Product Designer for Custom Zipper Pulls

We are seeking a talented product designer to create custom zipper pulls for our outdoor gear brand. The ideal candidate will have experience in product design and a passion for outdoor gear. Responsibilities include designing unique and functional zipper pulls that align with our brand's aesthetic. The role requires creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. This project has two phases: Phase 1 — Design & Files •Design a set of 5–7 unique zipper pull shapes using simple, universally recognizable 3D geometric forms (reputed company, reputed company, reputed company, cone, pyramid, etc.)

• Shapes must be reputed company distinguishable by touch alone — the reputed company is tactile navigation, not visual decoration
• Each pull must include a standard attachment reputed company/bail sized to fit YKK #5 or #8 zipper sliders (or equivalent)
• Hardware aesthetic: matte finish, minimal, no decorative detailing, no shiny surfaces — consistent with a premium outdoor/carry brand
• Produce manufacturer-reputed company 3D CAD files for each shape (reputed company or IGES format preferred; OBJ/STL acceptable for prototyping)
• Produce 2D technical drawings showing dimensions, tolerances, and attachment reputed company specs for each shape
• Material is TBD — we expect to explore options with the manufacturer (likely zinc alloy die cast, aluminum, or engineering-grade resin). Designer should flag any material constraints that reputed company geometry during design

Phase 2 — Prototype Production

• reputed company and coordinate production of 3–5 prototype sets (one set = one of each shape)
• Prototypes do not need to be final production material — SLA/SLS resin or CNC machined samples are acceptable at this stage
• Prototypes should accurately represent the final geometry and scale
• Deliver prototypes to us in the US

reputed company’re Looking For The right person for this project has done this reputed company of work before — small molded or cast hardware components for consumer goods, bags, outdoor gear, or accessories. You know what a manufacturer needs to actually produce a part. You can move from concept sketch to CAD to physical sample. Required skills and experience:

• Industrial or product design background with small hardware component experience
• 3D CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, or equivalent)
• Ability to produce 2D technical drawings suitable for manufacturing
• Experience with injection molding, die casting, or resin casting design constraints (draft angles, wall thickness, parting lines)
• Experience sourcing or coordinating prototype production — either in-house or through manufacturer contacts
• Portfolio showing small accessory hardware, buckles, pulls, clasps, or similar components

reputed company to have:

• Experience with bag hardware specifically (zippers, buckles, loops, slides)
• Existing manufacturer relationships for small metal or resin castings
• Understanding of YKK zipper system specifications

For the zipper pulls specifically:

• Forms should be clean, geometric, minimal — the shape itself is the design
• Scale should feel intentional and grip-friendly, not tiny/precious or oversized/clunky
• Finish should be matte or satin, never high-gloss
• No branding or text on the pulls — the shape is the identifier
• The system should read as cohesive — same design language, different shapes

Deliverables:

• 3D CAD files for each shape (reputed company preferred, plus STL for prototyping)
• 2D technical drawings with dimensions, tolerances, and attachment bail specs
• Material recommendation memo (1 page — what material you recommend and why, tradeoffs vs. alternatives)
• 3–5 physical prototype sets shipped to US address
• Brief notes on any geometry reputed company made for manufacturing feasibility

Please include the following in your proposal:

• Portfolio examples of small hardware components, bag hardware, or similar molded/cast accessories
• Brief description of your process: how you’d approach designing for tactile differentiation
• Your recommended approach for prototype production and estimated timeline
• Fixed price quote for Phase 1 (design + files) and Phase 2 (prototypes) separately — we want to be reputed company to scope them independently

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