Product Developer, Equipment

The North Face; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 86,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

The North Face is seeking a Product Developer, Equipment to lead the technical development of our packs, travel bags, and duffels from prototype to pre-production. You will translate design intent into production-ready solutions, create and maintain detailed specs in FlexPLM, and collaborate with Design, Product Mgmt, and global vendors to ensure performance and durability.

Candidates should have 4+ years in gear development, strong bag-construction knowledge, and proficiency with FlexPLM and

Qualifications

• 4+ years of product development experience in equipment/hardgoods.
• Strong technical knowledge of bag construction and components.
• Proficiency with FlexPLM and data discipline.
• Working proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for technical diagrams.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical development from prototype through pre-production and buy readiness.
• Translate design intent into production-ready solutions across construction, patterning, reinforcement, and hardware.
• Create and maintain specs in FlexPLM, including tech packs, BOMs, measurements, and labeling.
• Review prototypes and provide vendor direction to resolve construction and durability issues.
• Manage milestones and partner with Design/Product Mgmt to address risks and changes.
• Review vendor costing and identify value-engineering opportunities.
• Collaborate with Materials and Quality on selection, testing, sustainability, and compliance.
• Use Illustrator to communicate construction details and artwork placement to vendors.

Skills

Product development

Bag construction

Vendor costing

FlexPLM

Adobe Illustrator

Communication

Project management

Multitasking

Tools

FlexPLM

Adobe Illustrator

Job description

At The North Face, our equipment is built to go further, from everyday exploration to the most demanding adventures. As the Product Developer, Equipment, you’ll help bring our range of packs, travel bags, and duffels from creative concept to production-ready product.

You’ll be the technical connection between Design, Product Management, Materials, Sourcing, Quality, and our global vendor partners, turning design vision into products that deliver on performance, durability, quality, and value. From evaluating prototypes and solving construction challenges to managing product specifications and identifying smarter ways to build, you’ll play a hands-on role throughout the development process.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Own the technical development of assigned products from prototype through pre-production and buy readiness.
• Translate design intent into production-ready solutions across construction, patterning, reinforcement, structure, hardware, zippers, trims, and other technical components.
• Create and maintain accurate product specifications in FlexPLM, including tech packs, BOMs, measurements, construction details, colorways, labeling, and packaging.
• Review prototypes and samples, providing clear vendor direction and resolving construction, workmanship, function, and durability issues.
• Manage development milestones and partner with Design and Product Management to address risks, changes, and trade-offs while protecting product intent.
• Review vendor costing and identify value-engineering opportunities that support margin goals without compromising quality or performance.
• Partner with Materials and Quality on material selection, testing, sustainability, compliance, and continuous product improvement.
• Use Adobe Illustrator and other technical tools to clearly communicate construction details, callouts, artwork placement, and product specifications to vendors.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 4+ years of experience and professional achievements within the design and product creation field.

• 4+ years of product development experience in equipment/hardgoods (preferably packs, bags, luggage, travel, or outdoor softgoods).
• Strong technical knowledge of bag construction and components
• Experience analyzing vendor costing and communicating cost drivers/trade-offs.
• Proficiency with FlexPLM (or equivalent PLM) and strong data discipline.
• Working proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for technical diagrams and/or artwork placement.
• Strong communication skills with global vendor partners; able to give precise, actionable sample feedback.
• Ability to manage multiple styles and hit development gates.

There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.

• Experience supporting global development across regions and factory types.
• Familiarity with testing standards and common failure modes in packs/travel/duffels.
• Experience supporting sustainability initiatives (preferred/recycled materials, packaging reduction, durability/repair considerations).
• Outdoor/travel enthusiast and dedicated outdoor gear user.

Location requirement:

This role operates on a hybrid schedule out of our HQ in Denver, CO three days a week.

Hiring Range:

$86,400.00 USD - $108,000.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential

This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation

You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s 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 require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.