Product Development Associate

Caerus Corp; Blaine (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition Assistance Program

Employee Brace Program

Job summary

Caerus Corp is seeking a Product Development Associate at their Blaine, MN headquarters. This full-time role offers a salary of $60,000 to $72,000 per year and involves quoting and onboarding new customers for contract cut-and-sew and RF welding.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, along with 2 years of manufacturing experience. Compensation includes health benefits, 401(k), and tuition assistance.

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience in soft goods production design or manufacturing engineering.
• Familiarity with sewing construction methods and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to analyze production data for continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop customer quote packages and bills of materials.
• Coordinate New Product Introduction (NPI) activities.
• Build and evaluate prototypes and maintain project timelines.

Skills

Soft goods production design

Manufacturing engineering experience

Knowledge of textile materials

CAD software

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

CAD software

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

Company Overview

We’re a mid‑sized medical device contract manufacturer, which means you get the best of both worlds: meaningful work in a regulated environment without the layers of bureaucracy you’ll find at larger organizations.

Here, your ideas don’t get lost in an approval chain. Team members are encouraged to provide feedback, share suggestions, and directly see the impact of their work on processes, products, and outcomes. What you contribute matters, and you can see it come to life.

Because we’re still growing and evolving, we don’t have overly rigid structures for everything, which creates a strong opportunity for individuals who enjoy building, improving, and solving problems. If you’re someone who is comfortable rolling up your sleeves, taking ownership, and helping shape how things are done, you’ll thrive here.

We do best with people who are curious, hands‑on, and motivated to learn and grow. In return, you’ll gain exposure across functions, develop new skills quickly, and have a direct role in improving how we operate.

Position Summary

Product Development Associate – Corporate Headquarters, Blaine, MN. Full‑time. Salary: $60,000 – $72,000 per year. Travel up to 25%.

This role plays a pivotal part in our success by quoting and onboarding new contract cut‑and‑sew and RF welding customers. The associate collaborates with manufacturing professionals to build high‑quality products in the USA.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop customer quote packages, bills of materials (BOMs), product specifications, work instructions, and standardized manufacturing processes for new products.
• Serve as the primary point of contact during product development, maintaining professional and timely communication with customers throughout the quoting, development, sampling, and production readiness process.
• Conduct preliminary cost analyses and feasibility assessments using customer pricing targets, labor estimates, material costs, and manufacturing requirements.
• Build and evaluate prototypes and samples, collect cycle‑time data, and assess product designs for manufacturability, quality, efficiency, and cost optimization.
• Coordinate and support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, ensuring accurate and timely transfer of product requirements, specifications, and manufacturing documentation to production and support teams.
• Assist in developing and delivering training for new products, processes, and manufacturing methods to production and overhead staff.
• Manage multiple product development, quoting, and implementation projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and driving progress to meet established timelines and customer expectations.
• Create, modify, and maintain digital pattern files, technical drawings, and product documentation using applicable CAD and design software.
• Support the evaluation, implementation, and onboarding of new technologies, materials, equipment, and manufacturing capabilities to expand contract manufacturing opportunities.
• Maintain accurate project records, development timelines, status reports, and technical documentation; regularly communicate project updates, risks, and strategic recommendations to leadership and cross‑functional teams.
• Develop and maintain standardized workflows, process documentation, and manufacturing instructions to support successful product launches and production scalability.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Business Development teams to ensure new products meet customer requirements, quality standards, and operational objectives.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on product design, manufacturing efficiency, quality, and cost reduction.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Product Development, Textile Technology, Manufacturing, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• 2 years of soft goods production design and/or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Knowledge of textile materials, sewing construction methods, and manufacturing processes used in the development and production of soft goods and sewn products.
• Working knowledge of CAD, pattern design, or technical drawing software.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience utilizing ERP/MRP systems to manage bills of materials, part numbers, inventory, and product changes.
• Ability to analyze product and manufacturing data to support product development, validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: $60,000 – $72,000 per year.

• Health, dental, vision, basic life, and AD&D insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid time off (vacation and protected paid time) and six company‑designated holidays.
• Tuition Assistance Program.
• Employee Brace Program.

Employment Eligibility / E‑Verify

Caerus Corp participates in the federal E‑Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Eligibility will be verified after hire through Completion of Form I‑9 and the E‑Verify process, as required by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Caerus Corp is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Reasonable Accommodation

The Company is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact [e-mail].

Caerus Corp., headquartered in Blaine, MN, is a developer, manufacturer, and marketer of innovative medical devices and soft goods. Our brands include OrthoCor Medical, Red Fox Innovations, and New Options Sports.