Koala is a global furniture brand bringing Australian design and innovation to the world. We create forward-thinking products that solve problems for people and homes everywhere, driven by our purpose to make the world a more comfortable place.
We’ve always believed in doing things differently, whether in the way we develop products, how we do people and culture, or the way we bring the brand to life. That mindset has fuelled our growth, helping us disrupt categories in ways that are creative, bold and often unexpected. While we’re a household name in Australia, our journey on the global stage is only just beginning.
Since launching in 2015, our furniture has reached homes across Australia, Japan, the US and the UK. As a B Corp-certified, customer-obsessed, and data-led company, we’re committed to revolutionising furniture for generations to come through design, innovation, and meaningful sustainability.
Role Description
To support design execution across projects while developing foundational design skills. Junior Designers play a key role in helping deliver product outcomes and ensure consistency with Koala’s Design Identity, while building their craft and preparing for progression into more senior design roles.
Key Responsibilities
Execute assigned design tasks across all product categories to support project delivery.
Support the Design Manager in creating sketches for new design concepts, renderings, supplier briefs, and technical assets in line with Koala’s design standards.
Communicate with suppliers across relevant projects, including submitting sample/trim requests and following up to ensure timelines are maintained.
Participate in weekly hub meetings to understand team priorities and assist with delivery as needed.
Own small-scope projects or discrete components from concept through to prototyping, with support from senior team members.
Maintain and regularly update both digital and physical CMF libraries including workshop design spaces and tools.
Prepare visual and written content to support internal presentations, stakeholder meetings, and formal reviews. Eg. Product Bio maintenance.
Contribute to design reviews, hub meetings, and project milestones to support team alignment.
Collaborate closely with Designers, R&D, and Technical Designers to ensure cohesive, on-brand outcomes.
Support the R&D team in validating new design concepts through physical workshop sampling and digital validation, including building prototypes, 3D printing components, and creating technical drawings in SolidWorks.
Prepare detailed handover briefs for creative stakeholders, incorporating 3D product scans to facilitate the creation of website render assets.
Learn from the Product Designer/Design Manager on how to manage supplier briefs, design feedback, and internal communication.
Absorb guidance from the Design Manager, senior team, and peers — approaching each learning opportunity with humility and curiosity.
Apply Koala’s Design Identity, CMF direction, and storytelling tools with increasing confidence and autonomy.
Build fluency in visual communication, design problem-solving, and structured feedback response.
Develop capability with Koala’s design processes, creative frameworks, and internal tools through hands-on experience.
Seek out coaching and feedback to support personal growth and team contribution.
Ideal background
1-2 years experience in a product or industrial design environment (including internships or graduate roles).
Tertiary qualification in Industrial Design, Product Design, or equivalent.
Strong sketching and visual communication skills, with a design-forward aesthetic.
Foundational understanding of materials, furniture construction, and CMF application.
Proficiency in design tools such as Rhino, Adobe Creative Suite, Solidworks and KeyShot (or similar).
Detail-oriented and organised, with strong curiosity and a willingness to learn.
A professional presence and a positive attitude is important. No task is too big or too small to take on.
Collaborative mindset with the ability to take feedback and iterate quickly.
Interest in sustainability, innovation, and product experiences that improve everyday life.
Treehouse Perks and Privileges
Koala is only great when its employees are happy — and we’re one happy bunch!
Hybrid working - We’re mixing it up with ~3 days back in the Alexandria Treehouse (office) and work from bed/home (WFB)
Take a break - Generous time off - volunteer, parental, Koala life leave and more to help keep your work-life balance, balanced.
Treehouse goods - Fully stocked kitchen with an emphasis on healthy local produce, think bougie brekky, salad bar, kombucha on tap, monthly barbies and more.
Pet-friendly - The Koala Treehouse is as pet-friendly as they get!
Surprise & delight - The two-word combo at the core of everything we do. All Koalas can expect to enjoy free Koala products with ‘mates rates’ for your friends and fam.
Support & wellbeing - Our employee experience respects and embraces all families, formed, found and evolving. You’ll have access to our Employee Assistance Program, which includes unlimited sessions for financial, work, relationship, family or wellbeing support.
Accelerate your career - via our Learning Management platform Juno, as well as individual and team growth budgets and dedicated days.
Community & connection - We believe that simply doing ‘no harm’ isn’t good enough So, how are we doing our part? BCorp Certified, WWF Partnership, volunteer days, a member of SoftLanding, 1% and so much more.
All in all, the Koala Kommunity is a great place to hang out and belong to!
Koalities We Look For
At Koala, we do things a little differently and we don’t shy away from the fact that we expect a lot from our employees! We are ambitious. We are curious. We are selfless. We want you to challenge expectations, always look to make a difference and give us something different from the norm. We want people that bring great energy, that have a long-game focus and are always trying to find new angles and approaches to the way we work. We're a team full of entrepreneurial spirit and have a relentless focus on 'what's next' but while always reviewing 'what's been done' and learning, growing and adapting. We're confident, but NEVER arrogant and we adapt to change like Steve Smith under a short ball. Honesty and empathy drive everything we do, as well as a total focus on exceeding our customers’ expectations. So if you feel like this could be you... well what the bloody hell are you waiting for? Drop us a line, and let's see what you've got! ;)
There’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ candidate, Koala is a place where everyone has opportunity. So however you identify and whatever background you bring with you, please apply if this is a role that would make you excited to come into work every day. We’re an equal opportunity employer, and recognise that a diverse workforce is crucial to our success as a business.
To read more, check out our careers, LinkedIn, or the great work we do with Work180.
