Shape Designer - Contract-to-Hire

About the Role

We are seeking a Shape Designer – Foil Balloon Product Development to help bring imaginative balloon concepts to life by transforming flat artwork into compelling, manufacturable 3D forms. In this role, you will collaborate closely with Surface Designers to ensure surface art and shape design work seamlessly together—adjusting artwork or structural elements when needed to achieve the best visual and physical outcome.

As a Shape Designer, you will develop custom foil balloon shapes for licensed properties, seasonal programs, and everyday celebrations. You will work hands‑on with Engineering and Manufacturing partners to ensure each design meets performance and testing requirements and can be produced with consistency and quality. This role requires strong spatial thinking, an understanding of how 2D artwork translates into 3D structures, and an enthusiasm for playful consumer products.

This position is ideal for a designer who loves playful products, understands dimensional form, and enjoys seeing ideas transformed into physical products on store shelves.

Key Responsibilities

· Design original foil balloon shapes for licensed and non‑licensed programs

· Translate 2D surface artwork into dimensional balloon forms that inflate and function properly

· Develop die lines and structural solutions in collaboration with Engineering

· Review samples and provide clear, actionable feedback to manufacturing partners

· Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and quality standards

· Collaborate cross‑functionally with surface art, engineering, and production teams

· Stay current on trends in balloons, party décor, character‑driven products, and celebrations

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Product Design, or a related field
(Focus in 3D design and/or sculpture preferred, or equivalent professional experience)

· 2+ years of professional design experience in consumer products or related industries

· Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (especially die line creation and technical illustration.)

· Solid understanding of 2D‑to‑3D translation and how flat artwork translates into inflated forms

· Excellent attention to detail, organization, documentation, and file management skills

· Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally, communicate effectively, and incorporate feedback efficiently    

Preferred Qualifications

· Experience designing foil balloons, inflatables, or flexible packaging products

· Familiarity with balloon construction, inflation systems, and lightweight engineered materials

· Knowledge of licensed brands and licensor approval processes

· Knowledge of manufacturing constraints and production workflows

Pay: $25.00 - $45.00 per hour

Work Location: In person