Industrial Designer (or Associate)

At KI, we believe knowing our customers helps us serve them better. We listen. We observe. We understand that each customer has unique needs. So, we pride ourselves on helping our customers make smart furniture decisions by offering expert advice, design options and personalized solutions.Since 1941, we've positioned KI as the furniture company that best understands the furniture industry and is committed to providing customers with the smart solutions. By targeting specific markets with solutions for business furniture, university furniture, educational furniture, healthcare furniture and government furniture, we can quickly respond to our customers' unique needs - including the choice to procure furniture according to what fits their ordering and fulfillment process. That's why we say we offer far more than furniture. We're Furnishing Knowledge.

Location: KI Corporate Office - Green Bay, WI

Department: Design & Development

We're looking for a curious, designdriven thinker who thrives on shaping products from concept through production. As an Industrial Designer at KI, you'll play a pivotal role in defining the form, function, and user experience of our furniture solutions - helping elevate KI's design sensitivity and its impact on business success. Whether you're early in your career, a seasoned designer or anywhere in between, this role offers the opportunity to influence product strategy, collaborate across disciplines, and bring meaningful ideas to life.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Design from Concept to Production




• Work handson across the full product lifecycle - sketching, modeling, prototyping, refining, and supporting production to ensure design intent is carried through with integrity.




• Blend Creativity with Problem Solving




• Tackle challenges related to form, function, human factors, and aesthetics. Your work directly shapes how KI products look, feel, and perform in realworld environments.




• CrossFunctional Collaboration




• Partner with Engineering, Marketing, Tailored Products, and Product Development to align design vision with manufacturing realities, customer needs, and business goals.




• ResearchDriven Design




• Support research activities, explore design trends, evaluate concepts, and contribute to prototype development that informs decisionmaking and innovation.




• Impact on Product Integrity




• Stay connected through pilot runs and early production to ensure the final product reflects the original design intent and meets KI's quality standards.

Who Should Apply

If you're energized by creating thoughtful, humancentered products - and you enjoy balancing creativity with technical rigor - you'll feel right at home here. We're looking for designers who are curious, collaborative, and motivated to grow, whether you're just starting out or ready to lead.

This role is ideal for someone who wants to influence product direction, contribute to a culture of design excellence, and help shape KI's future product portfolio.

Preferred Education

A candidate with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Furniture Design, Fine Arts, Architecture, or related field.

Core Skills (Necessary for All Levels)

• Strong sketching and visualization skills
• 2D & 3D modeling proficiency
• Rendering and prototyping capability
• Graphic layout and presentation skills
• Understanding of human factors and product aesthetics
• Experience or interest in office furniture design

Level Expectations

Below is a clear breakdown of what we're looking for at each level. Candidates will be considered based on experience, skill maturity, and demonstrated capabilities.

Associate Industrial Designer (0-3 years)

Ideal for earlycareer designers building foundational skills

Salary - $70,000-$80,000/year, depending on candidate experience

What You Bring

• Solid foundation in rapid visualization, CAD, rendering, prototyping, and research
• Curiosity, critical thinking, and willingness to learn
• Ability to perform duties with guidance
• Potential to grow into full proficiency across all essential functions

How You Work

• Receives direction from senior designers and the design manager
• Builds relationships and collaborates effectively
• Identifies problems and proposes solutions with support

Industrial Designer (4-9 years)

For designers ready to operate independently and contribute strategically

Salary - $75,000-$85,000/year, depending on candidate experience

What You Bring

• Proficiency in all core skills: visualization, CAD, rendering, prototyping, documentation, research, and presentation
• Knowledge of contract furniture, design trends, and manufacturing processes
• Strong organization and project management abilities
• Desire to advance and take on broader responsibilities

How You Work

• Works with moderate guidance
• Collaborates across teams with confidence
• Proactively identifies problems and drives solutions
• Contributes thoughtfully to decisionmaking

To be considered for this role, a portfolio must be submitted at time of application.

What KI Offers You:

• Participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): As an employee, you will have stock ownership in the company.
• Competitive Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance: Comprehensive coverage for your well-being.
• A 401(k) Plan with Company Match: A retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Paid Vacation, Sick Days, & Holidays: Time off to recharge and spend with loved ones.
• Wellness Resources: Access to an on-site fitness center, fitness reimbursement program, and on-site nurse.
• Onsite Cafe: Enjoy a full breakfast and lunch menu right at work.
• Employee Product Discounts: Special pricing on company products.
• Educational Reimbursement Program: Support for degree programs and certifications.
• Full Benefits Package: Includes life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and more.

Apply today!

KI is an Equal Opportunity Employer.