Job Description
Welcome to RIMOWA, the first German Maison of the LVMH Group. We are a global lifestyle brand with a mission to create the essential tools for a lifetime of travel. For more than 125 years, we've dedicated ourselves to develop unique products where function coexists with luxury, heritage with innovation, and craftsmanship with design.
At RIMOWA we believe that great ambitions demand resilient companions. It's why our tools are created with longevity in mind. Because the most meaningful journeys last more than a trip, they last a lifetime. Please join us to discover your own.
We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Prototypist (m/f/d) to join our dynamic Innovation, Research & Development team. This hands-on role will be instrumental in bringing innovative luggage concepts to life by creating functional and visual prototypes. The ideal candidate possesses a strong background in prototyping, preferably within the consumer goods industry, and a passion for working with diverse materials and manufacturing processes. You will be a crucial part of the innovation and product development cycle, collaborating closely with technical designers, engineers and material specialists to transform ideas into tangible prototypes. This role reports to the Head of Innovation.
This is a permanent full-time position located in our headquarters in Cologne.
Prototypist – Innovation R&D (m/f/d)
- Prototype creation: Construct functional prototypes of luggage and travel-goods components based on design specifications, sketches, CAD models and verbal instruction.
- Material selection & exploration: Research and experiment with a wide range of materials, including fabrics, plastics, metals, and composites, to determine their suitability for luggage prototypes. Maintain an organized materials library.
- Work with CAD software and a variety of 3D printing technologies for making mock-ups and prototypes
- Hardware & component Integration: Integrate hardware components such as zippers, handles, wheels, and locks into luggage prototypes.
- Testing & evaluation: Conduct basic testing and evaluation of prototypes to assess their functionality, durability, and usability. Provide feedback to the Innovation, development and engineering teams.
- Collaboration: Collaborate closely with technical designers and engineers throughout the prototyping process to ensure accurate interpretation of designs and efficient prototype development.
- Ideation & conceptualization: Contribute to brainstorming sessions and help develop new concepts that drive prototyping and the creation of new product ideas.
- Documentation & record keeping: Maintain accurate records of materials used, construction techniques, and test results for each prototype.
- Workshop maintenance: Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment in the prototyping workshop. Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of tools and equipment.
- Pattern making & sewing: Develop patterns and sew prototypes using industrial sewing machines and various sewing techniques.
- High school diploma or equivalent; vocational training in a related field preferred.
- Experience in prototyping, ideally within the consumer goods industry would be a plus
- Experience with CAD software, 3D printing and rapid prototyping technologies
- Ability to interpret technical drawings, sketches, and CAD models
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Great understanding of various prototyping processes and materials, including textiles, plastics, and metals
- Passionate and enthusiastic about the creation of physical prototypes towards the realisation of innovative new products
- Ideally prior knowledge of luggage construction and design principles paired with familiarity with quality control and testing procedures
- Good communication skills in German and English
- 30 days paid vacation per year
- Flexible working hours and a hybrid working model
- RIMOWA Essential Cabin suitcase as a gift after the probationary period
- Corporate benefits and 30% discount on the RIMOWA assortment
- Company pension scheme with a high employer contribution or other capital-forming benefits
- Great canteen with freshly cooked and affordable food
- Free employee parking, public transportation ticket & job bike (partly subsidized)
- International environment and development opportunities within LVMH