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Cmf Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Product Design Engineer

San Mateo, CA ยท On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Manage prototyping cycles -- from early foam models to functional EVT/DVT/PVT builds * Work cross ... finishing processes (CMF) * Hands-on experience with tolerance stack-up analysis and GD&T

... CMF, usability/serviceability) where applicable. - Execute work independently, identify and ... to management and cross-functional management. - Anticipate and address product design issues or ...

This position reports to the Design Manager and is based in our Irvine, CA office. As the Associate ... Support color, material, and finish (CMF) development in collaboration with the broader design team.

Associate Industrial Designer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$65 - $75/hr

This position reports to the Design Manager and is based in our Irvine, CA office. Responsibilities ... Support color, material, and finish (CMF) development in collaboration with the broader design team.

Associate Industrial Designer

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

This position reports to the Design Manager and is based in our Irvine, CA office. As the Associate ... Support color, material, and finish (CMF) development in collaboration with the broader design team.

... form and CMF * Work with mechanical vendors to dial in DFM/DFA, then quote & kick-off parts at ... Develop, manage & execute mechanical reliability test plans and various DoEs * Assist with failure ...

Senior Manager Industrial Design - ION

Sunnyvale, CA ยท On-site

$148K - $196K/yr

Champions scalable approaches to physical design, including form language, CMF, ergonomics, and ... Manages resource allocation and planning across multiple programs and priorities. * Implements best ...

Prepare, optimize, and manage complex 3D vehicle data for use in Autodesk VRED and other ... Support the CMF and broader design teams through material visualization, color development, finish ...

Prepare, optimize, and manage complex 3D vehicle data for use in Autodesk VRED and other ... Support the CMF and broader design teams through material visualization, color development, finish ...

Showing results 21-40

Cmf Design Manager information

What is a CMF Design manager?

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 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 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 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.

What job categories do people searching Cmf Design Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Cmf Design Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Cmf Design Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Cmf Design Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Cmf Design Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Product Design Engineer

xdof.ai

San Mateo, CA โ€ข On-site

$80 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

We're looking for a Mechanical/Product Design Engineer who obsesses over form as much as function. You have a sharp eye for aesthetics, a deep command of surfacing CAD, and a track record of shipping beautifully crafted consumer products. You'll own the mechanical design of our hardware from concept sketch to production, working closely with industrial designers, electrical engineers, and manufacturing partners to bring something people will love to hold in their hands.

What You'll Do
  • Lead mechanical design of consumer-facing hardware products from concept through mass production
  • Create and own high-quality Class-A surface models and detailed CAD assemblies
  • Collaborate with industrial designers to translate visual intent into manufacturable geometry โ€” without losing any of the soul
  • Drive DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFA (Design for Assembly) reviews with contract manufacturers
  • Define tolerances, GD&T, and material/finish specifications to achieve premium fit and finish
  • Manage prototyping cycles โ€” from early foam models to functional EVT/DVT/PVT builds
  • Work cross-functionally with electrical, firmware, and operations teams to resolve integration challenges
  • Maintain clean, well-documented CAD libraries and release packages
What We're Looking For
  • 4+ years of mechanical design experience, with at least 2 years in consumer electronics
  • Expert-level proficiency in Fusion 360, SOLIDWORKS, or NX โ€” with demonstrated mastery of surfacing / Class-A modeling
  • Deep hands-on knowledge of CNC machining, injection molding, and 3D printing โ€” you understand the constraints of each process and design to them instinctively
  • Genuine passion for product aesthetics โ€” you can articulate why a radius is wrong and fix it
  • Strong understanding of plastics (injection molding, insert molding), sheet metal, and finishing processes (CMF)
  • Hands-on experience with tolerance stack-up analysis and GD&T
  • Comfortable owning the full NPI process alongside CM/ODM partners
  • Portfolio that shows beautiful, well-resolved products โ€” we will ask to see it
Bonus Points
  • Experience with wearables, robotics, or complex electromechanical assemblies
  • Background in ID (industrial design) or formal training in product design
  • Familiarity with soft goods, overmolding, or multi-material assemblies
  • Experience presenting design rationale to non-technical stakeholders
  • Proficiency in Onshape for cloud-based collaborative CAD workflows
  • Professional working proficiency in English
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