Join Sonova in Staefa as a Hardware Interaction Designer! Shape user experiences for hearing instruments and accessories.
Overview
As a Hardware Interaction Designer at Sonova, you will play a key role in shaping how users experience our hearing instruments, chargers, Roger systems, and accessories — ensuring intuitive, seamless, and meaningful interactions across the entire product ecosystem.
You will collaborate closely with R&D, Product Management, UX, and Industrial Design teams to define how physical devices behave and how they connect with digital interfaces (apps and software). Your work will impact both end users (B2C) and hearing care professionals (B2B), contributing to a consistent and holistic experience across the Sonova ecosystem.
This is a highly cross‑functional role where hardware, interaction design, and system thinking come together — from early concept definition through prototyping and validation.
Tasks
* Design intuitive interaction concepts for hearing devices and chargers.
* Collaborate with teams to define user interactions and system behaviors.
* Build prototypes and user journeys to enhance usability and comfort.
Skills
* Degree in Industrial Design or related fields; 3+ years experience required.
* Experience in user‑centered design methodologies and cross‑functional teams.
* Hands‑on with rapid prototyping and CAD tools.
More about the role
* Design intuitive interaction concepts for hearing devices, chargers, Roger systems, and accessories
* Define how users physically interact with products (wearing, inserting, charging, pairing, controlling, feedback)
* Develop hardware UX concepts that improve usability, comfort, aesthetics, and user confidence
* Translate user insights into clear design principles and requirements for R&D teams
* Build and test physical prototypes and interaction mock‑ups (3D printing, Arduino/Raspberry Pi prototyping)
* Create storyboards and end‑to‑end user journeys across real‑life usage scenarios
* Ensure seamless alignment between hardware behavior and digital interfaces (apps/software)
* Collaborate in an agile, cross‑functional environment and drive alignment across stakeholders
More about you
Must have
* Degree in Industrial Design, Interaction Design, Experience Design, Human Factors, or similar
* 3+ years of experience designing physical products or hardware interaction systems
* Strong experience in user‑centered design methodologies in cross‑functional environments
* Experience delivering end‑to‑end interaction design projects
* Hands‑on experience with rapid prototyping, 3D printing, mock‑ups and prototyping via (e.g., Arduino or Raspberry Pi)
* Skilled with CAD tools and Render Software (e.g., Keyshot)
* Strong ownership mindset — proactively drives projects forward and aligns stakeholders without waiting for direction
* Curious and confident mindset — able to challenge assumptions constructively and engage stakeholders
* Strong communication skills in English and ability to translate user insights into clear design requirements
Nice to have
* Experience in medical devices, regulated industries, or consumer electronics
* German language skills
Benefits
As one of the world’s leading hearing care providers headquartered in Switzerland, we are committed to building an inclusive culture where you can balance a successful career with your life outside of work through our flexible hybrid working model. We offer a wide range of training opportunities for both professional and personal development, with strong growth opportunities supported by individual development plans.
Location: Staefa, Switzerland
Job Title: Hardware Interaction Designer (m/f/d)
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