Experience Prototype Architect

Above is looking for two talented hires (Intermediate/Senior) to join our Design Technology team in either our Malmö or Stockholm studio - one hardware-leaning, one software-leaning. Both positions are full-time roles.

This is the job ad for the Experience Prototype Architect role. If you're a fit for both roles, you're welcome to submit a parallel application for the Full-Stack Design Technologist role.

The role

As a Experience Prototype Architect at Above, you will work with multi-disciplinary project teams on a wide variety of cutting-edge design & innovation projects for some of the world's most exciting brands. You will be an integral part of our design team, proactively contributing across the full design process - from research to concept definition, from technical explorations to crafting compelling concept prototypes and strategic narratives.

As a tech generalist, you are fluent in prototyping across both hardware and software, with a focus on building compelling interactive experiences and demos.

You enjoy working inside design problems - not just implementing solutions. You're curious about the "why" behind decisions, and you're motivated to develop taste, critique, and craft over time.

Our work spans consumer products, smart home devices, robotics, future mobility experiences, spatial experiences, and more. We create impact across all levels and horizons - from category-defining hero products to multi-dimensional portfolio strategies and shaping compelling future visions alike.

How we work

Design Technology is in rapid transition. AI tools accelerate iteration, but they don't replace the hard parts: judgment, direction-setting, and knowing what's worth prototyping and validating - especially where real-world constraints and build cycles still set the pace.

We value broad tool fluency and curiosity, and using experience prototypes (and other formats when needed) to move projects forward.

Responsibilities

• Proactively contribute across the design process, from research to concept definition
• Run technical explorations, and craft compelling concept prototypes and strategic narratives
• Shape excellent project deliveries through craft, creativity, and conceptual thinking
• Drive smaller engagements independently, and integrate into larger projects as part of diverse, cross-functional teams
• Act as an ambassador of the design technology discipline within project teams

What we are looking for

We are looking for inspiring, forward-thinking portfolios that display an integrated approach of design, technology, and creativity.

Core strengths

• Preferably 3+ years of professional experience, and familiarity with fast-paced agency environments / workflows
• Forward-thinking approach to technology, with a keen interest in emerging trends and future developments
• Comfortable leading conversations with stakeholders and experts across design, business, and engineering
• Ability to structure ambiguous work and choose the right tools/fidelity at each stage
• Strong craft + conceptual thinking, paired with clear communication and storytelling
• Demonstrated curiosity for design craft (interaction, visual, industrial, or service) - and an appetite to grow it further
• A humble, self-propelled, collaborative team player in multi-competence constellations
• Positive impact and sustainability mindset

Technical toolkit (in order of importance)

You do not need to tick every box - we're looking for strong depth in some areas and curiosity to learn the rest.

• Proven track record in developing interactive systems, and troubleshooting skills across design and technical domains
• Broad, language-agnostic coding skills, leveraging technologies like Python, Node, and Bash for scripting, bridging software systems, and writing plugins
• Physical computing fluency: Microcontrollers, sensors, and electronics (e.g., Arduino/Cpp/C, ESP32/Espressif, Raspberry Pi); comfort moving between MCU and embedded Linux
• Working understanding of electronics: schematic reading, breadboard prototyping, basic awareness of PCB design and BOM economics; Sensor integration and signal handling
• On-device / edge inference: running ML or LLM workloads on constrained hardware (TFLite, Core ML, MediaPipe, Picovoice, llama.cpp on edge SoCs)
• Pairing physical prototypes with AI workflows: feeding sensor/state data into LLMs, multimodal grounding, prompting from device context
• App development skills, encompassing both frontend and backend (e.g., React)
• Expertise in Linux environments (Setting up kiosks/demos, RPI, scripting etc) and networking/communication protocols (HTTP, MQTT, Websockets, OSC, etc.)
• Fluency with design and prototyping tools like Figma
• Media technologies (Audiovisual hardware and software, projection mapping, sound and video editing, LED programming) and light/sound design
• 3D / CAD fluency at sketch fidelity (Rhino, Fusion 360, Onshape) and comfort with shop-floor prototyping (3D print, laser, basic hand-tools)
• Bonus: Experience in Native Mobile App development, Computer Vision, Robotics, or Game engines (Unity / Unreal)

A bit about Above

We are a Scandinavian innovation agency dedicated to driving positive change through the integration of design, strategy and technology. Our creative 360-approach allows us to break down boundaries between the physical and digital, while fusing hardware & software into meaningful experiences.

We work with leading global brands, local Scandinavian heroes, and a fantastic collection of startups. We're a team of warm, welcoming, dedicated professionals with diverse, international backgrounds. In everything we do, we strive for a world-class result and believe you share that mindset. You'll join a team that values collaboration, creativity, and driving tangible impact through thoughtful design!

Join our team

Please submit your portfolio and short motivation statement.

Applications without a portfolio will not be considered.

If you have any questions regarding the job posting or application process, please send an e-mail to Alexander Pospischil , Director of Design Technology at Above.

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will start as soon as possible.

We are excited to receive international applications, and are generally able to assist with work permit & relocation processes.

Let's build what's next - thoughtfully, collaboratively, and hands-on.

Department Physical Design Role Design Technology Locations Malmö, Stockholm