Head of Product Research, Testing & Quality

REI; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 229,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discount

Health benefits

Retirement savings plan

Accrued time off

Job summary

REI in Seattle seeks a Director of Product Research, Testing and Quality to lead how we test, validate, and improve our Co-op Brands products. You will guide research, lab operations, and quality assurance, partnering with design, supply chain, legal, and retail to set clear standards and drive durable outdoor gear.

You’ll oversee Magnusson Lab and Prototyping Shop, shape strategy, manage budgets and external partners, and use data to inform decisions that enhance safety and customer experience

Qualifications

• 12+ years in product creation, including research, testing, and quality.
• 8+ years leading teams in technical or product-focused roles.
• Experience working across design, supply chain, and operations.
• Strong knowledge of product testing, safety standards, and quality systems.
• Skilled in setting strategy and using data to inform decisions.

Responsibilities

• Set strategy for product research, testing, quality, and compliance across Co-op Brands.
• Lead and develop teams in research, test engineering, and quality assurance.
• Manage lab and prototyping operations, including budgets and external partners.
• Develop and enforce seasonal plan for product teams to leverage product specific research methodologies.
• Inspire and protect team competencies in creation of innovative test methods and requirements.
• Foster an enterprise approach to Product Quality function through partnership with strategic leaders.

Skills

Product strategy

Team leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decisions

Testing standards

Quality systems

Regulatory compliance knowledge

Job description

REI in Seattle seeks a Director of Product Research, Testing and Quality to lead how we test, validate, and improve our Co-op Brands products. You will guide research, lab operations, and quality assurance, partnering with design, supply chain, legal, and retail to set clear standards and drive durable outdoor gear.

You’ll oversee Magnusson Lab and Prototyping Shop, shape strategy, manage budgets and external partners, and use data to inform decisions that enhance safety and customer experience