom display Must look clean, modern, and industrial Designed for field operation, mobility, and safety Initial goal: working prototype , followed by production refinement Who This Role Is NOT For Fashion or lifestyle backpack designers Graphic-only designers Designers without real-world prototyping experience Concept-only portfolios with no functional builds How to Apply Please include: Portfolio (industrial / mechanical work preferred) Examples of load-bearing, protective, or field equipment Brief note explaining your hands-on prototyping experience Any experience with CNC, manufacturing, or ruggedized systems Job Types:
Full-time, Part-time Pay:
$37.05 - $44.62 per hour Work Location:
Hybrid remote in Sunland, CA 91040

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