Industrial Design Co-op

Marmon Foodservice Technologies, Inc.

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings—which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway—you’ll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We’re committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

About The Job

Though you may not know us by name, you’ve most likely enjoyed meals and refreshments supported by our industry-leading brand portfolio. For decades, we’ve designed and manufactured foodservice equipment for some of the world’s biggest, most recognized consumer brands. We are driven to innovate with a clear purpose in mind: revolutionize the future of foodservice.

We are seeking a motivated and curious Industrial Design Co-op to join our team for the summer. This role is ideal for a student passionate about user-centered design, hands-on prototyping, and exploring how Industrial Design impacts the Foodservice Equipment industry.

As a co-op, you will focus on relevant problems and challenges faced by our customers and drive those insights and ideas into viable solutions. You’ll conduct self-guided research, lead user testing, and generate concepts to inform the best design solution . At the end of the term, you will prepare and deliver a presentation to our senior management showcasing your work, insights, and recommendations. It’s a great opportunity to engage on real world design and development with the Design team and the broader organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Self-guided research: Explore user needs, workflow challenges, competitive products, industry trends, and ergonomic considerations in the foodservice equipment space.

• Concept ideation & visualization: Produce sketches, storyboards, and conceptual explorations. Participate in brainstorming sessions and create visuals for internal reviews.

• User testing & validation: With the guidance of the Design team, plan and conducting user testing sessions. Capture observations, compile findings, and translate insights into actionable next steps.

• Prototype support: Engage with the Model Shop to build models and low- to mid-fidelity prototypes to evaluate usability and communicate design intent.

• Cross-functional collaboration: Work with designers, engineers, product managers, and marketing partners throughout the development process.

• Documentation & communication: Prepare research summaries, testing documentation, and design materials for team reviews.

• End-of-summer senior leadership presentation: Present a comprehensive overview of your work, including research, concepts, testing insights, and design recommendations.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or a related field.

• Strong sketching, ideation, and communication skills.

• Comfortable with hands-on prototyping and model making.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks.

• Interest in foodservice equipment, human-centered design, and UI design is a plus.

Proficiency with the following tools:

• SolidWorks

• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.)

• Figma

• KeyShot

Work Environment

• This is an onsite role in Carol Stream, IL, with an expectation of 3–4 days per week in the studio.

• Work may involve time in test kitchens, prototype shops, or user-testing environments.

What You’ll Gain

• Experience contributing to real product development efforts.

• Exposure to cross-functional teamwork with engineering, product, and marketing.

• Opportunities to build portfolio-ready research, ideation, and prototype work.

• Understanding of user-centered design in a real-world, fast-paced industry.

• Direct visibility with a final presentation to senior leadership.

• Mentorship from experienced industrial designers and engineers.

About Marmon Holdings

Marmon Holdings, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company, comprises 11 groups and more than 100 autonomous businesses with total annual revenue of $10 billion. Marmon’s 28,000-plus team members are celebrating the company's 70th anniversary in 2023 and helping write the next chapter of Marmon's story.

Pay Range:

19.80 - 24.20

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that may include medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, and more!

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to careers@marmon.com, and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.