Want to work and play in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains? Cascade Designs, home to MSR, Therm-a-Rest, Platypus, SealLine, Packtowl and Varilite, is now headquartered in Reno, NV. Just over an hour from Lake Tahoe with 300 days of sunshine each year, this is the perfect work and play destination for outdoor adventurers at every level. We are seeking passionate, driven, curious people who not only love the outdoors but strive to bring the same passion and curiosity into their work with them every day.
Therm-a-Rest, MSR, Platypus, SealLine, PackTowl, VariLite
We are currently seeking a Softgoods Product Developer
As a member of the Product Development Team this role will be responsible for the management and execution of Cascade Design's development of products mainly in the softgoods categories, Including but not limited to tents, mattresses, and bags. With minimal supervision, they may be responsible for the project management as well as leading all the development tasks from the design specification hand off phase through to the final product commercialization phase. Based on their experience levels, they may be asked to provide advice and guidance on line concepts, manufacturability, cost, and supplier input during the design conceptualization phase. An active outdoor participant, and general passion for the products and activities we serve is highly desirable.
The ideal person should have 5-7 years of development, design, product management, global logistics or process engineering experience in technical products or consumer products. In addition, experience in sub-component supply chain management, project management and/or product development in an ISO complement company(s) in outdoor recreation market and/or related industries is desired.
To be effective in this role this individual must have a comprehensive understanding of global manufacturing enterprises combined with the leadership traits and communication skills required to excel in this environment. Experience with quality systems, lean manufacturing techniques, sourcing and vendor qualification, product design, costing, MRP and global logistics is desired. Strong leadership, collaboration and negotiation skills are required. Thorough knowledge of MS office tools required. Must be able to use the product in the field and provide critical feedback on product function. Requires moderate skill sets and developing proficiency within discipline.
This role is based in our US Headquarters office in Reno, NV. This is a hydrid role with mandatory in office days being Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.
Position duties / responsibilities:
Design Insights |
Maintain high level knowledge of design, research, engineering and marketing developments to constantly improve design ability, related product and industry knowledge |
Consumer Insights |
Study consumer trends related to design and proactively adapt and conceptualize these trends as suggestions for future products or product line introductions and enhancements |
Conceptualization |
Work closely with Product Strategy to conceptualize new product ideas based on an understanding of competitive products and consumer / market needs |
Prototyping |
Create or direct the efforts of inside and outside resources to create mock-ups and prototypes to evaluate conceptual designs |
Detail Design |
Determine all aspects of the product design such as (but not limited to) materials, construction, mechanical assemblies, aesthetics, shape, color, surface finish, and manufacturing processes in cooperation with other business functions involved in the development of new products |
Atypical Product Development |
Collaborate with appropriate partners for projects such as military contracts, special make ups for retail partners, etc. |
Product Design Visual Communication |
Effectively communicate design intent and ideas to customers through sketches, illustrations, models and prototypes |
Presentations |
Publicly present product concepts and designs to a diverse variety of audiences, catering to their specific needs |
Product Specification Creation |
Document entire product design through effective and product appropriate technical specification packages from the component level up to the final assembly, including but not limited to engineering drawings, technical illustrations, product and material specifications, and bill of materials; oversee all change management of specification packages |
Intellectual Property |
Assist in all activities pertaining the creation of new, or infringement of existing intellectual property as related to product design |
Product Costing |
Conduct cost analysis on new product designs and ensure the designs meet expected goals |
Product Sampling |
Coordinate development and production of all sample product required to prove out the design |
Timeline Adherence |
Adhere to the project schedule and assume accountabilities for all responsible components of the product development process |
Testing Standards |
Maintain and readily communicate applicable internal and external test and safety standards per respective product type, ensure standard test plans are up to date |
New Test Creation |
Perform DFMEAs and other analysis with cross functional teams to determine needs for new test requirements, collaborate with Test Team to establish new test standards |
Sustainability and Regulatory Compliance |
Maintain high level of expertise and readily communicate all sustainability related standards, including, but not limited to internal and external RSLs, vendor and industry requirements |
Product Validation |
Evaluate designs through structured test planning relative to applicable function, performance, safety, and sustainability standards |
Test Result Communication and Documentation |
Actively determine pass/fail results of tests, supply timely and constructive feedback of testing results, and document all results for future reference |
Design For Manufacturing |
Collaborate with Operations team to improve cost and ease of manufacturing throughout development and after product launch |
Quality Product |
Acknowledge that your work affects the quality level of the final product and collaborate with the Quality team to ensure appropriate Quality Assurance/Quality Control. |
Mentorship |
May provide mentorship to Associate Engineers and Designers |
Materials knowledge |
Solid, proficient understanding of materials essential to decision making regarding manufacturing processes used, environmental conditions |
Some of our amazing benefits include...
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all-encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
Cascade Designs Inc.
Cascade Designs began in 1972 with the simple desire to provide a more comfortable night outdoors. Since then, we have grown to become the parent company of some of the most respected brands in the outdoor industry. Though much has changed over the years, our methods for achieving excellence have not. We believe that manufacturing many of our products in our own U.S. and European facilities is an essential element in maintaining the quality users deserve, and that by striving to exceed our customers’ expectations of service, we will be successful for many years to come.
Our core purpose is to provide innovative, useful and long-lasting products that improve the adventures and wellbeing of our customers.
Cascade Designs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.