Archipelago Companies seeks a Senior Technical Product Developer to oversee end-to-end technical development of headwear from concept through production, owning tech packs and specifications while coordinating cross-functional design, sourcing, and quality across teams.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the principal technical authority guiding product development from design handoff to final production approval for a cross-functional team.
- Develop and review engineering drawings and blueprints for all headwear components, maintain revision histories, and ensure alignment with supplier construction documents while resolving discrepancies.
- Coordinate with Design, overseas development teams in Europe and Asia, and global suppliers to clearly communicate aesthetic, fit, technical, and construction requirements.
- Create and maintain accurate tech packs, specification sheets, and seasonal design comment records at every sample stage.
- Own the product development calendar and manage seasonal tracking using Asana to ensure on-time delivery of prototypes, materials, trims, and sales samples.
- Evaluate proto and DCS submissions against quality standards; lead proto review sessions with Design to identify corrections, fit comments, and manufacturing recommendations.
- Ensure development stays within target FOB costs to meet margin goals; proactively identify and mitigate manufacturing, efficiency, and cost concerns early in the cycle.
- Direct global sourcing of innovative materials, trims, and components from Europe to Asia, maintaining product integrity across manufacturing sites.
- Hold regular weekly status meetings with overseas teams to align on timelines, compliance, and material testing.
- Travel internationally, including to China 1–2 times per year, and domestically as required to visit factories, suppliers, and trade shows.
Requirements
- 5–7+ years of product development experience focused on headwear, footwear, or technical apparel or accessories; technical engineering and/or pattern-making experience is a strong plus.
- Bachelor’s degree is required.
- Very strong proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and product management tools such as Asana.
- Deep knowledge of sustainable fabrics, trims, new materials, and innovative manufacturing techniques.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple projects, and pivot quickly to meet tight deadlines, including occasional 48-hour turnarounds.
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and a collaborative team player with strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrates a genuine passion for premium product design and brand building.
Technologies
- Illustrator
- InDesign
- Photoshop
- Asana
Benefits
- Complimentary meals provided three times per week
- Generous product gift program and brand discounts
- Company bonus program
- Milestone travel gifts at 5-year and 10-year anniversaries
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Company-paid life insurance
- 401(k) with employer matching
- 15 days of paid time off per year, plus one additional day each anniversary year, plus three floating holidays
- Paid beach and giveback days, biannual team-building events, and other in-person celebrations
- Collaborative environment with colleagues who share a passion for melin
- Dog-friendly office
Who We Are
At melin, we believe that dedicating time and care to how we make our products can extend the life of our hats and the adventures they accompany. We are expanding our internal family and seek one exceptional individual capable of delivering excellence in a fast-paced setting and eager to join an elite, yet small team of A players.
The Opportunity
As the Senior Technical Product Developer, you will lead technical development from the initial design concept through sales sample sign-off. Partnering closely with Design, you will translate aesthetic concepts into prototype samples while ensuring fit, construction, and quality meet or exceed expectations. You will own the tech packs and specifications for all styles, maintaining all associated records, files, and samples. The ideal candidate naturally dissects products to understand how they are made and serves as the team's technical problem solver, with a passion for premium products and collaboration. Strong time-management skills and the ability to interpret consumer insights and market intelligence to drive growth aligned with melin's core product pillars will be essential.
Location
This full-time role is on-site four days per week in San Clemente, CA, with potential adjustments based on business needs.
Compensation
Salary range is USD 80,000 to 110,000 per year, plus potential for an annual bonus. Compensation is based on experience.