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Industrial Design Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

JANSON

Sr 3D Industrial Designer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$132K/yr

SENIOR 3D / INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER At JANSON, design is not decoration--it is mission enablement. The environments we create help military personnel train more effectively, collaborate more efficiently ...

MSD

Industrial Designer

Rockville, MD · On-site

$88K - $134K/yr

Responsibilities also include conceptual design for biotech instruments, laboratory and facility ... EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or a related field such ...

Meso Scale Discovery

Industrial Designer

Rockville, MD

$88K - $134K/yr

Responsibilities also include conceptual design for biotech instruments, laboratory and facility ... EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS: • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or a related field such ...

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All JobsIndustrial Design JobsIndustrial Design Jobs in Reston, VA

Industrial Design information

See Reston, VA salary details

$49.5K

$135.5K

How much do industrial design jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for industrial design in Reston, VA is $129,145.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $134,500.00 and $134,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is AI going to replace industrial designers?

AI is unlikely to fully replace industrial designers, as the role requires creativity, user understanding, and problem-solving skills that AI cannot replicate. Instead, AI tools are increasingly used to assist designers in tasks like prototyping, data analysis, and optimizing designs, allowing designers to focus on innovation and user experience. Successful industrial designers will continue to adapt by integrating AI and developing skills in digital tools and human-centered design.

What is the difference between Industrial Design vs Product Design?

AspectIndustrial DesignProduct Design
FocusDesign of physical products and their aestheticsDesign of both physical products and digital interfaces
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, studios, design firmsTech companies, design agencies, manufacturing
CredentialsDegree in industrial design or related fieldDegree in industrial design, product design, or related field
UsageCommonly used in manufacturing and physical product industriesUsed in both physical and digital product development

Industrial Design primarily focuses on creating the aesthetics and usability of physical products, while Product Design encompasses both physical and digital products, including user interfaces. Both roles require similar credentials and are often found in manufacturing and tech industries, but their scope and focus differ based on the product type.

What is industrial design?

Industrial design is the professional practice of designing products, devices, objects, and services used by millions of people around the world every day. Industrial designers focus on both the appearance and functionality of a product, ensuring that it is not only visually appealing but also user-friendly, efficient, and manufacturable. Their work often involves collaborating with engineers, marketers, and manufacturers to bring innovative concepts to life. Industrial designers contribute to a wide range of industries, including electronics, furniture, automotive, and consumer goods.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Industrial Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Industrial Designer, you need strong skills in design principles, 3D modeling, and an understanding of manufacturing processes, typically supported by a degree in industrial design or a related field. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or Rhino), sketching tools, and prototyping equipment is commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and clients. These abilities are crucial for translating ideas into functional, marketable products that meet user needs and business objectives.

Is industrial design a high paying job?

Industrial designers typically earn a median salary that is around the national average for creative professionals, with salaries increasing with experience, specialization, and location. While some senior or specialized roles can be highly lucrative, entry-level positions generally offer moderate pay compared to other engineering or technical fields.

How do industrial designers typically collaborate with engineers and marketing teams during a product’s development?

Industrial designers work closely with engineers to ensure that their concepts are both visually appealing and technically feasible, often participating in iterative reviews to refine prototypes. Collaboration with marketing teams is also common, as designers need to understand target user preferences and market trends to create products that resonate with consumers. Effective communication, openness to feedback, and flexibility in adapting designs are crucial skills in these cross-functional teams. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and helps bring well-rounded, user-friendly products to market.

What are the 4 types of industrial design?

Industrial design encompasses four main types: product design, which focuses on the aesthetics and usability of physical products; visual or graphic design, related to branding and packaging; environmental design, involving spaces and environments; and service design, which improves the user experience of services. Industrial designers often specialize in one or more of these areas based on their skills and project needs.

What do you do as an industrial designer?

An industrial designer develops concepts and designs for products, focusing on aesthetics, functionality, and user experience. They use tools like CAD software and collaborate with engineers and manufacturers to create prototypes and ensure manufacturability. The role often requires creativity, technical skills, and knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes.
What job categories do people searching Industrial Design jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Industrial Design jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Industrial Design jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Industrial Design job openings:
Industrial Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Industrial Design job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,145 per year, or $62.1 per hour.

Director of Industrial Design

Strategic HR Client Job Openings

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$165K - $203K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Opportunity: Director of Industrial Design with Formative 3D in Falls Church, VAAre you highly skilled in 3D design and CAD, with a strong understanding of DFM/DFA principles? Do you enjoy leading product development, prototyping, and crossfunctional collaboration? Are you excited to shape product strategy, innovation, and longterm growth through design? If you answered yes, we want to speak with you!

As the Director of Industrial Design you will take ownership, think like a builder, and balance creative vision with practical execution. This role requires strong leadership, advanced design expertise, and the ability to move seamlessly from concept development to production problemsolving while collaborating crossfunctionally to uphold high design and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead near-, mid-, and longterm design initiatives that inform the product roadmap and expand future opportunities.
  • Drive rapid, iterative prototyping through sketching, modeling, and physical builds to support discovery and development.
  • Translate design exploration and research into actionable product, R&D, and growth strategies.
  • Define and maintain a clear product roadmap with aligned priorities, timelines, and deliverables.
  • Lead the full product development lifecycle from concept through production across multiple concurrent projects.
  • Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and client service teams to align design intent with feasibility, cost, and gotomarket plans.
  • Establish tools, workflows, and cadences to track progress, improve execution, and manage risk.
  • Guide concept development across furniture, lighting, and emerging builtenvironment categories.
  • Identify new opportunities beyond current product lines, including architectural systems and additive-enabled solutions.
  • Recruit, mentor, and lead a multidisciplinary design team, fostering accountability, curiosity, and innovation.
  • Collaborate with leadership and external partners to align vision, expand influence, and position design as a strategic driver of the business.

 Qualifications:

  • 8-12+ years of industrial design experience bringing complex physical products from concept through production.
  • Advanced expertise in 3D modeling and CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino, Fusion 360).
  • Strong knowledge of DFM/DFA principles and production-ready design documentation.
  • Experience with additive manufacturing processes and related materials, tolerances, and finishes.
  • Proven ability to lead iterative prototyping, testing, and performance validation.
  • Experience with parametric or computational design is a plus.
  • Ability to create and manage detailed drawings, specifications, and BOMs for production handoff.

Why Join Formative 3D?

We're building the next generation of manufacturing through advanced 3D printing. What begins with furniture and lighting is quickly expanding into a broader ambition: to rethink how the built environment is conceived, designed, and realized. Formative 3D is building a new model of manufacturing for the built environment using advanced 3D printing, robotics, and automation. We design and manufacture products that range from high-end furniture systems and architectural lighting to jigs, fixtures, and tooling. We're looking for a leader to drive the creative and strategic direction of our product ecosystem.

Apply online today to join a great team!

Formative 3D is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to hiring and developing the most qualified individuals based on jobrelated experience, skills, and merit. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We value a respectful, inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Formative 3D maintains a drugfree workplace consistent with applicable local, state, and federal laws.

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