Lecturer: Industrial Product Design

Location: Stellenbosch Campus, Western Cape

Starting Date: 1 June 2026

Closing Date: 30 April 2026

Are you passionate about shaping the next generation of Industrial designers? The Open Window’s School of Creative Technologies is looking for a forward-thinking Lecturer in Industrial Product Design to join our dynamic academic team.

If you love design thinking, sketching, tinkering with materials, thinking spatially, prototyping, and making things with your hands — and you thrive on inspiring others to do the same — we’d love to meet you.

About The Open Window

The Open Window is a leading private higher education institution recognised for innovation in the visual arts and digital sciences. Since 1994, we’ve offered a unique creative platform where design, technology, and storytelling intersect.

Our lecturers are both educators and active practitioners — shaping a vibrant academic culture that values experimentation, collaboration, and critical thinking.

About Industrial Product Design at OW

Industrial Product Design is where creativity meets functionality — teaching students how to design meaningful, user-centred physical products. Through research, testing, and iterative design, students learn to conceptualise, prototype, and manufacture physical products.

As a lecturer, you’ll help students merge aesthetic intelligence with problem-solving, guiding them to design products that are both beautiful and human-focused.

What You’ll Do

• Teach and mentor undergraduate students in Industrial Product Design across multiple year levels (Year 1–3).

• Guide students through design processes including research, sketching, CAD, engineering drawings, manufacturing, user testing, and product launching.

• Develop and refine course content to align with industry standards and emerging trends.

• Provide constructive feedback and continuous support to students.

• Collaborate with fellow lecturers and departments to enrich interdisciplinary learning.

• Contribute to academic and creative initiatives within the School of Creative Technologies.

What You Bring

• Qualification: Minimum NQF Level 8 (Honours degree or equivalent) in Industrial Design or a related field.

• Portfolio: A strong portfolio showcasing Industrial Design projects.

• Mindset: A technical, creative, and inquisitive mindset with a willingness to research new materials and theories.

• Software Proficiency: SolidWorks and Rendering Software (KeyShot competency is beneficial).

• Digital Literacy: Proficiency in Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, etc.).

• Artistry: Confidence in hand-drawing ability.

• Soft Skills: Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Bonus points for:

• A Master’s degree or teaching qualification.

• Practical industry experience.

• Experience in tertiary-level teaching or curriculum design.

• Proficiency with Adobe Suite (XD, Photoshop, Illustrator).

Remuneration & Contract

• Rate: R450 per hour (Inclusive of preparation, class facilitation, and marking).

• Contract: Fixed Term (12 hours a week).

• Duration: 1 June 2026 – 31 October 2026.

How to Apply

Ready to join a team of designers and thinkers redefining digital design in South Africa?

Submit your CV, Portfolio, and Motivational Letter to: 📩 [email protected]
Applications close: 30 April 2026

 

• In support of the company’s Employment Equity plan, applicants from designated groups are encouraged to apply.

• No application will be considered after the closing date or if it does not comply with minimum requirements.

• Should you not receive a response within two months after the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

• The Open Window reserves the right to retract the position advertised without notice.

• Personal information will be handled according to OW POPIA policies and shared only with relevant HR and interview panels.

#LI-DNI