3fD is a full service UK-based product design & manufacturing agency, we create compelling products that are technically engineered and delivered with manufacturing agility. Our success is built on a huge variety of projects and an impressive portfolio of clients. We are passionate about what we do and are looking for equally motivated individuals. We’re now seeking a Senior Product Designer with strong engineering capability and design maturity to help shape the next chapter of our growth.
Where You’ll Be
Our studio is based in Whitchurch, Hampshire, in a contemporary conversion of an old chapel—an environment built to support deep focus, collaboration, and hands-on experimentation. The space includes state-of-the-art facilities, workshop access, social spaces, and even an on-site gym.
About You
You are an experienced product designer with a proven ability to lead complex projects from insight to production. You think like an engineer and create like a designer—balancing feasibility, performance, and user value.
You have:
* Significant consultancy experience, ideally designing for a range of markets including professional, commercial, health, and consumer sectors.
* Deep familiarity with manufacturing processes, materials, tolerances, and the practical realities of moving a product from prototype to production.
* Confidence in building rigs, functional prototypes, and test setups to validate assumptions.
* You devour difficult challenges with a habit of questioning the brief, dissecting constraints, and uncovering opportunities others miss.
* The ability to communicate with clients, suppliers, and internal teams with clarity, authority, and a sense of ownership.
* A collaborative spirit, a sense of humour, and the ability to contribute positively to a high-performing team.
What You’ll Do
As a Senior Product Designer at 3fD you will:
* Design and develop technically complex products from early-stage exploration through to production-ready parts. You add the “how” to the “what-if”.
* Work across the full design cycle, balancing creative ideation with practical engineering rigour.
* You’re equally happy to validate concepts through CAD simulations or by rolling your sleeves up and getting into the workshop to mock up a design.
* Own the engineering detail—mechanisms, assemblies, materials, tolerances—and ensure designs are robust and production-ready.
* Produce clear communication materials: design intent, engineering documentation, test reports, client presentations, and technical rationale.
* Collaborate closely with clients, and contribute to the team’s development.
Tools & Expertise
* SolidWorks: Highly proficient for complex assemblies, detailed parts, engineering drawings, and design-for-manufacture. FEA/CFD exposure is advantageous.
* Visual Communication: Able to clearly articulate ideas through sketches, CAD visuals and well-structured presentations. You have a strong eye for form, proportion, and detail, ensuring that engineered solutions remain aesthetically coherent
* Electronics basics: Experience integrating electronics, sensors, and microcontroller-based prototypes (Arduino/Raspberry Pi beneficial).
* Adobe Suite & MS Office: Competent for documentation, presentations, and design communication.Strong hands‑on skills in workshop environments.
Experience & Education
* Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Product Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or related fields.
* 5+ years of industry experience, a period of this working within a design consultancy environment would be even better!
* Demonstrated track record bringing physical products into production using a variety of manufacturing processes.
What We Offer
The role is full time – within our stunning studio. However, we offer flexi‑time around our core hours and a half day on Friday.
* Competitive holiday package
* Early finish Fridays (from 1pm)
* On‑site gym + shower facilities
Salary is dependent on experience—we start by asking what you’re looking for and assessing how we can meet it.
If we like what we see, we’ll invite you in for an informal chat over coffee. From there, you can expect a competitive package and a pathway to grow within a consultancy committed to excellence.
Applicants must have permanent right to work in the UK.
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