Industrial Designer – Smart Glasses (Optomechanical Focus, Contract)

Location: Remote (US-based preferred)

Type: Contract

Commitment: 15–20 hours/week

Duration: 8–12 weeks (prototype phase)

Compensation: Paid contract (cash). Optional small equity later for long-term contributors

Start Date: ASAP

About the Role

We are building a next-generation smart glasses platform and are entering the industrial design + prototype execution phase.

We are looking for an Industrial Designer with optomechanical experience who can design the smart glasses end-to-end — balancing form, comfort, optics, and hardware constraints — and help drive the design from concept through prototype.

This is a hands-on, execution-focused role. You will design something that gets built.

In addition to design ownership, this role includes light Technical Program Management (TPM) responsibilities to keep prototype execution aligned across engineering and design.

What You’ll Do

Primary: Design the Smart Glasses

Design the physical form factor of smart glasses (frames, temples, bridge, hinges)

Optimize for comfort, wearability, weight distribution, and long-term use

Balance aesthetics with real hardware constraints

Create manufacturable CAD, not just concept art

Optomechanical Integration (Required)

Design frames and housings that integrate

Cameras and optical components

Cover glass and lens stacks

Sensors and electronic modules

Account for

Camera field-of-view (FOV)

Optical axis alignment

Occlusion, glare, and reflection risks

User visual ergonomics (eye relief, tilt, fit)

Collaborate with hardware engineers to manage optical, mechanical, thermal, and spatial constraints

Prototype Execution

Produce CAD, exploded views, and assembly logic

Iterate designs based on engineering and prototype feedback

Prepare files and documentation for physical prototype builds

Support multiple design revisions (Rev A / Rev B)

Light TPM Responsibilities

Coordinate weekly with hardware and prototype engineers

Track design milestones and dependencies

Document decisions and maintain organized design files

Flag risks early and help keep execution on schedule

Who This Role Is For

You are someone who

Has designed wearables or compact consumer electronics

Is comfortable integrating optics and electronics into physical products

Understands that good design must be buildable and wearable

Has worked in early-stage or prototype-driven environments

Can execute independently while collaborating closely with engineers

Required Experience

Industrial Design background

Experience designing wearables (smart glasses, AR/VR, headsets, earbuds, helmets, or similar)

Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Rhino, or equivalent)

Experience integrating cameras, optics, PCBs, and batteries

Prototype experience (not just renders or concept studies)

Familiarity with optomechanical constraints in small enclosures

Nice to Have (Not Required)

Smart glasses or AR hardware exposure

Startup or early-stage product experience

DFM/DFA awareness

Experience working with manufacturers or suppliers

What This Role Is NOT

Not a graphic design role

Not UX/UI only

Not fashion eyewear only

Not a co-founder role

Not a research-only optics position

If you have never designed a physical product that reached prototype or production, this will not be the right fit.

Deliverables (What Success Looks Like)

By the end of the contract, you will deliver

3–5 initial smart glasses form-factor concepts

One finalized design direction

CAD files and exploded views

Assembly logic ready for prototype build

Investor-ready visuals of the product

Compensation & Equity

Paid contract during prototype phase

No equity required upfront

Optional small equity grant (≤0.25%) only for long-term contributors after funding

How to Apply

Please send

Portfolio (wearables or hardware projects prioritized)

Brief explanation of your role in shipped or prototyped products

Availability (hours/week) and start date

📩 Contact: [email protected]