The North Face:
Product Developer Job in Alameda, VT

At The North Facewe dare to lead the world forward through Exploration.

The North Face is the premier exploration company in the world. Founded in the counterculture of Berkeley, CA in 1966 we have a long and storied legacy of enabling exploration, protecting our planet, and creating iconic and technically advanced product.

Our culture is born from the spirit of the Explorer and infuses everything we do. We love wild places. We spark curiosity. We dare to disrupt. We create communities. And we lead with integrity. We are a community of explorers and are constantly looking for new ideas, places and people to connect with.
We take great pride in our ability to facilitate exploration for our employees and partners. By joining The North Face family, you will be offered the opportunity, tools and environments to more deeply explore the world around you and make meaningful, lasting connections. You will also be working on a team with a mission to protect our planet for generations to come.

The North Face is part of VF Corporation who guidespowerful brands that are fueled by insights and innovation that put us at the heart of our consumers lives. Many of our brands lead their respective categories, and some have risen to iconic status.

While our VF company and brands are diverse, we work together within a One VF culture to capitalize on our greatest opportunities for long-term performance. Across our company, a collaborative, global mindset differentiates our products and the unique experiences we provide to our consumers. It all adds up to a lasting competitive advantage built on harnessing the power of our differences to achieve great things together, all while positively impacting the lives of hundreds of millions of people and the world.

Product Developer: Become the Newest Member of the VF Family

A Product Developer at The North Face is responsible for driving the development, engineering, fit execution and specifications for innovative, technologically advanced products of the highest level. We build products that are coveted and trusted by our customers in a fun, fast paced environment. We are passionate, precise, team oriented engineers with a love of the outdoors and a commitment to sustainability.

How You Will Make a Difference:
Manages the development process of company product lines as assigned
Plans and tracks the development schedule of all products to ensure a timely completion following the predetermined product development calendar
Ensures both the technical superiority and the product quality/integrity of all products falling under their responsibilities
Develops products, recommends materials, and construction techniques that meet Design expectations an meet or exceed predetermined gross margin targets
Ensures execution of fit intent and fit consistency through clear analysis, documentation, communication, adherence to fit standards, and use of block patterns
Creates the specifications for the products, publishes, and maintains all records, style files, and samples associated with the product and related programs
Partners with Product and Material Sourcing and manufacturers to develop new materials, construction techniques, processes, and samples used to create innovative and technically superior products each season
Interacts with Product Director, Product Manager, Design, Marketing, Sales, and Quality Assurance to distribute product technical details and assure the accuracy, legality, and integrity of all product performance claims
Performs these and other duties as assigned

Skills for Success:
Years of Related Professional Experience: 3+ years of experience in Technical Design/Product Development in a medium or large size company, preferably in the outdoor industry.
Educational/Position Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or Manufacturing, or Degree or Certification in apparel design, construction, and/or patternmaking, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of graphic techniques, textile properties, testing, dyeing, finishing, manufacturing or other textile fundamentals
Able to lead a fitting or meeting with optional supervision
Able to independently manage product of moderate to high complexity
Demonstrates a solid knowledge of fit, patternmaking, and construction expertise, and knowledge of manufacturing processes
Demonstrates a solid knowledge of product category, product materials, and product development lifecycle
Demonstrates great interpersonal skills, including the ability to create trust with cross functional teams
Participates in special projects, process or calendar optimization with supervision
Able to resolve conflict with coaching
Some overseas travel required
Able to proactively troubleshoot and proposes solutions to problems with moderate complexity
Demonstrates clear and accurate verbal and written communication
Participates in goal setting. Drives results to achieve goals
Demonstrates strong organizational skills
Demonstrates proficient computer skills in MS Office software, Adobe Illustrator, and Specification Management programs. Knowledge of patternmaking systems a plus
Deadline driven with a track record for delivering great results on time