Product Development Associate: NPI & Prototyping Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, basic life, AD

401(k) retirement plan with employer

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition Assistance Program

Employee Brace Program

Job summary

Caerus Corp seeks a Product Development Associate to quote and onboard new contract cut and sew and RF welding customers, collaborating with manufacturing professionals in the USA to build high-quality products.

This role develops BOMs, product specs, and processes, coordinates with cross-functional teams, and drives NPI initiatives to production readiness. Excellent communication and CAD skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in engineering-related field.
• 2 years of soft goods production design or manufacturing engineering experience.
• Knowledge of textile materials, sewing construction, and related manufacturing processes.
• Proficient CAD, pattern design, or technical drawing software.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to analyze product/manufacturing data to support development and improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop quote packages, BOMs, product specs, work instructions, and standardized manufacturing processes for new products.
• Serve as primary contact during product development with customers through quoting, development, sampling, and production readiness.
• Conduct preliminary cost analyses using pricing targets, labor estimates, material costs, and manufacturing requirements.
• Build prototypes, collect cycle-time data, and assess manufacturability, quality, efficiency, and cost.
• Coordinate and support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and transfer docs to production teams.
• Assist in developing and delivering training for new products, processes, and methods to staff.
• Manage multiple product development, quoting, and implementation projects to meet timelines.
• Create, modify, and maintain CAD drawings and product documentation.
• Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and Business Development to meet requirements and objectives.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on design, efficiency, quality, and cost.

Skills

Textile materials knowledge

Sewing construction methods

Manufacturing processes for soft goods

ERP/MRP systems experience

Data analysis of product/manufacturing

CAD/pattern design/technical drawing

MS Office proficiency (Excel/Word/PP/O

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/related field

Tools

CAD software

Pattern design software

Technical drawing software

Job description

Caerus Corp seeks a Product Development Associate to quote and onboard new contract cut and sew and RF welding customers, collaborating with manufacturing professionals in the USA to build high-quality products.

This role develops BOMs, product specs, and processes, coordinates with cross-functional teams, and drives NPI initiatives to production readiness. Excellent communication and CAD skills are essential.