Product Development

Job Title: Product Development (Prototyping) Engineer – Softgoods Design & Manufacturing

Job Location: United States – Onsite (Full‑Time)

Job Summary

The Prototyping Technician – Softgoods is responsible for hands‑on prototype engineering, fabrication, and small‑scale build support during product development. This role works closely with Design Engineers (DE) to create proof‑of‑concept (POC) prototypes, define prototype‑level processes, support tooling development, and assist with early production line activities. The ideal candidate is a designer‑maker with strong manual fabrication skills and a collaborative mindset. This hands‑on role focuses on translating early concepts, CAD data, and tech packs into functional softgoods prototypes to validate design intent, fit, function, materials, and manufacturability before production

Key Responsibilities

Prototype Engineering & Creation

• Support proof‑of‑concept (POC) prototype engineering and build execution
• Fabricate softgoods prototypes using sewing, cutting, bonding, and assembly techniques
• Define and refine prototype processes for small build quantities
• Iterate rapidly based on design and engineering feedback
• Modify existing samples based on engineering or design feedback

Hands‑On Fabrication Support

• Initially support the Lead Design Engineer (DE) in hands‑on fabrication and build tasks
• Fabricate softgoods prototypes and mock‑ups from sketches, CAD patterns, and technical drawings
• Prepare materials and sub‑components for prototype and pilot builds
• Assemble parts and components for early production line setups
• Step in during peak periods to support build throughput and schedule demands

Equipment & Production Support

• Load and unload work‑in‑progress (WIP) from tools and fixtures
• Load and unload tools from machines safely and accurately
• Operate specialized machinery requiring manual skill, including:
  • Industrial sewing machines
  • Cutting, bonding, or forming equipment
• Follow established safety, quality, and process controls

Equipment & Tools

• Operate and maintain prototyping equipment including:
  • Industrial sewing machines (single needle, walking foot, bartack, zigzag)
  • Cutting tools (manual, die‑cut, CNC, laser where applicable)
  • Heat sealing, adhesive bonding, or lamination tools
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized prototyping workspace

Materials Handling

• Work with a wide range of materials including:
  • Woven and knit fabrics
  • Technical textiles and coated materials
  • Foams, spacer meshes, felts
  • Webbing, elastics, fasteners, trims, and hardware
• Assist in material evaluation and selection based on performance and feasibility

Testing & Validation

• Support fit, function, usability, and durability testing of prototypes
• Identify manufacturing or construction challenges early
• Recommend improvements for design robustness, ease of assembly, and cost efficiency

Documentation & Collaboration

• Document prototype builds, construction methods, and revisions
• Collaborate closely with:
  • Industrial designers
  • Softgoods engineers
  • Product managers
• Support handoff of validated designs to manufacturing or vendor teams

Process, Tooling & Engineering Feedback

• Provide process improvement and tooling feedback to Design Engineers
• Support tooling design and fabrication activities, including fixtures and build aids
• Identify opportunities to improve build efficiency, repeatability, and quality

CAD & Engineering Support (As Capable)

• Support part and assembly CAD updates when possible
• Assist with basic layout, part breakdown, or build sequence documentation
• Help maintain alignment between prototype builds and engineering intent

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or industrial design
• 1–4 years of experience in softgoods prototyping, fabrication, or sample development
• Proficiency in industrial sewing and softgoods construction techniques
• Ability to read technical drawings, patterns, and tech packs
• Designer or maker with prior hands‑on fabrication experience
• Practical knowledge of softgoods materials, including:
  • Textiles
  • Films and synthetics
  • Leather
  • Adhesives and bonding methods
• Strong manual skills and comfort working with fabrication tools and machinery
• Team‑oriented individual willing to contribute beyond defined responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in softgoods prototyping environments (bags, cases, wearables, or technical textiles)
• Exposure to tooling, fixtures, or pilot‑line manufacturing
• Exposure to pattern‑making tools or software (manual or digital)
• Understanding of basic DFM / DFA concepts
• Ability to read and interpret basic CAD models, drawings, or build instructions

Skills & Competencies

• Strong craftsmanship and attention to detail
• Hands‑on problem solving and adaptability
• Ability to manage multiple prototypes in parallel
• Clear communication of build issues and improvement suggestions
• Willingness to learn new fabrication methods and materials

Onsite & Employment Requirements (USA)

• This is a full‑time onsite position in the United States
• Willingness to work in prototyping labs, manufacturing floors, and pilot environments