Industrial/Product Designer – ILANEL
We are looking for a motivated, self-starting Senior Industrial Designer with an exceptional work ethic who thrives under tight timelines and is passionate about personal and studio growth. If you live and breathe design, bring a critical, pragmatic approach, and possess an uncompromising eye for detail, get in touch!
Who Are We
ILANEL is a globally renowned Melbourne design studio operating at the decisive intersection of structural permanence and the transformative power of illumination. Established in 2010, the practice has consistently redefined the concept of spatial lighting through a commitment to deep narrative storytelling, artistic synthesis, and highly rigorous, in-house manufacturing. From monumentally scaled museum interventions and kinetic installations to bespoke collections for luxury retail, hospitality, and private sanctuaries, our work serves as a vital, luminous heartbeat that animates and redefines surrounding architecture.
Operating as a full-service design and manufacturing hub from our St Kilda studio, we provide an end-to-end pathway from conceptual design to site-specific installation. Our portfolio includes acclaimed collaborations with leading architects and designers worldwide, with notable projects including the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) Triennial, the Canberra Beacon at the Australian War Memorial, and major installations for the Four Seasons, WeWork, and The Hour Glass.
The Role
We are seeking an exceptionally motivated, highly autonomous Senior Industrial Designer to join our close-knit creative team in St Kilda. This is a senior, end-to-end role requiring a rare combination of refined artistic vision, advanced technical engineering, and physical craftsmanship. You will assume direct responsibility for the research, development, 3D CAD modelling, and physical prototyping of custom, commissioned projects and limited-edition collections.
You will operate as a key technical consultant for our studio, liaising directly with prestigious clients, lead architects, interior designers, builders, and our local and international network of specialist fabricators. This role requires active daily engagement across both our design office and our hands-on manufacturing workshop, overseeing production from raw components to final assembly, testing, and on-site commissioning.
Key Responsibilities
Design Innovation & Spatial Concept Development: Lead the conceptualisation of cutting-edge industrial designs, bespoke lighting installations, and spatial art installations. Formulate narrative-driven design proposals, 2D sketches, and high-fidelity visualisations to communicate design concepts to clients.
Advanced Technical Detailing & Documentation: Develop highly precise, production-ready 3D CAD models and detailed manufacturing drawings using Fusion 360. Create comprehensive specification sheets, installation guides, and BIM-compatible files (Revit/CAD) to facilitate seamless architectural integration and site coordination.
Optical & Electrical Engineering: Coordinate the integration of advanced lighting technologies into custom structural profiles. Specify LED components, thermal management solutions, and digital dimming protocols, including DALI, Casambi, and RGBW control systems.
Prototyping & Workshop Fabrication: Build physical prototypes and mock-ups to test, refine, and prove structural integrity, material behaviours, and light output. Conduct in-house quality assurance, troubleshooting manufacturing issues directly in our St Kilda workshop.
Procurement & Supplier Liaison: Negotiate directly with local and offshore suppliers, artisans, and specialised fabricators (including glassblowers, coppersmiths, laser cutters, and finishing shops). Manage material sourcing, purchasing, and production timelines to ensure projects are delivered on schedule and within budget.
Site Supervision & Commissioning: Coordinate with on-site builders, electrical contractors, and structural engineering specialists during the installation phase. Oversee the safe delivery, rigging, and final commissioning of completed fixtures, ensuring compliance with Australian safety and electrical standards.
Requirements
Qualifications: Tertiary degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, or Product Design Engineering.
Experience: Minimum of 3+ years of professional experience as an Industrial Designer or Product Engineer, with a proven portfolio demonstrating the successful delivery of custom furniture, architectural products, or bespoke lighting installations.
Software Mastery: Highly proficient in Fusion 360 (advanced solid and surface modelling, assemblies, and detailed technical drawing generation). Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Lightroom). Knowledge of Revit or BIM workflows is highly regarded.
Manufacturing Knowledge: Deep, practical understanding of design for manufacturing (DFM) across multiple materials (brass, aluminium, steel, glass, acrylics, and sustainable/circular materials).
Electrical Integration: Practical understanding of low-voltage electrical circuits, LED technology, heat dissipation, and dimming control hardware.
Maker Skills: Outstanding hands-on mechanical aptitude. You must be comfortable working with physical workshop tools, building mock-ups, and collaborating directly with our manufacturing craftsmen.
Project Management & Communication: Proven ability to manage multiple high-value design projects concurrently under tight deadlines. Excellent verbal and written presentation skills, with a polished, professional approach to client and contractor relations.
Benefits
A highly creative, inspiring, and supportive studio environment in St Kilda, valuing work-life balance and collaborative input.
Direct involvement in prestigious, high-profile cultural, civic, and commercial projects nationally and globally.
Deep investment in your professional growth, technical skill expansion, and personal development.
A highly competitive salary package calibrated to your specific skills, experience, and the unique value you bring to our team.
Employment Terms
Engagement: Full time.
Rate: Negotiable.
Location: St Kilda, VIC.
How to Apply
Please submit your CV and a selected portfolio (PDF or web link) demonstrating your technical drafting, rendering, and physical workshop/maker achievements to info@ilanel.com.