Chief of Design & Technology at BillionBricks
- N/Core
- Jan 29, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 30, 2020
Location : Singapore
BillionBricks is an innovation studio that uses design and technology as tools to innovate shelter solutions for the homeless and vulnerable. Co-founded by Prasoon Kumar in 2013, we have impacted 5,055 people from 9 countries. We’ve built homes and schools for the homeless and youth across Mumbai, Cambodia & Indonesia. Our first innovation called weatherHYDE, is a life-saving emergency shelter that won the 2018 Singapore President’s Design Award and was described by Ashton Kutcher “innovation at its finest.”
After 6 years of developing shelter solutions; now backed by venture capital investment, we are evolving into a for-profit social organization to accelerate the impact of our second innovation, powerHYDE.
powerHYDE communities are the world’s first self-financing, sustainable solar home communities for the homeless. A unique triple bottom line solution, powerHYDE combines social housing and clean energy into a single financially viable business proposition. Through the production and sale of surplus solar energy, we’re increasing incomes and improving living standards. To realize our vision of a future where everyone in the world can afford their own home in a dignified way.
We are in the process of developing the first communities in the Philippines and India and are hiring exceptional leaders to spearhead growth and take us to the next level. If you are a creative visionary, ready to make a difference in a game-changing organisation, this just may be the role for you.
For more background on powerHYDE, please visit these links:
The Role
We invite you to lead this new business as Chief of Design & Technology.
We’re seeking an all-rounded creative genius. Someone who can balance out-of-the-box innovative thinking with the technicalities of engineering and nuances of product development. S(he) will lead the conceptualising, developing and execution of powerHYDE as a product. Through productization, our goal is to refine and standardize the pioneer powerHYDE concept into an IKEA-like playbook so that it can be efficiently mass produced and deployed at scale across the world.
We have been researching lean manufacturing, 3D printing and automobile-style, assembly line technologies for the manufacturing of powerHYDE homes. As Chief of Design & Technology, you will build upon this foundation, while actively seeking and working with new innovations and ground up technologies, to realize our vision of housing for all.
Part of the role will require you to work in India, with the pioneer Design Lead for 3-6 months, to gain a firm understanding of powerHYDE. After which you will be transferred back and be based in Singapore.
Summary
Build powerHYDE as a product from ground up and standardize the pioneer powerHYDE project concept into an ’IKEA-like’ playbook for easy implementation and mass deployment, globally.
To build and lead the product team. It is essential to be a hands on team player with strong leadership skills, with the ability to pull together talent across functions to continuously create & refine the best versions of the powerHYDE home system.
Design for mass deployment and cost optimization.
A strong understanding of design, construction and engineering (mechanical,electrical, structural).
A strong awareness of cost, quality and speed of erection.
Work with interdisciplinary design teams in manufacturing and construction.
Prudent in designing for affordability and sustainability; upholding the core design principles of BillionBricks.
Skills & Experience
Strong understanding of system design and the life cycle of product design.
Previous experience in technology, design and / or engineering (construction, manufacturing, structural design).
Previous experience in prototyping and product industrialisation processes.
Strong ability to conceptualize ideas.
Innovative and hands-on.
Experience leading a team across varying disciplines.
Sample background : Postgrad fellow, R&D space in industries such as manufacturing.
Ideal candidates will be able to thrive in these reference organisations : Google X, MIT Media Lab.
Understands how construction is organised, looks into the nuances of research studies.
Understands and leverages future trends in smart home systems, 3D printing, lean manufacturing, assembly line manufacturing systems, building materials, solar technology.
Experience working within product innovation (hardware), relentless in the pursuit of improving design and technologies employed.
Absolutely passionate and committed to solving the global housing crisis. Read more about our values here.
What’s in it for you?
A fulfilling, purposeful career with a multitude of professional growth opportunities.
A leadership role in a vibrant, evolving organisation creating global impact.
The opportunity to be part of the founding team, with early employee stock options.
How to Apply?
Join our mission by sending a creative note to hello@billionbricks.org and amanda@billionbricks.org. Include your written motivation with clear mention of what you can bring to BillionBricks, together with all the following details :
Linked in profile
One page CV
One key reference
Your portfolio of work
Expected compensation
Current compensation
Visa status for Singapore
Note that if you are shortlisted, we may request you to work on a sample case as one of the interview rounds.
Comments