Away

Associate Design Director, Luggage

NYC: Soho HQ, Remote. Posted 5 months ago

The role

You will lead the end-to-end execution of luggage design, including industrial design, material R&D, and product strategy. You will manage a design team and collaborate with cross-functional partners to deliver innovative products.

What you will do

  • Execute and contribute to the design and innovation strategy for core luggage product lines
  • Manage luggage design strategy in alignment with VP and Senior Design leadership
  • Translate consumer insights and market trends into production-ready design systems
  • Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing design team
  • Deliver against a multi-year innovation roadmap through industrial design and material R&D
  • Evaluate and implement new materials, finishes, and component systems
  • Partner with Product Development and Engineering teams
  • Manage material libraries, prototyping systems, and AI-assisted design workflows
  • Manage the end-to-end luggage design process from concept to commercialization
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Merchandising, Brand, Quality, and Supply Chain teams

Required qualifications

  • At least 7 years of industrial design experience (luggage, technical soft goods, or hard goods)
  • Proven track record of supervising/mentoring design talent and supporting product launches
  • Advanced understanding of complex product construction, material R&D, and manufacturing processes
  • Highly proficient in Fusion 360, KeyShot, and Adobe Creative Suite
  • Exceptional sketching and 3D visualization skills
  • Direct experience working closely with overseas factories and suppliers
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 20%

Nice to have

  • Experience in leveraging emerging technologies (like AI tools) to optimize team workflows

Benefits

  • Health insurance offerings
  • 401(k) with a company match
  • Paid time off programs (vacation, wellbeing, holidays, summer Fridays, and compassion leave)
  • Discount codes, product stipends, and giveaways
  • Company-sponsored volunteer and charitable opportunities

About the company

Away launched in 2016 with one carry-on and now offers a range of luggage and travel essentials. The company believes travel makes people better.