Soft Goods Product Designer-Outdoor And Specialty

Soft Goods Product Designer/Technical Developer – Outdoor and Specialty Products

Job Description:

The primary responsibilities of the Soft Goods Product Designer/ Technical Developer are to contribute to the development, engineering, and specifications processes of innovative and technologically advanced products that meet the needs of the company and related brands customers and end users. The Product Designer/Developer is responsible for 2D/3D models, prototyping, refinement, and facilitating the product design/development timeline in conjunction with the timelines of the business strategies. They work to design/develop products which meet or exceed predetermined gross margin targets and communicate the specifications and product details to the sourcing organization and suppliers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Self-manage the design/development process of company product lines as assigned.
• Plans and tracks the development schedule of all products to ensure timely completion following the predetermined product development calendar, communicating any roadblocks or impediments to the appropriate stakeholders.
• Ensures both the technical specifications and the product quality/integrity of all products falling under their responsibilities.
• Designs/develops products, recommends materials, and construction techniques that meet product expectations and meet or exceed predetermined cost targets.
• Ability to understand and interpret the vision and intent of products from product briefs, design sketches, physical prototypes, drawings, and tech packs.
• Build and maintain a close working partnership with product management, design, development, and sourcing teams and create samples to further design, test, or gain buy-in from team.
• Build/test designs to optimize function, adapt for manufacture and meet cost goals.
• Attend presentations and meetings, provide feedback on design/developmental matters, brainstorm solutions to ensure that the product/design vision is translated into a functional product.
• Maintain material library and engage in material research to meet cost or innovation targets.
• Communicate, guide, and negotiate with factory, including in-person factory visits both domestically and abroad.
• Ensures execution of fit intent and fit consistency through clear analysis, documentation, communication, adherence to fit standards, and use of block patterns.
• Creates the specifications for the products, publishes, and maintains all records, style files, and samples associated with the product and related programs.
• Interacts with Product Director, Product Managers, Design, Marketing, Sales, Compliance and Quality Assurance to distribute product technical details and assure the accuracy, legality, and integrity of all product performance claims.
• Domestic and international travel required up to 20%.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• 3 years of experience in technical design and/or development in a medium or large size company, preferably in the outdoor or sport industry.
• Bachelor's degree in related field; or Degree or Certification in Soft Goods or Apparel Design, construction, and/or patternmaking; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Intermediate experience with sewing and ability to operate sewing machines and cutters.
• Product commercialization experience working directly with contract manufacturers and material suppliers both domestic and overseas.

Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Able to independently manage products of moderate to high complexity.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of patternmaking and construction expertise, and knowledge of manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrates a solid knowledge of product category, product materials, and product development lifecycle.
• Able to proactively troubleshoot and proposes solutions to problems with moderate complexity.
• Demonstrates clear and accurate verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrates strong organizational skills.
• Demonstrates proficient computer skills in MS Office software, Adobe Illustrator, and Specification Management programs. Knowledge of traditional and/or digital pattering tools a plus.
• Working knowledge of textiles (knits, wovens, non-wovens), foams, films, adhesives, and related hardware.
• Working knowledge of CAD (i.e. Rhino) and 2D/3D patterning.
• Ability to interpret the Magpul mission, and visions and bring them to life in solutions that directly address target user needs.
• Ability to work effectively with teams and individually as projects dictate.
• Ability to analyze problems and present solutions.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects.

Additional:

• This position reports to Category Manager – Outdoor & Specialty Products.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance as well as voluntary short-term disability and accident insurance. Additionally, we offer a 401(k) Plan.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States for any employer. The applicant must be authorized to receive Technical Data and/or Technology under U.S. export control laws. Any offer made is contingent on the applicant passing a background check that will include a restricted party screening and, for prospective employees who are Foreign Persons, on the Company obtaining all necessary export licenses. In addition, the applicant will be required to pass a criminal background check and drug screening.