Company: Rakuten Kobo

Location: Toronto, ON

Expected salary:

Job date: Wed, 25 Jun 2025 01:17:26 GMT

Job description: Job Description:Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc. we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative and passionate they need to feel valued and supported. We believe in rewarding all our employees with competitive salaries, performance based annual bonuses, stock options and training opportunities.
If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us on our mission of making reading lives better.The Role:Our expanding Hardware Development team in Toronto is seeking a creative and collaborative Industrial Designer to play a role in shaping the next generation of eReader devices, accessories, and packaging. If you’re a passionate innovator who thrives in a team environment, loves hands-on design and prototyping, and demonstrates a deep understanding of Colours, Materials, and Finishes (CMF), we encourage you to apply! Join us in bringing innovative ideas to life and creating exceptional eReading experiences through your work!Responsibilities:

• Collaboratively design and develop innovative concepts for eReader devices, accessories and packaging.
• Create compelling sketches, renderings, and prototypes to effectively communicate design solutions.
• Build experimental mock-ups and functional prototypes to validate design concepts, ergonomics, and functionality.
• Participate in user research activities and integrate user feedback into the ideation process.
• Collaborate closely with design, engineering, product management, and marketing teams, fostering a culture of shared creativity and innovation to ensure design feasibility and alignment with business goals.
• Explore and implement new trends in Colours, Materials, and Finishes (CMF) to enhance product aesthetics, user appeal, and brand identity.
• Present design concepts and rationale effectively to diverse audiences.
• Maintain clear and comprehensive design documentation, including CMF and reliability test specifications.
• Travel to Asia to attend team meetings and vendor workshops.

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design.
• Min 5 years of professional experience in industrial design.
• A passion for design and a proven track record of bringing innovative ideas to market through collaborative teamwork.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a hands-on approach to design validation and a willingness to experiment.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Deep understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, particularly in relation to CMF exploration and execution.
• Proficiency in CAD software (Creo, SolidWorks or Rhino 3D), 3D rendering software (Keyshot), and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Experience designing products in the IoT, smartphone, or tablet industries.
• Proven hands-on experience with textiles and soft goods materials, including knowledge of manufacturing processes and material properties.
• A strong portfolio showcasing CMF expertise.

The Perks:

• Flexible hours and hybrid remote working environment
• Subsidized in-office lunches
• Full benefits starting from your first day
• Paid Volunteer days, unlimited sick days, and 3% RRSP matching
• Monthly commuting allowance for those who are hybrid
• Lifestyle spending account
• Talent and development training budget
• Free Kobo device + free weekly e-book or audiobook
• Weekly Kobo Tech University sessions
• Maternity/paternity leave top up
• Dog friendly office

About Rakuten Kobo Inc.
Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the most advanced global ecommerce companies, with the world’s most innovative e-reading services offering more than 6 million eBooks and audiobooks to 30 million + customers in 190 countries. Kobo delivers the best digital reading experience through creative innovation, award-winning e-readers, and top-ranking mobile apps. Kobo is a part of the Rakuten group of companies.
Rakuten Kobo Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Accessibility accommodations for candidates with disabilities participating in the selection process are available on request. Any information received related to accommodation needs of applicants will be addressed confidentially.Rakuten Kobo would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this role however only qualified candidates will be shortlisted.Beware of fraudulent job offers claiming to be from Rakuten. Rakuten does not send unsolicited job offers or request money during the recruitment process. Learn more:#RKIND

Job Summary:

Rakuten Kobo Inc. is seeking a collaborative and innovative Industrial Designer for its Hardware Development team in Toronto. The company offers a casual startup environment with a strong emphasis on work/life balance, competitive salaries, bonuses, stock options, and training opportunities. The designer will contribute to the development of eReader devices, accessories, and packaging, focusing on creativity and the integration of user feedback.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and develop concepts for eReaders and related products.
• Create sketches, renderings, and prototypes.
• Build mock-ups to validate design concepts.
• Conduct user research and collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Explore trends in Colours, Materials, and Finishes (CMF).
• Present design concepts effectively.
• Document design specifications and maintain clarity in communication.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s in Industrial Design and at least 5 years of experience.
• Strong design, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in CAD, 3D rendering software, and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Excellent English communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in IoT, smartphone, or tablet design.
• Hands-on experience with textiles and strong CMF portfolio.

Perks:

• Flexible working hours, hybrid remote options, full benefits, volunteer days, and lifestyle spending account.
• Free Kobo device and e-books, and a dog-friendly office environment.

Rakuten Kobo is dedicated to innovation and inclusivity, providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. The role is open to candidates with disabilities, and Rakuten ensures confidentiality during the recruitment process.