Overview:
Collaborates across disciplines to translate concepts into tangible, testable solutions through design, fabrication, and prototyping. Contributes to innovative design outcomes with creativity, curiosity, and hands-on problem-solving. Anticipates project needs and supports research, testing, and iterative development to advance design solutions. Passion for storytelling, technology, and creating meaningful human-centered experiences while learning through unfamiliar tools, equipment, materials, and technical processes.
HKS _MADE (Materials, Applications & Digital Explorations) is a hands-on innovation lab dedicated to rapid experimentation, testing, and iteration. It is a place where bold thinking is encouraged, and the boundaries of traditional practice are intentionally pushed. The team blends creative exploration with technical rigor, using prototyping as a tool to investigate materials, systems, and technologies in ways that spark new possibilities and inform the design process at every stage.
Responsibilities:
Collaborates with designers, architects, engineers, researchers, and fabrication specialists across HKS futures and _MADE studios to develop functional prototypes for architectural spaces, building elements, products, and interactive environments
Translates conceptual ideas, research questions, and design intent into tangible, buildable, and testable physical solutions
Develops design concepts, 3D models, technical drawings, fabrication files, and assembly documentation to support prototype development and production
Applies iterative design methodologies, progressing concepts through digital modeling, physical fabrication, testing, evaluation, and refinement
Assists in engineering, detailing, fabrication, and assembly of physical prototypes, experimental building elements, mechanical systems, and functional products
Operates digital fabrication equipment, including 3D printers, CNC routers, laser cutters, and conventional workshop tools, in accordance with established safety procedures
Explores materials, manufacturing processes, structural configurations, mechanical connections, and assembly techniques to evaluate feasibility, constructability, and performance
Utilizes computational and parametric design tools to investigate geometric, material, and fabrication possibilities and develop innovative design solutions
Supports the integration of electronics, sensors, actuators, lighting, microcontrollers, and other emerging technologies into functional and interactive prototypes
Collaborates with engineering and technical specialists to resolve mechanical, structural, electrical, and material challenges through practical experimentation and problem-solving
Supports applied research and experimental investigations into emerging materials, advanced manufacturing methods, architectural systems, and product development
Conducts prototype testing, collects performance data, and documents observations, technical challenges, and lessons learned to inform design refinement and future applications
Assists in evaluating the feasibility, scalability, and potential application of prototypes into architectural projects, new products, and emerging design services
Coordinates prototype development activities, including material procurement, fabrication planning, assembly, installation, and collaboration with external manufacturers and specialists
Prepares and maintains design documentation, fabrication records, technical presentations, and physical demonstrations while supporting project schedules, budgets, and resource requirements
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
Accredited professional degree in Architecture, Computational. Design, Digital Fabrication, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or related field preferred
Typically 5+ years of experience in design, prototyping, fabrication, product development, or similar domains preferred
Experience developing and fabricating physical models,…