Job Description

Synopsis
The Manager Product Design is responsible for leading the end-to-end design and development of passenger-facing products across Etihad Airways' travel experience. This includes aircraft cabin interiors, seating, in-flight amenities and products, and ground experience products such as lounges and check-in environments. The role ensures that all designs reflect Etihad's brand identity, enhance passenger comfort, and meet commercial, operational, and sustainability goals.
Accountabilities

• Develop and implement design strategies for all physical and experiential product touchpoints (e.g., seating, lighting, cabin layouts, onboard amenities, and ground services).
• Lead the industrial/product design process from research and ideation through to prototyping and well as assisting with testing, and final delivery.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Guest Experience, Brand, Engineering, Procurement, and external design agencies and suppliers.
• Translate customer insights and emerging trends into design concepts that drive innovation and deliver world-class guest experiences.
• Participates in supplier selection and manage relationships to ensure design intent is maintained throughout production and implementation phases.
• Ensure all designs are feasible, cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant with aviation regulations and safety standards.
• Manage the design approval process, including internal stakeholders and external partners such as OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers).
• Contribute to the continuous evolution of Etihad's brand language through thoughtful, human-centered product design.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Transportation Design, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in product or industrial design, preferably within transportation, aviation, automotive, or luxury sectors.
• Strong portfolio showcasing physical product design, ergonomic understanding, and high attention to aesthetic and functional detail.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and rendering tools (e.g., Rhino, SolidWorks, KeyShot), and Adobe Creative Suite.
• Experience managing multidisciplinary design projects and coordinating with engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and CMF (Color, Material, Finish) strategy.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design rationale to senior stakeholders.

About Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, was formed in 2003 and quickly went on to become one of the world's leading airlines. From its home in Abu Dhabi, Etihad flies to passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America. Together with Etihad's codeshare partners, Etihad's network offers access to hundreds of international destinations. In recent years, Etihad has received numerous awards for its superior service and products, cargo offering, loyalty programme and more. All this ties into Etihad's ambitious Journey 2030 strategy. The airline plans to double its fleet size and triple the number of customers over the next six years as it sets out to be the airline everyone wants to fly!
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Skills Required