Phygital Studio Lead

Role : Lead - Phygital Studio

You’ll be based at : IBC Knowledge Park, Bengaluru

You’ll be aligned with :  Head of Design

You’ll be a member of : Design

About Ather Energy:

Join Ather Energy, a pioneering force in the electric vehicle revolution! We're not just building scooters; we're crafting intelligent, sustainable mobility solutions that redefine the urban commute. Our design-centric approach drives innovation and creates exceptional user experiences. We believe in a connected future where everything that we see, touch and feel is going to be connected to each other. We believe in a world where digital and physical form factors will be blurred to create immersive and seamless experiences. We are writing the evolution story of what products of the future would look and feel like.  

About the Role:

Ather Energy is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Studio Lead - Phygital Studio to lead our dynamic team. This pivotal role will be responsible for overseeing the CAS modeling, Class A modeling, visualization, and physical prototyping functions within Ather Design. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned design professional with a proven track record of team leadership, process optimization, and a passion for driving design excellence. You will play a crucial role in shaping Ather’s physical design language, ensuring the delivery of high-quality outputs, fostering a culture of innovation, and streamlining design processes to enhance speed and efficiency.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead and manage teams specializing in CAS modeling, Class A modeling, visualization, and physical prototyping.

• Mentor and develop team members, providing guidance, feedback, and opportunities for professional growth.

• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance culture within the studio.

• Establish and optimize design processes and practices to realize Ather's design vision.

• Set and maintain high standards for design quality across all phygital studio outputs.

• Drive continuous improvement in design processes to enhance efficiency and quality.

• Collaborate closely with other design verticals (e.g., digital design, UI/UX) to ensure a consistent user experience across all Ather products and touchpoints.

• Partner with Product, Engineering, and Business heads to ensure projects are well-defined, impactful, and successfully executed.

• Contribute to the development and evolution of Ather’s design language and philosophy.

• Maintain a pulse on industry trends, emerging technologies, and innovative design methodologies.

• Collaborate with core operations teams (finance, POPS, IT, and Admin) for various operational needs.

• Be an advocate for design within and outside the company.

What You Bring:

• Technical Expertise:

• Expertise in CAS modeling, Class A modeling, visualization software, and physical prototyping techniques.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes and materials.

• Proficiency in relevant design tools and technologies.

• Ability to oversee the creation of high-fidelity assets, storyboards, and interactive prototypes.

• Leadership and Soft Skills:

• Excellent leadership, team management, and mentoring skills.

• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

• Process-oriented with a focus on efficiency and quality.

• Adaptability and a growth mindset.

• Domain Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of design principles, aesthetics, and user-centered design methodologies.

• Knowledge of the automotive industry and electric vehicle technology.

• Understanding of the Indian market and its specific design considerations.

• Experience and Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience in the field of design, with a focus on physical product design.

• Experience in developing products from concept to production (0 to 1 experience).

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or a related field.

• Experience in managing design teams and projects.

• A strong portfolio showcasing expertise in relevant areas.

Why You’ll Thrive at Ather:

• Impactful Work: Directly influence the efficiency and output of a talented design team shaping the future of mobility.  

• Scalable Solutions: Build and implement standardized design processes that will support our rapid growth.  

• About Company

  Ather Energy is a Bengaluru-based electric vehicle startup known for its smart scooters like the Ather 450X. The company builds high-performance EVs and invests in its own public charging network. It is pushing innovation in India’s growing sustainable mobility space.