Product Developer - Gear

5.11 Tactical has established itself as the fastest growing and most well-known brand of tactical apparel, gear, and functional products in the world.  Through a commitment to operator-led product innovation, quality, and compelling value, 5.11 has developed a loyal following among some of the most demanding and discerning end-users of apparel and gear.  At our Development Center in Irvine, we leverage our deep relationships with end users to gain unique insights.  The results are products that break new ground combining ruggedness, speed, range of motion and ultimate comfort in professional duty, tactical training, adventure, fitness, and industrial professionals.

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Product Developer for Gear is responsible for managing the development process from concept through production hand-off, in accordance with end-user needs, corporate standards for quality, consistency & functionality, while meeting price, minimums, sourcing strategies and exceeding customer expectations.  The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detailed, and action orientated, with the ability to be flexible and manage a large workload in a fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Continually support innovation in materials, technologies, construction, and applications
• Collaborate with Design, Sourcing team, and vendors to facilitate development of style, fabric, trim, and packaging
• Ensure product is engineered to meet intended end use and quality requirements, through our testing and validation process (raw materials, garment, and in the field testing)
• Commercialize materials/ trims in accordance with established standards, manage and maintain 3rd party test results (material and garment)
• Commercialize products for compliance with applicable government regulations (NFPA, ANSI, EN standards, country specific regulations, etc.)
• Manage and maintain accurate technical packages (in accordance with product briefs); BOMs, color, data sheets, labeling, packaging, etc.
• Accurate record keeping and tracking of product components in data base and established trackers
• Commercialize product to meet target cost, through materials, construction, and tariff engineering
• Maintain accurate record keeping for ISO compliance and reference
• Drive multiple project timelines and update internal team regularly on status of seasonal commercialization
• Collaborate with HK Sourcing and suppliers throughout commercialization, meeting timeline, and maintaining related status trackers for visibility
• Support cross functional teams with technical product information (i.e. ARK, Bid Specs, etc.).
• Participate in product meetings to coordinate actions and mitigate project risks with additional associates and business partners as needed
• Manage fit, wear and ongoing field test and evaluation of prototypes
• Coordination of all required tooling, molds, & prototypes needed for commercialization
• Domestic and overseas travel, as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

To perform the job successfully, an individual should have the following credentials:

• Degree from an accredited University and/or combination of education and related product development experience
• Working experience in executing all levels of the development process with a solid understanding of the manufacturing process
• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience in a technical, high-performance product development role. Experience in EDC/ Tools and load bearing/ protection products is preferred.
• Extensive computer experience including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office: Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint.
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator
• PDM/ PLM software preferred

Our Values:

At 5.11 we embrace a high energy culture built upon our values of Service, Unity, Impact and Tenacity.

Service – At 5.11, we wear our passion for service on our sleeves: it is an honor to serve those who serve and people of all walks of life. With humility and great respect for our consumers and our roots, we take pride in our brand and engage with our communities. By championing the needs of our consumer we fulfill the mission of a lifetime.

Unity – We build together—as one, global 5.11 family. Our individual abilities and diverse perspectives strengthen outcomes. We collaborate, taking a holistic view and listening actively. By communicating with intention, care and clarity, we empower each other to reach new heights.

Impact – We have big ambitions and they start and end with our consumer. With them in mind, we innovate for impact—we think big, think creatively and challenge norms. We foster curiosity and iterate, relentlessly pursuing solutions. For ultimate impact, we drive to disrupt for good.

Tenacity – We are tenacious in our pursuits and accountable to each other. This builds trust and the confidence to rise to any challenge. We have the courage to take risks and, no matter the outcome, we flex and adapt, always having each other’s backs. We persist—determined to Always Be Ready.

Pay Range: $70,000 - $80,000 plus bonus.

5.11 Tactical offers a best-in-class benefits program including: medical, dental and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including: Hospital Indemnity/Accident insurance; Flexible Spending Account/Health Saving Account; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off/Paid Holidays/Sick Time; Casual Dress Code; and Employee Discounts.

*If you are a regular full-time employee working at least 30 hours per week, you and your eligible dependents may participate in 5.11’s benefits program.*