Industrial Designer
Published 09.30.2025 | Company: Safran Seats | Location: Cwmbran, Wales, United Kingdom | Contract type: Permanent | Contract duration: Full-time | Professional status: Professional, Engineer & Manager
Job Reference: 2025-163994
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Job Description
Safran Seats specializes in designing and producing aircraft seats across all classes, including pilot and crew seats, economy and premium economy, business and first class seats. Airlines are our direct customers; passengers are the end-users of our products. Within our field, the Industrial Designer is the champion of the passenger experience, delivering new and better seating solutions by working with marketing, sales, engineering and program teams. The designer is at the origin of new product development and follows it through to production, turning market insights into a product that elevates the passenger experience while integrating technical constraints. Part of the Advanced Concept Team, designers report to the Advanced Concept Manager (Lead Industrial Designer).
Key Responsibilities and Duties
* New concept generation: Create new seating solutions based on sales, marketing and engineering inputs; participate in internal and external innovation competitions; generate innovative LO/PA drawings of cabin implementation; analyze, breakdown and evaluate competition products or concepts.
* Product line development: Collaborate with architect and engineering teams to create new product lines with a platform principle mindset (flexibility in X and Y axis of the plane, customization, airline branding); preserve design intent and passenger experience.
* Sales campaign support: Generate high-quality visuals (renderings, roughs) of products; support co-creation phases with airlines or design agencies; present products at tradeshows or customer seat shows.
* Program support: Act as the link between airlines’ marketing teams, design agencies and engineering; advocate for the end user experience.
* Patented innovation: Propose ideas that bring value to seat makers, airlines or passengers; file invention disclosures and follow through until patent outcomes are published or rejected.
* CAD modelling: Capability to model quickly and precisely in 3D CAD.
* Aviation & transportation industry awareness: Understand the industry business model and competitive landscape; demonstrate curiosity about seating products, manufacturing processes, design agencies’ value proposals and manufacturers’ strategies.
Job Requirements
Knowledge, Experience, Training and Qualifications
* Education: Degree in design; Master’s in design (preferred)
* Experience: 3+ years as an industrial designer (design consultancy, transportation industry)
* Fluent English (speaking and writing)
* Demonstrated creativity in a design environment; working in a customer-facing role
* Proven understanding of manufacturing processes; basic understanding of mechanical design
* Knowledge of ergonomics; feel for colours, materials and finishes
* Interest and curiosity in aviation and the transportation industry
* Having worked in an industrial environment; experience in aviation or automotive industry
Competencies, Behaviours and Skills
* High modeling skills (Rhinoceros 3D preferred); high rendering skills (Blender preferred)
* MS Office (PowerPoint) proficiency; hand sketching
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work autonomously
* Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop/Illustrator); experience with VR and animation packages
* Highly skilled in surface modelling
Assessment & Compliance
This role is subject to pre-employment checks, including criminal record checks. Disclosure of unspent convictions during recruitment may be required; candidates who pass checks will be considered for employment.
What We Offer
What We'll Offer as a member of our team includes a range of benefits:
* 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
* Industry-leading pension scheme with salary sacrifice employer contributions up to 10%
* Private medical cover with optional family coverage
* Salary sacrifice benefits (cycle to work, Octopus EV Scheme)
* Life Assurance (4x)
* Benefits platform with additional discretionary perks; enhanced family-friendly policies
* Annual share save schemes; hybrid and flexible working options
* Career development through Safran University and internal Training & Development
* Opportunity to participate in corporate social responsibility activities
Company Information
Safran is an international high-technology group operating in aviation, defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world with environmentally friendly air transport. Safran Seats is a leading manufacturer of aircraft seats for crew and passengers, with a global presence and significant market positions.
Location
Llantarnam Industrial Park, NP44 3HQ, Cwmbran, Wales, United Kingdom
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