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Cmf Design Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

... management, marketing, and manufacturing partners to ensure design intent is preserved through development and mass production * Own design documentation including CAD files, CMF specs, product ...

... 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 ...

Strong design sensibility across spatial design, EGD (environmental graphic design), CMF, and fabrication. * Experience managing multidisciplinary creative teams, external vendors, and complex multi ...

... design work. * Hands‑on experience designing for color, material, and finish (CMF) to create ... product management. * Ability to integrate ergonomics and human factors into complex hardware ...

Visualizer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$104K - $135K/yr

Manages visualization workflows, co-creating narratives/storyboards with Creative Director and ... Closing work with CMF to capture design intent for the digital CMF library; balance technical ...

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 are popular job titles related to Cmf Design Manager jobs in California?

For Cmf Design Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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.

Senior Manager, Robot Industrial Design

Zoox

Foster City, CA • On-site

$220K - $300K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

At Zoox, Robot Industrial Design defines how autonomous mobility is experienced through form, function, and interaction. We believe the future of mobility demands more than a new vehicle; it requires a fundamentally new product philosophy built around people, technology, and seamless integration. Our design team works from first principles to create products that are human-centered, technically sophisticated, and uncompromising in their purpose.

As Senior Manager, Robot Industrial Design, you will lead the creative direction and development of Zoox's robotaxi platforms and connected hardware ecosystem. You will drive a holistic design vision across vehicle design, CMF and product integration, ensuring every element reflects clarity, precision, and intent. This role requires a leader who can operate equally at the conceptual and production level,  guiding breakthrough ideas from early vision through engineering execution, manufacturing realization and real-world deployment.

You will lead and mentor a high-performing team of designers while partnering closely with engineering, software, product, brand and manufacturing to deliver deeply integrated mobility experiences. The ideal candidate brings exceptional design judgment, a systems-minded approach, and a relentless focus on craftsmanship, innovation, and simplicity. Your work will help guide not only the physical expression of the Zoox brand, but also the future relationship between people, autonomy, and everyday transportation.
In this role, you will:
  • Manage, mentor, and grow a high-performing industrial design team, fostering a culture of creativity, rigor, and craft.
  • Evolve Zoox's hardware design language and strategy, applying first-principles thinking to redefine the future of the robotaxi.

  • Oversee the entire product lifecycle from concept to production, ensuring design integrity and high-quality execution.

  • Partner with engineering, UX, and product teams to deliver innovative, cohesive, and technically feasible solutions.

  • Oversee the creation of compelling digital and physical deliverables that effectively convey design intent to leadership and stakeholders, ensuring that timelines, quality, and design intent are upheld across all deliverables.
  • Manage studio resources, budgets, and hiring while refining design processes and internal culture.

Qualifications
  • 15+ years of experience in automotive or relevant industrial design environments.

  • 5+ years leading and developing design teams.

  • Proven track record delivering production vehicles and/or complex hardware products from concept to launch.

  • Strong experience managing studio workflows, design processes, and cross-functional collaboration.

  • Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with experience presenting to executive leadership.

  • A deep passion for design craft, team development, and creating meaningful, future-forward products.

$220,000 - $300,000 a year
Base Salary Range
There are three major components to compensation for this position: salary, Amazon Restricted Stock Units (RSUs), and Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights. A sign-on bonus may be offered as part of the compensation package. The listed range applies only to the base salary. Compensation will vary based on geographic location and level. Leveling, as well as positioning within a level, is determined by a range of factors, including, but not limited to, a candidate's relevant years of experience, domain knowledge, and interview performance. The salary range listed in this posting is representative of the range of levels Zoox is considering for this position.
Zoox also offers a comprehensive package of benefits, including paid time off (e.g. sick leave, vacation, bereavement), unpaid time off, Zoox Stock Appreciation Rights, Amazon RSUs, health insurance, long-term care insurance, long-term and short-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
About Zoox
Zoox is developing the first ground-up, fully autonomous vehicle fleet and the supporting ecosystem required to bring this technology to market. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We're looking for top talent that shares our passion and wants to be part of a fast-moving and highly execution-oriented team.

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Accommodations
If you need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process please reach out to [email protected] or your assigned recruiter.

A Final Note:
You do not need to match every listed expectation to apply for this position. Here at Zoox, we know that diverse perspectives foster the innovation we need to be successful, and we are committed to building a team that encompasses a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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