Product Development Associate

Job Summary

The Product Development Associate will work directly with R&D to support new product development, product integration, and improvements to existing products and processes.

This is a hands-on learning and development opportunity, working closely with R&D on active projects. You'll assist with the technical work needed to move projects forward while learning R&D processes, materials, problem-solving approaches, and product development methods along the way.

The role will begin with supporting projects and developing foundational R&D skills, with responsibilities increasing as your knowledge, confidence, and technical abilities develop.

Responsibilities

• Assist with new product development and existing product improvements.
• Support R&D projects through fabrication, prototyping, molding, casting, and other technical tasks.
• Complete hands-on project work that helps move development projects forward.
• Assist with material testing and process trials.
• Help troubleshoot technical and production issues.
• Assist with developing and refining repeatable production processes.
• Help create and update work instructions and process documentation.
• Support product integration from R&D into production.
• Participate in testing, production trials, and process validation.
• Work closely with R&D and production to complete project tasks and solve problems.

Skills

This role would be a good fit for someone who is:

• Hands-on, technically minded, and creative.
• A strong problem solver who enjoys figuring things out.
• Detail-oriented with a high personal standard for quality.
• Comfortable learning new skills, materials, and processes.
• Able to follow detailed instructions while developing the ability to work independently.
• Persistent when working through challenges.
• Curious and willing to ask questions and learn from others.
• Interested in expanding their technical skill set and developing an understanding of R&D.

Relevant Technical Experience

The ideal candidate will have experience in several of the following disciplines:

• Sculpting
• Molding and mold making
• Casting
• Seaming
• Finishing work
• Body-shopping

Experience in a combination of these areas is required. Candidates should also be willing to learn new techniques and develop additional skills as needed.

Additional experience in areas such as 3D printing/scanning, CAD, woodworking, metalworking, composites, model making, automotive fabrication, film/TV props, or special effects would be beneficial.

DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY

You'll work closely with R&D throughout the development process, learning through hands-on experience, direct guidance, and participation in active projects.

As your skills and knowledge develop, you'll gradually take on more responsibility for troubleshooting, process development, product integration, and individual R&D projects.

The goal is to develop a strong technical resource who can eventually take on greater responsibility within the R&D / New Product Integration department.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• relevant technical: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person