What Jobs are available for Product Designers in Kenya?

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and engineering, with a focus on product development.
• Proven experience leading engineering teams and managing complex product development projects.
• Expertise in CAD/CAE software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS).
• Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and DFM/DFA principles.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and drive technical solutions.
• Ability to work independently and effectively collaborate in a remote team environment.

• Conduct user research, including interviews, surveys, and usability testing.
• Develop user personas, journey maps, and information architecture.
• Create wireframes, prototypes, and high-fidelity visual designs.
• Define user flows and interaction patterns for web and mobile applications.
• Collaborate with product managers and engineers to define product requirements and features.
• Translate complex user needs into intuitive and aesthetically pleasing interfaces.
• Ensure design consistency and adherence to brand guidelines across all products.
• Present design concepts and solutions to stakeholders.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest UX/UI design trends and technologies.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Design, HCI, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience as a UX/UI Designer or similar role.
• A strong portfolio demonstrating expertise in UI design, interaction design, and UX research.
• Proficiency in design and prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, InVision, etc.
• Solid understanding of user-centered design principles and methodologies.
• Experience with web and mobile application design.
• Excellent visual design skills, including layout, typography, and color theory.
• Strong communication, presentation, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fully remote, cross-functional team.

• Lead the design and development of new mechanical products and systems, ensuring functionality, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Utilize advanced CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD) for detailed 3D modeling, drafting, and assembly design.
• Perform comprehensive engineering analysis, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), to validate designs.
• Oversee prototyping, testing, and validation processes, identifying and resolving design flaws.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists, in a remote setting.
• Develop and maintain detailed technical documentation, specifications, and bill of materials (BOMs).
• Mentor junior engineers, provide technical guidance, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Research and evaluate new materials, technologies, and manufacturing processes to enhance product performance and reduce costs.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in mechanical design and product development.
• Demonstrated expertise in CAD software, simulation tools (FEA, CFD), and data analysis.
• Strong understanding of materials science, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and stress analysis.
• Proven ability to lead engineering projects from concept to production in a remote environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills, effective for remote collaboration.
• Experience with manufacturing processes such as injection molding, machining, and 3D printing.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus.

Industry
: Design Services / Arts & Crafts / Lifestyle Décor

Location
: Nairobi, Kenya

Employment Type
:(Onsite) Full-time

About Us

Nyota Living (under the Bobu Africa Lifestyle) is a purpose-driven cultural décor brand rooted in Africa and built to inspire the world. We collaborate with local artisans to create authentic, handcrafted pieces for hotels, lodges, safari camps, and export markets. Each product we design tells a story of heritage, wildlife, and community empowerment.

We are now seeking a passionate
Product Development Designer
to lead us in the creative journey from concept to finished product, working hand-in-hand with artisans to transform African traditions into contemporary, globally appealing décor.

Key Responsibilities.

1.Product Design & Development.

1.  Conceptualize from scratch and design handmade décor products aligned with brand identity and market demand.

2.  Translate design ideas into technical sketches, prototypes, and production-ready samples.

2.Artisan Collaboration.

1. Work closely with artisans to guide product creation, ensuring quality, consistency, and authenticity.

2. Develop and document SOPs for production processes.

3.Market Research & Trends.

1. Research global design trends, hospitality needs, and consumer preferences to inspire new collections.

2. Adapt traditional techniques into modern, functional, and export-ready designs.

4.Quality Assurance.

1.Ensure each product meets high standards of craftsmanship, durability, and sustainability.

2.Oversee sampling, testing, and refinement stages.

5.Project & Production Management.

1.Coordinate timelines, materials sourcing, and production processes.

2.Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams to align design with customer expectations.

6.Innovation & Sustainability.

1.Drive design innovation while promoting eco-friendly practices.

2.Explore alternative materials that reflect African heritage, nature and wildlife while appealing to global markets.

Qualifications & Skills.

1.Degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, or a related field.

2.2–4 years of experience in product development, preferably in crafts, décor, or handmade industries.

1. Strong portfolio showcasing creative design and product development skills.

2. Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, SketchUp/AutoCAD etc with skills for 2D/3D modeling, technical drawings, and product visualization.

5.Knowledge of materials, finishes, and sustainable production methods.

6.Strong communication and interpersonal skills to engage with artisans and cross-functional teams.

1. Project management skills with the ability to manage multiple products simultaneously.

Why Join Us

1.Be part of a purpose-driven brand that celebrates Africa's cultural heritage.

2.Work directly with talented artisans and make a real community impact.

3.Opportunity to innovate.

1. A collaborative environment where creativity and storytelling thrive.

Ready to bring African stories to life through design? Apply today and be part of a movement redefining African décor for the world.

How to apply

Share your
CV AND PORTFOLIO(
MUST) to our Email: with Subject title as Your Name+Job Title.

• Designing and developing mechanical components and systems for new and existing products using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA).
• Performing engineering analysis, including stress, thermal, and dynamic simulations, to validate designs.
• Selecting appropriate materials and manufacturing processes for product components.
• Creating detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Collaborating with the manufacturing team to ensure designs are feasible for production and implementing design for manufacturability (DFM) principles.
• Participating in prototype development and conducting rigorous testing to verify performance and reliability.
• Troubleshooting and resolving design-related issues during the development and production phases.
• Staying current with advancements in mechanical engineering, materials, and manufacturing technologies.
• Contributing to product lifecycle management and supporting product improvements.
• Working closely with the R&D team to explore new product concepts and technologies.
• Preparing technical documentation, reports, and presentations.
• Ensuring designs comply with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Participating in design reviews and providing constructive feedback.
• Estimating costs associated with design changes and new product development.

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in mechanical product design and development.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software and simulation tools (FEA, CFD).
• Strong knowledge of materials science, manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, machining, casting), and engineering principles.
• Experience with product testing and validation methodologies.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulatory compliance.
• Good understanding of project management principles.
• Creativity and a passion for innovation in product development.
• Experience with a hybrid work model is beneficial.