Role Description
This is a contract-based, fully remote role for a Market Research & Industrial Design Specialist. The position involves performing market analysis, conducting thorough market research, identifying trends, and recommending strategies for business growth. You will engage with customers to understand their industrial design needs and expectations, while also supporting market strategy development and contributing to customer service activities as needed.
Key Responsibilities
1. Market & Competitive Research
- Conduct in-depth research on market trends, demand patterns, and pricing models for container-based living and leisure products.
- Benchmark competitors product offerings, technical specs, and certifications across US, Australia etc. markets.
- Identify regulatory, building code, and environmental requirements for container structures (e.g., pool safety, insulation, fire rating).
- Map out emerging design and material trends (e.g., FRP tank vs welded steel pools, modular faade finishes, solar integration).
2. Product Development & Industrial Design
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams to translate research insights into new product prototypes.
- Design container-based living concepts (pool, home, office, retail units) with focus on modularity, ergonomics, and sustainability.
- Prepare concept sketches, 3D renders, and technical illustrations to communicate design intent.
- Support R&D on material selection, manufacturing feasibility, and cost optimization.
3. Business Case & Commercial Validation
- Evaluate commercial viability, including cost structure, pricing models, and margin targets.
- Assist in preparing pitch decks and product sheets for management and investors.
- Conduct user testing or focus group interviews for design validation.
- Recommend go-to-market strategies and identify potential distribution or reseller partners.
4. Collaboration & Reporting
- Work closely with R&D, Engineering, and Sales/Marketing teams to align product direction with business goals.
- Report market insights and product development progress to the CEO and product steering committee.
- Manage external consultants, design freelancers, or research vendors where applicable.
Qualifications
- Degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Market Research, Product Development, or related disciplines.
- 35 years of experience in product design or R&D (preferably in prefab, container, or modular construction industry).
- Strong analytical ability and market research background.
- Proficiency in CAD tools (SketchUp, SolidWorks, Rhino) and visualization software (e.g., Enscape, KeyShot, Adobe Suite).
- Excellent written and visual communication skills.
- Cross-disciplinary thinker with a passion for design innovation and business strategy
Desirable Traits
- Interest in sustainable, mobile, and modular design.
- Ability to balance creativity with data-driven decisions.
- Entrepreneurial and resourceful able to explore new opportunities independently.
- Global mindset and willingness to work with remote teams across Vietnam, Malaysia, and Singapore.
