CMF Designer

JOB SUMMARY:

Robinson Helicopter Company is a leading manufacturer of civil rotorcraft with a 50-year history of providing affordable helicopters for a wide range of applications. Robinson is an engineering focused organization that provides challenging and exciting opportunities to contribute to the future of vertical flight.

The CMF Designer is a member of the Industrial Design Team responsible for the development and implementation of color, finish, and material through the product development lifecycle. You will define and drive the aesthetic vision across our product portfolio. developing and delivering world-class products translating our brand philosophy into compelling, tangible user experiences.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop CMF strategies for the Robinson Helicopter brand and products.
• Analyze consumer product and lifestyle trends and benchmark in-market and associated markets to inform CMF strategy.
• Drive creative exploration of new materials and CMF concepts that drive the Robinson brand forward.
• Build a CMF library that will be used for current production and future development.
• Create compelling CMF stories and proposals with clear narratives and visual presentations.
• Prepare and present design briefs for senior leadership.
• Lead exterior and interior CMF development from concept through execution, selecting materials that balance aesthetics, performance, quality, and cost while achieving design intent.
• Collaborate with engineering to implement CMF into design data.
• Work with suppliers to evaluate, select, and qualify materials.
• Ensure human factors requirements are achieved including ergonomics and usability.
• Produce high-quality internal visualizations using tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Substance, Blender, and emerging AI platforms to effectively communicate CMF direction.
• Provide art direction to external vendors for photorealistic renderings.
• Create detail, assembly, and installation design definitions.
• Oversee the development and manufacturing of prototype articles.
• Develop requirements, specifications, and processes including material selection.
• Identify, plan, and lead tests for new materials in the laboratory and aircraft environment as necessary. 
• Reports on project status, schedules, and risks.
• Develop processes and tools to improve the effectiveness, quality, and efficiency of the work.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design, CMF Design, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years direct experience as a CMF designer in the automotive or aviation sector.
• A portfolio demonstrating a deep understanding of CMF as used to create compelling user experiences.
• Superior color acuity, with a proven ability to score 16 or lower on the Munsell Hue Color Tets.
• Proficiency in design and visualization tools, including Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Microsoft Office, and rendering software such as Blender or KeyShot, to support internal CMF reviews. Strong understanding of structures, loads, and mechanical systems.
• Expertise in color theory, pigment formulation, and surface finishing techniques.
• Hands on experience creating prototypes and physical models.
• Must be a proven self-starter requiring minimal supervision, with strong problem-solving skills.
• Excellent academic record.
• Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Team-oriented, possess a positive attitude, and work well with others.

Pay Range: $90,000 - $150,000 annually