Product Developer – Skates

Ceridian HCM, Inc.; Montreal; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

CCM Hockey is seeking a Product Developer – Skates to lead development and innovation from concept through production, focusing on next-generation materials and constructions for skate boots and components.

You will work with performance labs and suppliers to validate ideas, turning data into actionable improvements while maintaining high quality and timeline discipline. Fluency in English and French is valued in this role.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical, Materials or Industrial Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience in hard goods development and/or PM; sporting goods is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of product design, development and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with materials development, testing or characterization is a plus.
• Good knowledge of hockey/sports is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of next-generation materials and constructions for skate boots and components.
• Drive concepts and technologies with Advanced Concepts team.
• Collaborate with material suppliers to prototype and implement new tech.
• Define performance and durability requirements and specs.
• Coordinate with labs to define test protocols and validate performance.
• Industrialize new technologies with CCM partners; optimize cost and processes.

Skills

Project management

Analytical mindset

Problem solving

Communication

Bilingual (EN/FR)

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical/Materials/Industrial Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

CATIA

Excel

Word

Job description

Job Summary

The Product Developer – Skates works to build the skates of the future, worn by professional players and thousands of players worldwide. As a key member of the Skates R&D team, they lead development and innovation projects from concept to production, with a strong focus on innovation at a world class level; next-generation materials and constructions.

Through design, material exploration, testing, data analysis and close collaboration with the mechanical and performance labs, they turn new ideas into validated, manufacturable products that raise the bar on performance, fit and durability.

Key accountabilities

Innovation and materials

• Lead the research and development of next-generation materials and constructions for skate boots, blade holders and other components
• Develop new concepts and technologies that drive future design work, in collaboration with the Advanced Concepts team
• Work with material suppliers to evaluate, prototype and implement new technologies that improve performance, durability and quality
• Keep a lookout on trends in materials, composites and the sporting goods industry, and turn insights into concrete product opportunities

Product development

• Lead development work on selected skate projects following the COMPASS process, as part of the development triad with Product Management and Design
• Define performance and durability requirements and product specifications
• Manage timelines, deliverables and priorities in a fast-paced environment

Testing and validation

• Coordinate closely with the mechanical lab and performance lab to define test protocols and validate product performance
• Support field testing with players and integrate feedback into design iterations
• Perform data analysis and reporting to issue clear improvement recommendations

Industrialization

• Collaborate with the CCM development team in Asia, Sourcing and manufacturing partners to introduce, troubleshoot and industrialize new technologies
• Optimize costing, specifications and processes while maintaining high quality standards

Qualifications and experience

• Degree in Mechanical, Materials or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent
• Experience in hard goods development and/or project management; sporting goods experience is an asset
• In-depth knowledge of product design, development and manufacturing processes
• Experience with materials development, testing or characterization (polymers, composites, foams, textiles) is a strong asset
• Good knowledge of hockey and sports in general is an asset

Skills and competencies

Technical

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g. SolidWorks, Creo, CATIA or similar) is a strong asset
• Ability to interpret hand sketches and 2D / 3D technical drawings
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn test data into clear recommendations
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word; knowledge of manufacturing support tools is a plus

Professional

• Strong project management, organization, rigor and structure
• Innovative mindset: curious, solution-driven and eager to challenge the status quo
• Ability to work independently, solve problems, take initiative and stay agile
• Ability to prioritize and meet internal timelines, with a strong sense of ownership
• Excellent communication and ability to positively influence internal and external stakeholders from a wide variety of backgrounds
• Excellent oral and written command of French and English