Job Description

As a Product Development and Engineering Manager on the Hardgoods Team, your primary responsibility is to drive the development process from concept through production—tracking samples, managing timelines, and ensuring products meet our high-performance standards. You’ll collaborate closely with design, engineering, and manufacturing teams to bring innovative products to market, while maintaining accuracy, organization, and momentum across all phases of the product lifecycle.

This role requires a proactive, organized self-starter who can balance multiple priorities, manage details at a granular level, and contribute to the creation of best-in-class products for the action sports community. This position is based in our San Diego headquarters (4 days per week).

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage seasonal product calendars, ensuring development and engineering deadlines are consistently met.

• Oversee concept-to-production workflow, including prototypes, testing, and supplier collaboration.

• Track, organize, and evaluate samples, providing technical feedback to ensure alignment with specifications and brand standards.

• Partner with design, engineering, marketing, sales, and operations to ensure cross-functional alignment throughout the product lifecycle.

• Support the Head of Product in coordinating product development from early engineering through commercialization.
• Suggest and implement process improvements to streamline product development workflows and increase efficiency.

• Validate product specifications, materials, and manufacturing methods to ensure performance and compliance.

• Create and maintain accurate technical documentation, including line lists, spec sheets, and reports.

• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify opportunities for innovation in emerging hardgoods categories.

• Contribute to trend research and design direction at the start of the product creation process.

• Organize, order, and track special products for field support and athlete testing programs.

• Lead or support special projects as needed, particularly related to product engineering and development.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related field); Master’s preferred.

• 5+ years of product development/engineering experience, preferably in hardgoods or technical consumer products.

• Strong knowledge of development processes, materials, manufacturing methods, and product specifications.

• Proven track record of bringing products from concept to market on time and within budget.

• Ability to manage overseas suppliers and cross-functional development teams effectively.

• Highly detail-oriented, organized, and able to independently manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Experience with project management tools (e.g., Airtable or similar).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey technical details clearly across functions.

• Proficiency in Google applications, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Creative Suite.

• Strong leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills; ability to inspire and mentor team members.

• COVID-19 Vaccine required

Physical Demands:

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods, moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another, Adjusting or moving objects up to 50 pounds in all directions.

Travel Required:  No

Benefits

• Fully paid health insurance for employees including Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD, and Life insurance
• 401K with 4% Company match
• Ergonomic workstations
• Free workouts led by personal trainer (5 available sessions per week)
• $200 product allowance twice per year when spring and fall lines are released
• 60% employee discount year-round
• Casual work environment

In-Office Role: 4 days in the office 

Pay Range: $100,000 to $120,000 USD annually. This position is classified as an exempt position and not eligible for overtime.

Please note: The actual base salary offered will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, level of education attained, and certifications or other professional licenses held.

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