Lead Industrial Designer at CHAOS Industries
Hawthorne, California, United StatesFull-timeEngineering Posted 3 months ago
Apply with PipelineAbout the Role
<p>CHAOS Industries is redefining modern defense with a multi-product portfolio that gives the ultimate advantage—domain dominance. The company's products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™), empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats. </p>
<p>CHAOS Industries was founded in 2022 and has raised a total of $1 billion in funding from leading investors, including 8VC, Accel, and Valor Equity Partners. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, Seattle, and London. For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.chaosinc.com">www.chaosinc.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Role Overview:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":360,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">CHAOS is seeking a </span><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Lead Industrial Designer</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> to shape the physical and human-facing aspects of our next-generation dual-use systems – spanning mounted and dismounted sensor platforms, ground-based vehicles, and airborne effectors.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":360,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">In this role, you will define and drive industrial design vision across hardware and user-facing systems, balancing real-world operational constraints with a cohesive product identity. You will work closely with hardware, software, and user interface teams to ensure our products are not only high-performing, but intuitive, durable, and thoughtfully designed for the environments in which they operate.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":360,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This role sits at the intersection of </span><span data-contrast="auto">industrial design, human factors, and product strategy</span><span data-contrast="auto"> – bridging the gap between engineering-driven development and user-centered design.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":360,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The ideal candidate is a hands-on, build-and-ship designer (not purely studio-based), with experience designing ruggedized products for demanding environments such as military, aerospace, or industrial applications. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":360,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">This is a full-time, on-site position in Los Angeles, CA, with ~20% travel for field testing and user interaction.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":360,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p> <br><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Responsibilities:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":360,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Define and drive the industrial design vision across a portfolio of dual-use products, ensuring alignment with brand, usability, and mission requirements</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Translate complex system requirements into intuitive physical form factors, layouts, and user interactions</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Design for real-world use cases, including deployment, transport, setup, maintenance, and operation in austere environments</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Collaborate with hardware, software, and UI teams to ensure a cohesive end-to-end user experience across physical and digital interfaces</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Develop concepts, mockups, and prototypes (low- to high-fidelity) to rapidly iterate on form, ergonomics, and usability</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Guide trade studies between performance, size, usability, and visual design, helping the organization make intentional design decisions</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Influence product architecture early to improve usability, serviceability, and operator efficiency</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Ensure designs account for ruggedization, environmental exposure, and manufacturability, in collaboration with mechanical engineering</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Provide design direction and critique across teams to maintain consistency and quality</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="10" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Participate in field testing and user engagement, incorporating feedback from operators into iterative design improvements</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="11" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Help evolve a design language that balances high-performance systems with a disciplined, mission-appropriate aesthetic</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p> <br><strong><span data-contrast="auto">What Success Looks Like:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":360,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="12" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Products that are easier to deploy, operate, and maintain in the field</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="13" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Clear, intentional tradeoffs between performance and usability</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="14" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">A recognizable and consistent design language aligned with brand image</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="15" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Strong alignment between engineering, product vision, and user needs</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="16" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Designs that balance visual quality with mission appropriateness — modern without being ornamental</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559685":1080,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Minimum Requirements:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":360,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or related field</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">7+ years of experience in industrial design, with a focus on ruggedized, outdoor, or mission-critical products</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Demonstrated experience taking products from concept through production</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Strong portfolio showcasing shipped products (military, aerospace, industrial, automotive, or adjacent fields preferred)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience designing for real-world use — including ergonomics, human factors, and operational workflows</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Ability to create and communicate design intent through sketches, renderings, prototypes, and storytelling</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="7" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Working knowledge of DFMA and manufacturing constraints, with the ability to collaborate effectively with mechanical engineers and manufacturing process engineers</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="8" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Understanding of environmental and durability considerations (e.g., weather exposure, handling, transport, field use)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="9" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Strong cross-functional collaboration skills with engineering, product, and leadership teams</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="10" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559685":1080,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Preferred Requirements:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559685":360,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="11" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience designing military or defense-adjacent systems, or products used in harsh environments</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="12" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Exposure to mounted/dismounted systems, sensor platforms, or vehicle-integrated products</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="13" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Familiarity with human-machine interface design across both physical and digital systems</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="14" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience working with rapid prototyping tools (3D printing, shop tools, etc.)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="15" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Proficiency with common design tools (e.g., CAD, Adobe Suite, Figma), without requiring deep CAD ownership</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="16" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience conducting or supporting user research, field studies, or operator interviews</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="17" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Experience designing MIL-Spec products</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="8" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":1080,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" data-aria-posinset="18" data-aria-level="1"><span data-contrast="auto">Active U.S. security clearance</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559739":120,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><br>Why CHAOS?</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Health Benefits: </strong>Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company</li>
<li><strong>Additional benefits</strong>: 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more</li>
<li><strong>Our Perks: </strong>Free daily lunch, ‘No meeting Fridays’, unlimited PTO, casual dress code</li>
<li><strong>Compensation Components:</strong> Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses</li>
<li><strong>Team Growth: </strong>250 employees and counting across 5 global offices</li>
</ul>
<div><em><strong>$180k-240k</strong></em></div>
<p><em>The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base compensation range and excludes additional earnings such as bonus, equity, and benefits. If your compensation requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. </em></p>
<p> </p>
<hr>
<h3>Recruiting Agencies: CHAOS Industries does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach. Unsolicited submissions will not be reviewed or compensated.</h3>
<hr>
<p> </p>
<p><em>#LI-onsite</em></p>
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