As a member of the Development Team, the Product Developer  is responsible for contributing to the development, engineering, and specifications processes of innovative and technologically advanced products that meet the needs of the Company’s customers and end users which assists in Company sales and profits.  You will be assisting with the engineering of the highest level of innovative and quality products, executing to the product development timeline in conjunction with the timelines of the Company’s business strategies.  Working to develop products which meet or exceed predetermined gross margin targets, and communicating the specifications and product details to the Sourcing organization and Suppliers and you will be working under close direction and handling increasingly complex issues while developing a track record of success in the development processes.  Some of your primary duties include:

§          Managing the development process of company product lines as assigned.

§          Creating the specifications for the products, publishing and maintaining all records, style files, and samples associated with the product and related programs.

§          Planning and tracking the development schedule of all products to ensure a timely completion following the pre-determined product development calendar.

§          Partnering with PA to ensure the superior quality and timely delivery of sales samples each season. 

§          Partnering with Material Sourcing to select new fabrications and production processes that go hand in hand with developing innovative and technically superior products each season.

§          Interacting with Product Director, Product Manager, Design, Marketing, Sales, and Quality Assurance to distribute product technical details and assure the accuracy, legality, and integrity of all product performance claims.

§          Ensuring both technical superiority and the product quality / integrity of all products falling under their responsibilities. 

Requirements

We are looking for an individual with a BA/BS degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, Fine Arts, Industrial, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Minimum of 5 - 10 years of successful and progressive experience in Packs and Travel Development in a medium or large size company, preferably in the outdoor industry needed.  Excellent oral and written communication skills, aptitude for systems and systematic work, and strong interactive skills are required.  You must possess intermediate to advanced computer skills with emphasis on MS Office software and Specification Management programs and a track record in assisting in the development of innovative designs, procedures, implementing processes and getting things done on time.  You must have:

§          Knowledge of the product category assigned.

§          Successful project management skills and knowledge of the product cycle and product development timelines.

§          Knowledge of materials used, engineering and manufacturing processes to build JanSport products.

§          Knowledge of product costing and size/fit/grading (as applicable).

§          Excellent drawing skills in Illustrator for technical and construction detail sketches and related art. 

§          Strong pattern construction and sewing experience.