Soft Goods Designer

We are a successful and growing Los Angeles-based company specializing in tactical bags, packs, pouches, knives, tools, and morale patches. In addition to making top quality products, we also have an unwavering commitment to customer service worldwide. Our gear is trusted and preferred by military operators, law enforcement officers, and adventure travelers around the world.

ROLE

Bring Maxpedition gear from concept to final product delivery

• Work with management to develop designs and market calendar that meets company's strategic goals

• Brainstorming in team environment with the purpose of generating ideas & concepts

• Develop detailed tech packs and visually diagram instructions for ease of communication with factory and to achieve quality samples

• Overseeing design development with outside vendors and collaborators

• Work in tandem with management to help clarify objectives with vendors

• Communicate design and direct manufacturing partner team efforts

• Problem solve manufacturing and design issues

• Review all production approvals to ensure adherence to design requirements, quality and production calendar

• Attend all production and proto design sessions to ensure quality, function, fit, comfort, etc.

• Conduct laboratory and field testing of products or materials

• Work with quality control & assurance teams to ensure mass production products meet quality standards

• Work with sales, marketing and merchandising teams to prep products for market

• Work with photo/video team to style products appropriately during shoots

• Review and analyze selling information, warranty data and customer feedback as tools for development

• Research market trends

• Actively implement continuous improvement

• Develop and nurture a portfolio of advance concept designs, processes, and materials

Minimum Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or Product Design

• Must have the drive to innovative industry leading products

• Experience designing and developing soft bags, packs with frames and wheeled luggage

• Strong command of ergonomics

• Experience developing technical fabrics, coatings, colors, trim, soft & hard components, embroidery, labels

• Understanding of high quality soft goods construction techniques and materials • Experience developing products with overseas factory

• Experience working with account managers, engineers, prototypists, pattern makers, quality control & assurance personnel

• Strong understanding of pattern making, subsequent costing/quality implications, fabric and leather knowledge, construction drawings, 2D documentation, materials, functional usage, patents, and cut & sew manufacturing processes

• Experience in prototyping and sampling, product testing, manufacturing problem solving, costing, vendor negotiations and final product delivery

• Experience developing specific price points

• Strong process and project management experience

• Ability to work multiple projects within a fast paced environment

• Strong hand sketching, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop capabilities necessary to communicate design intent and construction

• Ability to travel up to 8 weeks per year internationally

• Must understand proper etiquette when interacting with international suppliers

• Must have excellent communication skills

• Must be proactive

• Must have ability to work collaboratively, cross-functionally, and independently.

• Must have positive attitude

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Proficiency in CAD or 3D modeling programs such as Alias, Rhino, SolidWorks

• Proficiency in Excel and Word

• Understanding of tactical gear, shooting sports-related, hunting, outdoor, photography products

• Ability to sew, to make patterns and to mock up fabrication

• Experience developing product packaging for soft goods

• Experience drafting patent drawings

• Travel experience to Asia

• Already a Maxpedition gear owner / user / fan is a huge plus

ELIGIBILITY

• Must have a clean background, with no criminal record

• Must be U.S. citizen, permanent resident or have a valid working permit

• Must provide job references