Senior Technical Engineer Product Developer

Who We Are:

At melin we set out to create the most premium, highest quality headwear in the world. We believe that with more thought, time and care invested into how we make our products that we can extend the life of our hats and the adventures we take them on. We are looking to expand our internal family and are seeking one incredible human capable of excellence in a fast-paced work environment and eager to join an elite, yet small team of “A Players”.  

About The Role:

As the Senior Technical Engineer Product Developer, you will lead the technical development from design concept through sales sample sign off. You will partner with design to articulate the overall aesthetic into proto samples and ensure the fit and construction meets or exceeds expectations of quality and cost. You will own the specs for all styles and maintain the records, files, and samples associated. You will provide guidance and knowledge on construction and fit. 

This person has a natural tendency to deconstruct products to understand how they are made. Your role will be the go-to problem solver for technical construction. We are looking for someone who loves well made products, teamwork, and collaboration. This employee will possess proven time management experience. We ask that you have expertise in understanding and interpreting consumer insight, market intelligence to maximize business growth and market share in accordance with melin’s core product pillars. Our core pillars are taking the eco-friendly approach, best in class materials, unique details and innovative design, comfort, and performance. This role reports to the Director of Product.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead technical product development from design concept through sales sample sign off.
• Partner with Design and China development team to articulate to the factories the overall aesthetic, fit, technical and construction needs.
• Hands on construction problem solving.
• Responsible for managing and owning the execution of all product development and on time proto/sample delivery to the product development calendar.
• Manage the research, development, and quality of all melin product by serving as the liaison between the Designer, Overseas Production Team/Developer and Suppliers.
• Consistently manage timelines with our manufacturing partners and material supply chain in an organized manner, alongside melin’s design and development calendar.
• Ensure that all product is developed within established target FOB cost to achieve company marginal goals.
• Build and maintain spec sheets.
• Operate with a complete understanding of the development process.
• Coordinate and own all phases of development from Design Handoff, Costing, Compliance, Product/Material Testing, and Fit/Wear Testing.
• Build and manage a seasonal development tracking report document, keeping it up to date, always ensuring accuracy, updating Asana boards to reflect.
• Review and communicate design, fit, and construction comments to the supplier & maintain the seasonal style design comment sheet at each sample stage.
• Monitor & track all samples, trims, fabric, print, and color development approvals to/from Suppliers.
• Ensure consistency in materials, construction, and production techniques to provide superior product integrity across manufacturing base.

What you will do:

• As our Senior Technical Engineer Product Developer, your day to day will include, but is not limited to:
• Serve as the technical & manufacturing resource for product line management, design, development, and other members of the Product team.
• Contribute ideas for product design, construction, materials, and components to enhance functionality, aesthetics, fit, and product margin.
• Submit technical development packages and specs to communicate intended construction and aesthetic details for each project to overseas development partners and factories.
• Interpret direction and feedback to communicate updates to the design team for updated tech packs and advise details to the factories.
• Examine all proto/DCS submits to assure all specifications are correct and following tech pack, specs, meet expected quality and accuracy standards.
• Lead proto review meetings with Design team, identifying all corrections, fit comments, and recommendations for all proto stages.
• Conduct and lead weekly meetings with overseas development team.
• Identify/alleviate potential manufacturing, efficiency, and costing concerns during the product development cycle.
• International travel (China: 1-2 times per calendar year) and domestic travel as required to achieve a high level of product and component development, including visits to manufacturing countries / factories, and material/trade shows.
• Lead sourcing of new materials, trims, and design concepts.

Experience & Qualifications Include:

• 8+ years in Product development, pattern making a plus. Focusing on headwear, footwear, or technical apparel/accessories.
• Technical engineering experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Extremely proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) required.
• Knowledge of sustainable fabrics, trims, new materials, and innovative manufacturing techniques.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to pivot well and turn around projects within 48-hours.
• Manage and execute multiple projects from concept to finished product within calendar deadline to ensure hitting design, development and GTM dates.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, work ethic, and teamwork.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Detail oriented, self-motivated with strong decision-making capabilities.
• Demonstrate a passion for premium product and brand building.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and adapt to change.
• Team player attitude required.

Location: This full-time position is in office five days a week in San Clemente, CA and subject to change based on business needs.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $90,000-$110,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.

Benefits and Perks:

• Generous product gift program and all brand discounts
• 5 year and 10 year Anniversary gifts and travel to desirable destinations, in accordance with plan guidelines
• Wellness program
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
• Company paid life insurance
• 401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines
• 15 Days of PTO plus one additional day of PTO every year on your anniversary and 3 Floating Holidays per year
• Paid beach and giveback days, bi annual team building events and other in person celebrations
• Work with talented and great people who share a love of melin
• Dog friendly office