melin Sr Technical Product Developer

Who We Are:

At melin we believe that with more thought time and care invested into how we make ourproducts that we can actually extend the life of our hats and the adventures we take them on. We are looking to expand our internal family and are seeking one incredible human capable of excellence in a fast-paced work environment and eager to join an elite yet small team of A players.

The Opportunity:

As the Senior Technical Product Developer you will lead technical development from initial design concept through sales sample sign-off. Partnering closely with Design you will translate aesthetic concepts into prototype samples while ensuring fit construction and quality meet or exceed expectations. You will own the tech packs and specifications for all styles maintaining all associated records files and samples.

The ideal candidate has a natural tendency to deconstruct products to understand how they are made and will serve as the teams go-to technical problem solver. We are looking for someone who loves premium products teamwork and collaboration. You should possess proven time-management skills and expertise in interpreting consumer insights and market intelligence to maximize growth in accordance with melins core product pillars: eco-friendly sourcing best-in-class materials unique details innovative design comfort and performance.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Technical Leadership: Lead technical product development from design handoff to final production approval serving as the primary technical resource for the cross-functional product team.
• Product Engineering: Create review and redline engineering drawings and blueprints for all headwear components. Maintain accurate revision history and ensure all documentation is current accessible and aligned with supplier submitted construction documents flagging discrepancies and driving resolution.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Act as the main liaison between Design overseas development teams (including Europe and Asia) and global suppliers to clearly communicate aesthetic fit technical and construction requirements.
• Tech Pack & Spec Management: Build maintain and update accurate tech packs spec sheets and seasonal design comment sheets at every sample stage.
• Sample & Timeline Management: Own the execution of the product development calendar; build and manage seasonal tracking reports (via Asana) to ensure on-time delivery of all prototypes materials trims and sales samples.
• Fit & Quality Assurance: Review all proto/DCS submits to ensure specifications meet expected quality standards; lead proto review meetings with Design to identify corrections fit comments and manufacturing recommendations.
• Costing & Margin Management: Ensure all products are developed within established target FOB costs to achieve company margin goals; identify and alleviate potential manufacturing efficiency and costing concerns early in the cycle.
• Global Sourcing: Lead the sourcing of innovative materials trims and components from Europe to Asia ensuring superior product integrity and consistency across manufacturing bases.
• Communication: Conduct weekly status meetings with overseas development teams to align on timelines compliance and material testing.
• Travel: Travel internationally (China: 12 times per year) and domestically as required to visit factories suppliers and trade shows.

Experience & Qualifications

• Experience: 57 years in product development focusing on headwear footwear or technical apparel/accessories. Technical engineering and/or pattern-making experience is a strong plus.
• Education: Bachelors degree required.
• Technical Skills: Extremely proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator InDesign Photoshop) and product management tools (e.g. Asana).
• Industry Knowledge: Deep understanding of sustainable fabrics trims new materials and innovative manufacturing techniques.
• Agility & Drive: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment manage multiple projects simultaneously and pivot quickly to meet tight deadlines (including 48-hour turnarounds when necessary).
• Soft Skills: Detail-oriented self-motivated and a strong collaborator with exceptional organizational communication and decision-making capabilities.
• Brand Alignment: Must demonstrate a genuine passion for premium product design and brand building.

Location: This full-time position is in office four days a week in San Clemente CA and subject to change based on business needs.

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $80000-$110000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.

Benefits and Perks:

• Complimentary meals provided 3x weekly
• Generous product gift program and all brand discounts
  
• Company bonus program
• 5 year and 10 year Milestone Anniversary travel gifts
• Medical Dental Vision insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
• Company paid life insurance in accordance with plan guidelines
• 401k with employer match in accordance with plan guidelines
• 15 Days of PTO accrued annually plus one additional day of PTO every year on your anniversary and 3 Floating Holidays per year
• Paid beach and giveback days bi-annual team building events and other in-person celebrations
• Work with talented and great people who share a love of melin
• Dog friendly office

Archipelago Companies values a diverse inclusive and entrepreneurial workforce and culture and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individuals race color sex gender identity gender expression religion age national origin or ancestry citizenship physical or mental disability medical condition family care status marital status domestic partner status sexual orientation genetic information military or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal state or local laws. If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability please contact us at Archipelago will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

Required Experience:

Senior IC