Product Designer - Fun Formations

Description

Company Overview

We are a leading custom GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) facility specializing in innovative architectural and structural solutions. Our projects include unique and imaginative play sculptures and custom structures. We are seeking a talented and experienced Team Lead to oversee our painting and concrete sculpting teams, ensuring high-quality finishes and artistic excellence.

Summary

The Designer at Fun Formations helps turn fun, creative ideas into real, buildable play spaces and themed sculptural elements. This role requires a hybrid skillset-combining artistic creativity with technical design expertise-to produce both inspiring concepts and clear manufacturing documentation. The Designer will collaborate with our internal teams to ensure that designs are visually impactful, manufacturable, and aligned with the realities of installation and field use.

Key Responsibilities

Concept Design & Visualization

Create compelling concept renderings for proposed products-whether as sketches, digital illustrations, 3D models, or refined AI-generated visuals-depicting both standalone sculptural elements and full themed environments.

Develop 3D concept models using a combination of organic modeling tools (e.g., Blender, ZBrush) and parametric design software (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor).

Seamlessly integrate organic and parametric modeling workflows to produce models that are both imaginative and manufacturable.

Utilize AI tools to support and accelerate the concept development process-both in ideation and early-stage modeling.

Present concepts in a professional, client-ready format, including 2D sketches, renderings, and 3D models.

Read and interpret 2D CAD site plans to ensure new designs fit within existing playground layouts.

Apply working knowledge of ADA requirements, CPSI guidelines, and playground safety regulations to ensure concepts promote safe, inclusive play experiences.

Manufacturing Deliverables

Develop accurate weldment designs within SolidWorks or Inventor for the fabrication team, including supporting 2D technical drawings.

Optimize high-poly mesh models from Blender or ZBrush for integration into parametric modeling platforms.

Generate "Grid Drawings" from 3D models (typically 2D renderings) for shop floor sculptors-open to evolving this process using Rhino3D or other tools.

Prepare and deliver models optimized for :

3D Printing

3- to 5-Axis CNC Milling

CNC Routing (DXF Files)

Produce clean 2D top-view drawings and orthographic projections for proposed models.

Create and maintain standardized design detail sheets to support field installation teams.

Apply knowledge of playground construction and installation best practices to inform design decisions that streamline install time and improve safety.

Design with an understanding of budget constraints, selecting appropriate materials and fabrication methods that balance cost, durability, and visual impact across a variety of production processes.

Qualifications

High school diploma or equivalent; formal education or training in art, sculpture, painting, or a related field preferred.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in painting and concrete sculpting, preferably in a construction or manufacturing setting.

Proven experience in a supervisory or team lead role.

Proficient in using various painting tools and techniques, as well as sculpting tools and methods.

Strong understanding of materials, textures, finishes, and artistic design principles.

Excellent leadership and team management skills.

Strong problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing project requirements.

Physical ability to perform painting and sculpting tasks, including lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods.

Knowledge of safety standards and regulations related to painting and construction.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.

Retirement savings plan with company match.

Paid time off and holidays.

Collaborative and supportive work environment.

Join our team and lead the creation of vibrant and high-quality GFRC structures. We look forward to seeing how your skills and expertise can enhance our projects!

PlayCore and its family of brands considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Qualifications

Education

Bachelors of Art (preferred)

High School (required)

Experience

Strong understanding of materials, textures, finishes, and artistic design principles. (preferred)

Proficient in using various painting tools and techniques, as well as sculpting tools and methods. (preferred)

Proven experience in a supervisory or team lead role. (preferred)

5 years : Minimum of 5 years of experience in painting and concrete sculpting, preferably in a construction or manufacturing setting. (required)

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.