Design Lead – Parametric Models

We’re looking for a Lead Designer of 3D Parametric Models to architect the system and build Cricut’s parametric content library: hundreds of customizable models that stay beautiful, robust, and producible no matter how our members adjust them.
This is a hands-on role. You’ll personally build the reference-quality models that set the standard, define the design system every other model follows, and then lead production against that system as we scale, largely through external contractors.
The work is both as 3D artist and design engineer. If your instinct when you see a model is to ask what should be adjustable, what the sensible bounds are, and whether it still holds together at the extremes, this role will suit you.
This role has no direct reports. You’ll lead through the system you build, the standards you set, and the quality bar you hold.
Responsibilites
Design and build reference-quality parametric models that set the standard for everything else in the library
Define a consistent parametric design system across hundreds of models, including parameter terminology, grouping, ranges, defaults, dependencies, presets, and the controls our members actually see
Design for how people customize, not only how models are constructed. Decide what should be adjustable, what the sensible bounds are, and what stays fixed
Keep models producible across their full parameter range, accounting for tolerances, wall thickness, overhangs, supports, layer orientation, and material constraints
Build reusable templates, shared components, modeling standards, and validation approaches that make hundreds of models practical to build and maintain
Develop automation and scripting that takes manual work out of model production
Direct external contractors producing models at scale: write the briefs, set acceptance criteria, review and QA their output, and keep throughput predictable
Own our parametric content library end to end, including the system behind it and the content it produces
Partner with product and software teams on how parametric controls are presented in our apps
Use AI tools to move faster from concept to finished model, and help the team adopt what actually works
Deep expertise in parametric CAD and computational modeling, including constraints, dependencies, configurations, reusable geometry, and designing models that stay robust across their full parameter range
Fluency in tools such as Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Onshape, Creo, Grasshopper, OpenSCAD, CadQuery, or equivalent
A clear point of view on parametric UX: how parameters should be named, grouped, bounded, and defaulted so that someone who is not an expert can customize a model confidently
Strong knowledge of design for additive manufacturing, including tolerances, wall thickness, overhangs, supports, layer orientation, material constraints, and maintaining printability across user-customized parameter ranges
Industrial and visual design judgment. These models need to be genuinely good looking, not only technically correct
Experience with scripting or CAD APIs (Python, Grasshopper scripting, OpenSCAD, CadQuery, or similar)
Experience directing external contractors or vendors against a standard, including briefs, reviews, QA, acceptance criteria, and production throughput
Comfortable building in ambiguity. Much of this system does not exist yet, and you would rather shape it than wait for it
Scrappy and resourceful. You find a way to ship when the tools or the process aren’t there yet
Actively using AI tools in your own work and hungry to find more. We want someone who reaches for automation first and can tell us what they have streamlined
Collaborative and low ego. You lead through the system and the standard rather than through authority
Comfort in 2D tools like Illustrator and Photoshop is a plus, not a requirement
Interest in consumer creativity, crafting, making, or DIY (Cricut familiarity is a plus, not required)

Employment type
Full-time

Work arrangement
Hybrid