Product Development Manager

StepRanger; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

StepRanger is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to own product development from concept through production. You will create master CAD data, manage design releases, and coordinate with our founders and overseas partners to bring new vehicles, variations, and accessories to market.

You’ll lead prototypes, testing, and production releases while ensuring documentation, quality standards, and manufacturability. Hybrid role based in CA or MT with periodic travel.

Qualifications

• 5+ years developing physical products from concept to production.
• Mechanical engineering or equivalent depth in structures, mechanisms, materials and fabrication.
• Expert in SolidWorks, Onshape, Fusion 360 or comparable CAD.
• Experience with welded steel structures, sheet metal and mechanical assemblies.
• Experience working with overseas manufacturers, ideally in China.
• Clear communicator, in writing and in person, with both customers’ needs and factory engineers.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of new vehicles, variations and accessories from concept to production.
• Build detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies and production drawings.
• Run structural and load analysis on frames, mechanisms and attachments.
• Build, test and refine prototypes, and plan and run field and durability testing.
• Own our master CAD, revision control and production release packages.
• Scope and manage outside engineers and designers.
• Work with manufacturing partners on design for manufacturing and first-article inspection, including travel to China.
• Write and maintain production quality and inspection specifications.
• Ensure designs are documented and protected before they leave the company.
• Improve current products for function, durability, cost and manufacturability.

Skills

5+ years product development

Mechanical engineering

CAD proficiency

Communication

Project management

Overseas manufacturing experience

Education

Mechanical engineering degree or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

Fusion 360

Job description

The role

StepRanger makes compact electric micro-trucks for people who move heavy things across real ground: property owners, ranches, farms, landscapers, schools, cities and commercial grounds crews. Our trucks haul up to 1,000 lb, fit where a full-size UTV won’t, and run on simple, serviceable electric systems. We sell direct to customers and have shipped to all 50 states.

We design our products in the USA and build them with manufacturing partners overseas. We’re a small team, we’re growing quickly, and we’re bringing product development fully in-house. This is the role that makes that happen.

About StepRanger

StepRanger makes compact electric micro-trucks for people who move heavy things across real ground: property owners, ranches, farms, landscapers, schools, cities and commercial grounds crews. Our trucks haul up to 1,000 lb, fit where a full-size UTV won’t, and run on simple, serviceable electric systems. We sell direct to customers and have shipped to all 50 states.

We design our products in the USA and build them with manufacturing partners overseas. We’re a small team, we’re growing quickly, and we’re bringing product development fully in-house. This is the role that makes that happen.

The role

You’ll own how StepRanger develops products. You’ll take new vehicles, variations and accessories from concept through CAD, prototype, testing and production release, and you’ll build the system behind that work: our master CAD, design releases, testing standards, and the protection of our designs.

You’ll work closely with our founders, who bring the customer feedback, market needs and brand direction that shape every product. You’ll manage outside engineers and designers, and work directly with our manufacturing partners in China.

What you’ll do

• Lead development of new vehicles, variations and accessories from concept to production.
• Build detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies and production drawings.
• Run structural and load analysis on frames, mechanisms and attachments.
• Build, test and refine prototypes, and plan and run field and durability testing.
• Own our master CAD, revision control and production release packages.
• Scope and manage outside engineers and designers.
• Work with our manufacturing partners on design for manufacturing, tooling and first-article inspection, including periodic travel to China.
• Write and maintain production quality and inspection specifications.
• Make sure designs are documented and protected before they leave the company.
• Improve our current products for function, durability, cost and manufacturability.

What we’re looking for

• 5+ years developing physical products from concept through production.
• Mechanical engineering or equivalent depth in structures, mechanisms, materials and fabrication.
• Expert in SolidWorks, Onshape, Fusion 360 or comparable CAD.
• Experience with welded steel structures, sheet metal and mechanical assemblies.
• Experience working with overseas manufacturers, ideally in China.
• Organized, independent, and comfortable owning several projects at once.
• Clear communicator, in writing and in person, with both customers’ needs and factory engineers.

Especially valuable

• Electric vehicles, e-bikes, outdoor power equipment or utility vehicles.
• Motor, controller and battery system integration.
• Thermoforming, injection molding or tooling programs.
• Rapid prototyping and hands-on fabrication.
• Experience at a small product company or design consultancy.

How we work

• Hybrid: you’ll live within commuting distance of Sebastopol, CA or Missoula, MT. Plan on regular hands-on prototype and test work on site, some travel between our locations, and periodic trips to our manufacturing partners in China.
• Direct impact: your designs go into production and into the hands of customers who use them every day.
• Small team: you’ll have real ownership and a direct line to the people making decisions.

StepRanger is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants of every background.