Product Designer

About the Role

ViscoTrack is a deep-tech startup from research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), incubated at ARTPARK, IISc. Our patented technology measures the viscosity, density, and surface tension of a liquid simultaneously from a single drop. We are developing two products: a tabletop instrument for R&D and QC labs, and an inline sensor for production lines in pharma, chemicals, and other process industries.

As the first designer, you will define the look, feel, and functionality of both products, collaborating with the scientist inventor and electronics designer, with guidance from IISc professors. This role is on-site at ARTgarage, IISc, Bengaluru, with a 6-day work week. Travel to labs and plants is expected towards customer pilots by March 2027.

The Next Four Months

• December: Define product specifications with an anchor customer by selecting a customer segment with a severe pain point.
• January: Build and test a benchtop prototype using customer liquids.
• February–March: Conduct customer pilots, iterate on the design, and aim to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 by the end of March 2027.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead customer discovery by interviewing lab scientists, QC teams, and plant engineers across industries to identify customer segments with severe pain points. Use sketches, mock-ups, and concept renders to test ideas.
• Conduct user research (interviews, site visits, observation in labs and plants) and translate user needs into product specifications.
• Own the product design for the tabletop instrument and inline sensor, including form, ergonomics, sample loading, and user result interpretation.
• Transform sketches into CAD models and build prototypes (3D-printed, machined, and sheet-metal parts) integrated with the sensor and electronics.
• Design enclosures suitable for labs and plants, using chemical-resistant, easy-to-clean materials, with appropriate sealing for liquids and mounting solutions for benches and process lines.
• Test prototypes with real users, document failures, and iterate in short cycles.
• Prepare designs for manufacture with Indian vendors, including DFM, drawings, tolerances, and BOM.
• Support on-site customer pilots by setting up prototypes, training users, collecting feedback, and implementing design changes.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Strong product/industrial design fundamentals: form, ergonomics, and user interaction.
• Hands-on UI/UX design, covering user flows and clear screen layouts.
• Hands-on CAD and rapid prototyping, from sketch to working model.
• Experience planning and running user research and usability testing.
• Ability to confidently communicate with scientists, engineers, and managers.
• Proficiency in writing clear notes and specifications.
• Comfort with fast iterations and incomplete information.
• A portfolio showcasing self-built prototypes.
• Familiarity with Customer Development, the Value Proposition Canvas, or Jobs to be Done is a plus.

Qualifications

• M.Des in Product or Industrial Design with a B.E./B.Tech in any branch (Mechanical, ECE, EEE, Instrumentation, etc.).
• 0–3 years of experience. Freshers from the 2026 batch are welcome.
• Ability to join immediately.
• B.Des students and graduates are also encouraged to apply.

Nice to Have

• Experience with SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or Creo.
• Experience with 3D printing, CNC machining, or sheet-metal prototyping.
• Experience in Design for Manufacturing and working with fabrication vendors.
• Experience with enclosures for electronics or lab/medical instruments, including sealing, IP rating, and cleanability.