Product Developer- Powersports

Job Description

Job Description

Simpson Race Products, a racing and motorcycle safety product leader, has an immediate opening for a Product Developer for the brand, Simpson Powersports. This role requires the candidate to have knowledge and understanding of the powersport segment(s).

As a Product Developer for Simpson Powersports at Simpson Race Products, you'll play a vital role in contributing to product design and vendor collaboration. Your role encompasses various concept-to-market tasks, including design coordination and communication, design realization of real-life products, vendor communication, and overseeing sample validation into the production phase. You will engage cross-functionally to execute the product portfolio, manage the development process externally, and maintain constant communication with involved parties in the Portfolio and Marketing teams. 

This position will be located in the office at our New Braunfels, TX location. 

Key Job Elements (Essential Functions Performed):

• Product Development Coordination: Assist the product designers and contractors to build products that are cohesive to the brand, portfolio strategy, and seasonal scope. Vendor Management and Communication to ensure factory development remains within scope. Prototype Evaluation and iteration. Material and component selection.
• Ancillary Product Readiness Development: Packaging design, coordination and development. Barcode development and validation. User guide and/or manual creation.
• Product Integrity: Fit and Finish evaluation. Material and component selection.
• Cross-functional Collaboration Support: Collaborate with teams to convey pertinent product attributes leading up to launch to make accurate decisions and materials. Aid in NPRs where applicable.
• Project Tracking: Vendor management maintains timely product progress and commercial readiness as it pertains to the development and GTM calendars. Vendor communication with weekly report-outs to leadership and powersports team throughout the development process.
• Change Management, Documentation, and Communication: Building and Management of BOMs, execution of change requests through the development process, and tracking product and costing changes.
• System Support: Data entry on product specs, costs, and other relevant attributes into internal and external systems, where relevant.
• Product Testing and Certification: Wear testing. Fit and finish confirmation. Material and construction detail validation. Compliance with coordination, assessment, and documentation.
• This position may attend shows and events as needed. 

Basic Qualifications (Education/Experience required):

• Powersports enthusiast desired! 
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
• 3+ years of experience in product development or a related role.
• Solid understanding of powersports helmets, PPE, and soft goods requirements
• Proactive personality style, eager to learn and grow within the role.
• Analytical mindset with exposure to interpreting and tracking product requirements through phase gates to commercialization.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with vendors, cross-functional teams, and stakeholders.
• Familiarity with product development phase, gates and requirements.
• Interest in participating in product evaluation, contributing insights to enhance future product development endeavors.

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to perform extensive standing, sitting, walking, and climbing; lift 45 lbs. regularly; manipulate up to 60 lbs. with assistance in picking up and moving stock materials and supplies; and wear personal protective equipment. Must be able to bend, stoop, and climb to reach materials.