Head of Design

Job Description As RIVR’s first dedicated Head of Design, you will shape the way our robotics products are experienced, from industrial design and usability to how our brand and values are reflected in every product. This is a rare opportunity to build both the design function and the design culture from the ground up. You will work hands-on and strategically, prototyping, testing, and refining ideas directly with engineers, while also setting the longer-term design direction. Your work will influence everything from the look and feel of our robots to how our products align with market needs and company vision.  At RIVR, you will join a passionate, multidisciplinary team at the forefront of robotics. You will have the freedom to define the design identity of the company and help shape product strategy.

What you'll be doing

Lead the design of our products end-to-end: concept, industrial design, user experience, and integration with hardware/software.

Translate RIVR’s mission and values into tangible product identity,  ensuring that “who we are” is reflected in “what we build.”

Work closely with business, operations, hardware, product, and software teams to ensure design feasibility and alignment, along with accounting for manufacturing challenges and timelines. 

Prototype, test, and iterate design ideas quickly, balancing user needs, technical constraints, and market opportunities.

Build and champion a design culture within RIVR, ensuring design is a core driver of product success.

What you must have

Proven experience in industrial design and UX for hardware products, including the interaction between software and hardware (ideally in robotics, consumer electronics, or IoT).

A track record as an early designer in a startup/scale-up environment, comfortable with both high-level vision and hands-on execution.

Strong prototyping skills including sketching, CAD, physical prototyping, and UX testing.

The ability to translate vision into actionable design solutions.

A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively across engineering, product, business, operations, and leadership teams.

A portfolio that demonstrates both conceptual thinking and real-world shipped products.

Leadership experience, either with a self-managed team or by managing contractors and outsourcing companies.

Get some bonus points

Experience leading design in robotics or complex hardware/software products.

Familiarity with regulatory and certification requirements for hardware products.

Experience building and scaling a small design team.

Exposure to international markets (Europe & US) or multi-cultural teams.

Knowledge of sustainable design practices or design for manufacturing at scale.