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Cmf Design Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CMF Designer

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$157K/yr

About the Role CMF Designer, Industrial Design Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office Zoox ... Master's in Industrial Design, Master's in Materials Engineering, Master's in Design Management ...

CMF Designer

Medina, MN · On-site

$78K - $103K/yr

This role is focused on hands-on design development and execution across multiple programs in a ... This position is an individual contributor role and does not include people management ...

CMF Designer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$150K/yr

... with design intent.Mastering Coordination: Organize, track, and distribute CMF mastering samples, setting up an efficient in-house mastering distribution system while managing inventory logs.

CMF Designer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$150K/yr

... with design intent.Mastering Coordination: Organize, track, and distribute CMF mastering samples, setting up an efficient in-house mastering distribution system while managing inventory logs.

CMF Designer

Foster City, CA · On-site

$150K/yr

... with design intent.Mastering Coordination: Organize, track, and distribute CMF mastering samples, setting up an efficient in-house mastering distribution system while managing inventory logs.

CMF Designer

Medina, MN

$78K - $103K/yr

This role is focused on hands-on design development and execution across multiple programs in a ... This position is an individual contributor role and does not include people management ...

Senior CMF Designer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$120K - $128K/yr

Systematically build, manage, and contribute to Oura's comprehensive CMF material library ... Proven ability to translate high-level design strategy and aesthetic direction into tangible ...

Senior CMF Designer

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$120K - $128K/yr

Systematically build, manage, and contribute to Oura's comprehensive CMF material library ... Proven ability to translate high-level design strategy and aesthetic direction into tangible ...

Technical Program manager I

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$146K - $190K/yr

... Design (ID), Color Material and Finish (CMF) vision by partnering closely with cross-functional ... Manage communication within and between internal cross functional Ensure program documents are ...

Technical Program manager I

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

$146K - $190K/yr

... Design (ID), Color Material and Finish (CMF) vision by partnering closely with cross-functional ... Manage communication within and between internal cross functional Ensure program documents are ...

Technical Program manager I

Seattle, WA · On-site

$146K - $190K/yr

... Design (ID), Color Material and Finish (CMF) vision by partnering closely with cross-functional ... Manage communication within and between internal cross functional Ensure program documents are ...

Color & Material Designer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$84K - $162K/yr

Ideate and create overall CMF design using concepts that embody a creative narrative, advanced ... management leases Tuition assistance Established and active employee resource groups Paid time off ...

... CMF (color, material, finish). * Lead design reviews and critiques to ensure high-quality ... Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables to support product development schedules.

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Cmf Design Manager information

See salary details

$42K

$114.5K

$201.5K

How much do cmf design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for cmf design manager in the United States is $114,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a CMF Design Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a CMF (Color, Material, Finish) Design Manager, you need expertise in industrial design, an understanding of materials and color theory, and often a degree in design or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, CAD tools, and knowledge of manufacturing processes are typically required. Strong project management, creative vision, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with cross-functional teams and guide design concepts from ideation to production. These skills are essential for creating visually appealing, feasible, and marketable products that align with brand identity and user needs.

What are some typical challenges a CMF Design Manager faces when balancing creativity with manufacturing constraints?

A CMF Design Manager often navigates the challenge of ensuring that creative color, material, and finish concepts align with manufacturing capabilities and budgetary constraints. This role requires close collaboration with engineering, supply chain, and marketing teams to translate innovative designs into feasible, scalable solutions. Managing this balance involves frequent prototyping, supplier negotiations, and adjustments based on material availability or production limitations. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential to maintain design intent while meeting commercial and technical requirements.

What are CMF Design Managers?

CMF Design Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the Color, Material, and Finish (CMF) aspects of product design. They collaborate with designers, engineers, and marketing teams to ensure that products have visually appealing and functional surface finishes that align with brand identity and user expectations. Their role includes researching trends, selecting materials, developing color palettes, and managing the implementation of these elements throughout the design and manufacturing process.

What is the difference between Cmf Design Manager vs Product Designer?

AspectCmf Design ManagerProduct Designer
CredentialsDesign degree, experience in design management, possibly certifications in project managementDesign degree, strong portfolio, proficiency in design tools
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams, collaborates with cross-functional departments, oversees design projectsCreates user-centered designs, collaborates with developers and product teams, focuses on UI/UX
Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, automotive, and consumer electronics industriesCommonly found in tech, software, and digital product industries

The Cmf Design Manager primarily oversees design teams and manages design projects within manufacturing or electronics sectors, focusing on design strategy and team leadership. In contrast, a Product Designer concentrates on creating user interfaces and experiences for digital products. While both roles require strong design skills, the Cmf Design Manager emphasizes management and coordination, whereas the Product Designer emphasizes user-centered design and usability.

More about Cmf Design Manager jobs
What cities are hiring for Cmf Design Manager jobs? Cities with the most Cmf Design Manager job openings:
What states have the most Cmf Design Manager jobs? States with the most job openings for Cmf Design Manager jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cmf Design Manager jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cmf Design Manager jobs are:
CMF Designer

$157K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About the Role

CMF Designer, Industrial Design
Onsite in Foster City, CA | 5 days in office
Zoox Industrial Design brings together visionary designers and innovators dedicated to creating the
world's best autonomous mobility solutions. Our team designs from the ground updeveloping
autonomous robotaxi vehicles and hardware that balance beauty, functionality, and social impact. We
believe thoughtful design is purposeful and impactful, and can transform not just individual experiences,
but entire communities and generations. Join us in shaping the future of autonomous mobility, where
every design decision reflects our commitment to beauty, innovation, and enjoyment.
As a CMF Designer, you will play a pivotal role in fostering seamless collaboration across design, quality,
engineering, and supplier teams to ensure the precise execution of Color, Material, and Finish (CMF)
strategies. You will provide critical coordination and hands-on support, proactively managing timelines,
resolving issues, and upholding the highest quality standards to keep CMF development aligned and
efficient. If you thrive in a fast-paced, hands-on environment where creative problem-solving meets
technical precision, and you're passionate about CMF design, materials, and their impact on product
aesthetics and user experience, join our team and help shape the next chapter of Zooxs vehicle and
hardware design evolution.
Responsibilities:
bullet
Initiate and Drive CMF Development: Support the early-stage development of CMF concepts,
collaborating with designers and suppliers to ensure alignment with design intent.
bullet
Mastering Coordination: Organize, track, and distribute CMF mastering samples, setting up an efficient
in-house mastering distribution system while managing inventory logs.
bullet
Proactive Issue Resolution: Take initiative in identifying process gaps, flagging discrepancies, and
implementing solutions to keep projects on track.
bullet
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with designers, engineers, and leadership to ensure
smooth project coordination and alignment on expectations.
bullet
Data & Process Optimization: Evaluate CMF-related data and contribute to best practices that enhance
efficiency and quality in development.
bullet
Project Ownership & Communication: Maintain clear and transparent communication on project
progress, ensuring stakeholders are informed and aligned.
Qualifications:
bullet
Bachelors degree in CMF Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, Design Quality, Product
Development, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience with exceptional ability.
bullet
4-6 years of experience in automotive CMF, program management, or coordination, with a strong
understanding of industry-specific materials, finishes, and processes.
bullet
High color acuitydemonstrated ability to accurately assess and differentiate colors, with the capability
to pass the Munsell Hue Color Test with a score.
bullet
Hands-on expertise in CMF development, including material evaluations, supplier coordination, and
mastering processes.
bullet
Proactive problem solverhighly motivated with the ability to identify gaps, take initiative, and drive
solutions to ensure seamless project execution.
bullet
Deep knowledge of CMF development timing and the color matching/mastering process, ensuring
accuracy and consistency in production.
bullet
Excellent communication and organization skillsstrong ability to manage and maintain relationships
with external suppliers and internal cross-functional teams.
bullet
Project management proficiencyexperience coordinating complex projects, tracking deliverables, and
ensuring alignment across departments.
bullet
Ability to work autonomously while keeping stakeholders informed, making independent decisions, and
driving projects forward.
bullet
Meticulous attention to detailkeen eye for material quality, color accuracy, texture, and overall
aesthetics.
bullet
Passion for CMF innovationeager to explore emerging materials, finishes, and industry trends to
elevate design standards.
Who You Are:
bullet
Hands-on, detail-oriented, and proactive in identifying areas for improvement.
bullet
Highly organized with strong project management skills to handle multiple tasks efficiently.
bullet
Skilled at building relationships with internal teams and external suppliers.
bullet
Comfortable taking the initiative, troubleshooting issues, and driving solutions independently.

Key Responsibilities & Skills
  • CMF Development & Strategy
  • Color Acuity & Assessment
  • Material Evaluation & Selection
  • Finish & Surface Engineering
  • Supplier Coordination & Mastering
  • Inventory Management & Mastering Distribution
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Project Management & Scheduling
  • Data Analysis & Process Optimization
  • Quality Assurance & Compliance
  • Automotive Design Intent Alignment
  • Aesthetic Evaluation & User Experience
Technical Skills
  • Spectrophotometer / Color Measurement Tools
  • Material Testing Instruments
  • CAD / 3D Modeling (SolidWorks / Rhino)
  • PLM Systems (Teamcenter / Windchill)
  • Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator / Photoshop)
  • Microsoft Excel / Data Visualization
  • Project Management Software (MS Project / Smartsheet / Jira)
Education

Bachelor's Degree in CMF Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Design Quality, Product Development, Materials Engineering. Preferred: Master's in Industrial Design, Master's in Materials Engineering, Master's in Design Management, Master's in Product Design.

Industry Experience
  • Automotive
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Robotaxi
  • Industrial Design
  • Mobility Solutions
  • Consumer Product Materials