Spring 2027: Product Design Engineering Co-op, Advanced Development (January to June)

Description

The company is a global product design and technology firm that builds highly rated lifestyle products used in homes worldwide. It runs two well-known consumer brands, has a record of launching disruptive products, and has entered several product categories with strong growth. It is headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts, employs over 4,100 people, and sells through major retailers online and in stores, plus distributors worldwide.

This is a Spring 2027 co-op in advanced development, running January to June. You will join the early talent program, which pairs co-op and intern students with real projects, professional development, community events, and a closing chance to present your work to company leaders.

The role sits between industrial design and mechanical engineering. You will work with advanced development teams on early-stage product ideas for the company's two brands, with a focus on user-centered products. You should be comfortable sketching concepts, building quick user-focused prototypes, and refining designs through user testing and technical feedback.

The company is building an AI-native way of working, so you will be expected to test new approaches, adopt new tools, and push on what is possible.

Responsibilities

• Generate new product concepts that put the user first, with attention to ergonomics, aesthetics, and functional innovation.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to define solutions that meet functional requirements and improve the user experience.
• Lead and take part in design studies aimed at technical and user-experience problems.
• Build and test quick, low-fidelity prototypes, and use the findings from user testing to shape the next iteration.
• Tackle everyday design problems with curiosity and persistence, looking for ways to rethink and improve them.

Requirements

• You are in the third year or later of a bachelor's program, enrolled in a master's program, or have graduated within the past year.
• Your studies focus on industrial design, product design engineering, or mechanical engineering, or include industrial design courses or a closely related field.
• You are enthusiastic about user-centered product design, including form and function.
• You have experience with CAD software such as SolidWorks, Creo, or Rhino, and with basic prototyping tools, including 3D printing.
• You have hands-on experience building physical prototypes in materials such as plastic and metal, and you are familiar with machine shop equipment.
• Desirable: a basic understanding of electronics used in small appliances, such as motors, sensors, and PCBAs.
• Plus: experience with rapid prototyping tools such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or other developer kits.
• You communicate ideas, concepts, and solutions clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• You have a strong feel for mechanical engineering and physics, and you apply it to product design, ergonomics, and human-centered engineering.
• You are analytical and detail-oriented, and you spot potential problems with a creative eye.
• You are curious, hands-on, and committed to elegant solutions that balance technical needs with user-focused design.
• You can manage several projects at once, adjust when priorities shift, and keep the broader design goals in view.

Conditions

This is a full-time position of 40 hours per week, working onsite five days a week in Needham, Massachusetts.

The company offers no relocation or housing assistance for this role.

The hourly pay range is $27 - $36 USD. Starting pay within that range depends on factors such as location or market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications.

The company provides equal opportunity to all applicants.

Benefits

• Benefits include medical insurance, a health savings account with company contribution, sick time, company holidays, an employee product discount, product testing opportunities, referral bonuses, and more, subject to eligibility.
• The company also offers competitive health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, employee stock purchase options, wellness programs, product discounts, and learning programs for professional growth.