Torchora
Back to Home

Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Knife Designer Assistant

💰 $ - $

Industrial DesignProduct DevelopmentManufacturingCAD Design

🎯 Role Definition

The Knife Designer Assistant is a pivotal support role at the heart of the product creation process. This individual works in close collaboration with the Lead Knife Designer and cross-functional teams, including engineering, marketing, and manufacturing. The primary function of this role is to translate creative vision into tangible, manufacturable designs. This involves a dynamic blend of artistic skill, technical precision, and hands-on prototyping. A successful Knife Designer Assistant is a creative problem-solver who helps refine ergonomics, perfect mechanical function, and prepare detailed technical specifications that guide a product's journey from a rough sketch to a market-ready tool.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Industrial Design Intern
  • CAD Technician / Drafter
  • Junior Product Developer
  • Graphic Designer with a strong portfolio in 3D/product work

Advancement To:

  • Knife Designer / Industrial Designer
  • Product Development Manager
  • Senior CAD Designer
  • Project Manager, Product Design

Lateral Moves:

  • Product Marketing Coordinator
  • Quality Assurance Specialist
  • Manufacturing Process Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist the Senior/Lead Designer through all phases of the product development lifecycle, from initial ideation and concept sketching to final production hand-off.
  • Create highly detailed and accurate 3D CAD models of knives, individual components (blades, handles, liners, clips), and complex locking mechanisms using SolidWorks or similar parametric modeling software.
  • Develop precise 2D technical drawings and engineering prints, ensuring they include complete dimensions, tolerances (GD&T), material specifications, and finish callouts for manufacturing.
  • Generate compelling, photorealistic 3D renderings and animations of new knife concepts for internal design reviews, executive presentations, and marketing collateral.
  • Build, assemble, and refine physical prototypes using 3D printers, CNC machines, and various workshop hand tools to test ergonomics, function, and overall design intent.
  • Prepare and meticulously manage comprehensive "tech packs" for overseas and domestic manufacturing partners, serving as the primary technical communication document.
  • Collaborate closely with the mechanical engineering team to conduct design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) analyses, ensuring concepts are robust and cost-effective.
  • Conduct thorough market and trend research to identify new materials, innovative mechanisms, emerging aesthetic trends, and competitive product opportunities within the knife and EDC industry.
  • Participate actively in brainstorming sessions and design critiques, offering insightful feedback and contributing novel ideas to enhance the product line.
  • Manage the organization and version control of all design-related digital assets, including CAD files, renderings, sketches, and project documentation in a shared database or PDM system.
  • Liaise with material and component suppliers to request samples, gather technical data, and evaluate new technologies for potential integration into future designs.
  • Perform detailed tolerance stack-up analysis on critical assemblies, such as pivot and lock interfaces, to guarantee smooth operation and reliable performance.
  • Create and maintain accurate Bill of Materials (BOMs) for all new products, working with sourcing teams to ensure component availability and cost targets are met.
  • Support the Quality Assurance team by helping to define cosmetic and functional inspection criteria and assisting in the root cause analysis of production issues.
  • Refine handle ergonomics and surface textures based on human factors principles and direct feedback from user testing sessions to maximize comfort and grip.
  • Develop color, material, and finish (CMF) specification documents that clearly define the aesthetic details for all product components.

Secondary Functions

  • Support the marketing and sales teams by providing accurate technical specifications, design stories, and key feature callouts for product packaging, web content, and catalogs.
  • Assist in the preparation of visual aids, physical models, and presentation materials for major trade shows, customer meetings, and internal strategy sessions.
  • Maintain the cleanliness, organization, and inventory of the design studio, workshop, and prototyping equipment, ensuring a safe and efficient creative environment.
  • Stay abreast of the latest software updates, industry best practices, and technological advancements in rapid prototyping, CAD modeling, and manufacturing.
  • Contribute to the development and evolution of the company's official design language and brand identity, ensuring consistency across all products.
  • Document design iterations and decision-making processes to build a robust project archive for future reference and intellectual property protection.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced 3D CAD Proficiency: High-level skill in parametric modeling software, particularly SolidWorks. Experience with surfacing, complex assemblies, and creating detailed part drawings is essential.
  • 2D Technical Illustration: Strong ability to create clear, comprehensive 2D technical drawings that adhere to industry standards, including an understanding of GD&T.
  • Photorealistic Rendering: Expertise in using rendering software like KeyShot or similar programs to create visually stunning and accurate product representations for marketing and review.
  • Adobe Creative Suite: Competency in Photoshop for digital sketching and texture mapping, and Illustrator for vector graphics, logo application, and presentation layouts.
  • Hands-On Prototyping: Practical experience with 3D printing (FDM, SLA), model making, and the safe use of basic workshop tools (e.g., sanders, grinders, drill press) for finishing and assembling prototypes.
  • Manufacturing Process Knowledge: A solid understanding of common manufacturing methods relevant to knives, including CNC machining, metal injection molding (MIM), stamping, waterjet cutting, and injection molding for handles.
  • Materials Science Acumen: Foundational knowledge of materials commonly used in the cutlery industry, such as various blade steels, titanium, aluminum, and synthetic handle materials like G10 and carbon fiber.

Soft Skills

  • Meticulous Attention to Detail: An unwavering commitment to precision and accuracy in every aspect of work, from CAD models to written documentation.
  • Strong Aesthetic Sensibility: A developed eye for form, proportion, color, and texture, with the ability to translate brand identity into physical products.
  • Collaborative Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex design ideas clearly to both technical and non-technical team members.
  • Resourceful Problem-Solving: A proactive and analytical mindset, capable of identifying potential design or manufacturing issues and creatively finding effective solutions.
  • Exceptional Organization: The ability to manage timelines and deliverables for multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
  • Passion and Enthusiasm: A genuine, demonstrable passion for knives, hand tools, industrial design, and the everyday carry (EDC) culture.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree or a technical certification in a relevant field.

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Industrial Design
  • Mechanical Engineering / Mechanical Design Technology
  • Product Design

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1-3 years of professional or extensive internship experience in a product design, industrial design, or mechanical drafting role.

Preferred:

  • A strong portfolio that showcases design work on mechanical consumer goods, hand tools, or other intricate physical products. Experience within the outdoor, sporting goods, or tool industry is a significant plus. Personal projects or a demonstrable passion for the knife industry are highly valued.
Explore More Careers