Job Application for In-Region Product Developer (Vietnam) at Peak Design

About Peak Design

The purpose of Peak Design is to create happy, meaningful lives for the people that work here. We believe this purpose can only be achieved when self-actualizing, highly stoked people enthusiastically step into (or log onto) the Peak Design office every day. Our purpose and our mission go hand-in-hand and we encourage and celebrate authenticity and the unique perspective each of our employees brings. We’re a close-knit team that thrives on mutual respect and the belief that every voice matters—especially when it’s got something interesting to say.

We make radical, meticulously-engineered gear for detail-obsessed people. Our backpacks, travel bags, camera gear, and phone accessories are used dang-near everywhere. If you’ve visited Machu Picchu, Tokyo, or an REI store in the last 10 years, you’ve been within ogling distance of a Peak Design product.

Alongside our award-winning gear is a brand that truly reflects who we are as people—passionate about design, deeply caring about our environmental and social impact, unafraid to speak up, radically transparent, and generally down to clown. Whether we’re explaining a product, running a sale, launching a nonprofit, sponsoring a film, or razzing the biggest company on Earth, we do it with our trademark honesty, warmth, and wit. Through our products and our brand, we aim to create delight, and leave this world better than how we found it.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Are you passionate about building the best possible soft goods?

We are looking for a driven, creative, and fun-loving In Region Soft Goods Product Developer to join our team and help us redefine the world of soft goods.

As an In Region Soft Goods Product Developer, you will be responsible for ensuring the successful mass production of our existing and new soft goods product designs. You will collaborate closely with our soft goods product operations team, Project Managers, external manufacturers, and suppliers to bring new colorways, product updates, and line expansion designs to production within tight timelines. You will also be responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and improving our existing product lines. Length of contract is one year with option to renew on Peak Designs part. We also reserve the right end the contract at anytime with 2 weeks notice.

We are looking for someone who is passionate about building top-of-the-line gear that is functional, beautiful, and cost-effective. You will also be responsible for staying up-to-date on the latest trends in soft goods design.

We believe that soft goods can be both functional and beautiful, and we are committed to creating products that meet the needs of our customers while also pushing the boundaries of design. If you are someone who is passionate about soft goods and who is excited to be a part of a team that is redefining the world of soft goods, we encourage you to apply.

Join our team and help us make the world a better place, one carry solution at a time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Drive product improvements by testing and implementing sustainable fabrics, specialty zippers, or custom webbing, making a difference in the world.
Ensure seamless project execution by coordinating with project managers and hitting milestones, delivering outstanding results.
Set the bar high for quality by establishing comprehensive quality control documents and inspection plans with our trusted suppliers.
Organize and maintain critical documentation and communications related to product manufacturing, playing a vital role in our success.
Collaborate with designers to bring their visions and product updates to life through technical drawing packages that wow our manufacturing partners.
Identify opportunities for cost-down and functional improvement by exploring new methods, technologies, materials, and vendors.
Research and identify areas for technical improvement relating to soft goods product design.
Facilitate communication with overseas materials and contract manufacturers.
Manage and execute testing plans to ensure new product designs meet performance requirements.
Reviewing samples against tech packs on their specifications and execution prior to sample delivery.
Manage sample tracker closely by working with project managers and tier 1 & 2 suppliers.
BOM review and management.
Be able to provide suggestions to designers/project managers on perfecting products with cost saving ideas, features and benefits, constructions..ect.
Help transition to QC team after approval samples.

ABOUT YOU

Skills

5 years of experience working with soft goods vendors to bring products to mass production for consumers
Able to transform ideas into reality, collaborating closely with sewing prototypers, sewing factories, fabric weavers, coatings factories, and more
Proficiency in building soft goods drawing packages, also known as "Tech Packs," using the power of Adobe Illustrator
Hand sketching ability
Able to work within structured product development systems, ensuring every crucial step is followed on the path to final mass production
Able to set up quality control expectations and documentation, ensuring the highest level of product quality at our manufacturing partners.
This is a remote position based in Vietnam, our soft goods design team will be visiting 2-6 times per year for on-site visits.
Proven team leadership and communication skills

Note that while these skills are valuable, they are not absolute requirements. If you possess the necessary drive and determination, we're open to being convinced of your capabilities.

Other Preferred Qualifications

Experience with Solidworks or other product development CAD packages
You use and care a lot about gear (photography, outdoor, or other passion areas)
You have strong opinions about the products that you use in your life and enjoy debating what makes these products great
You’re a systems thinker and love optimizing workflow and efficiency - you are capable of navigating surprise roadblocks with rational thinking and problem solving

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Fluent in English, both written and verbal
Must legally reside and work in Vietnam
Ability to work on-site at our factories

In-Region Product Developer (Vietnam)