Jr. Product Developer

Archipelago Companies is seeking a Jr Product Developer to help shape melin headwear development. In a hybrid role based in San Clemente, CA, you will collaborate with Senior Developers to keep development organized, ensure specs stay flawless, and help the product remain the best in the world. The role focuses on coordinating timelines, costs, and documentation across design, development, and production. Salary range: USD 70,000 - 75,000 per year.

Benefits

• Complimentary meals three times per week.
• Generous product gift program and access to brand discounts.
• Eligible for a company bonus program.
• Travel gifts at 5-year and 10-year milestones.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage per plan guidelines.
• Company-paid life insurance per plan guidelines.
• 401(k) with employer match per plan guidelines.
• 15 days of PTO per year, plus one additional day on your anniversary and 3 floating holidays annually.
• Paid beach and giveback days, bi-annual team building events, and other in-person celebrations.
• Collaborate with a team that shares a passion for melin.
• Dog friendly office environment.

Responsibilities

• Support end-to-end product development and on-time delivery of prototypes and samples aligned to the development calendar.
• Lead and track timelines with manufacturing partners and material suppliers, synchronized with melin's design and development calendars.
• Maintain development within target FOB cost to support margin objectives.
• Create and maintain technical spec sheets.
• Apply a comprehensive understanding of the product development process.
• Own and coordinate all phases from design handoff through costing and compliance.
• Maintain a seasonal development tracking document, ensuring accuracy and up-to-date information.
• Review and relay design, fit, and construction feedback to suppliers and update the seasonal design comment sheet at each sample stage.
• Monitor and track approvals for samples, trims, fabrics, prints, and color development with suppliers.
• Organize all submits and lab dips in seasonal binders.
• Support PLM entries for material and trim libraries and build historical style records.
• Submit technical development packages and specs to overseas partners and factories to convey construction and aesthetic details for each project.
• Translate direction and feedback into updated tech packs and factory guidance for construction details.
• Review proto and DCS submissions to verify specs align with tech packs and expected quality.
• Participate in weekly calls with the overseas development team.
• Support resolution of production quality issues as needed.
• Help source new materials, trims, and design concepts.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years in product development with focus on headwear, footwear, or technical apparel and accessories.
• Bachelor's degree or applicable technical degree required.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), Microsoft Excel, and Google Sheets.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, pivot as needed, and turn around projects within 48 hours.
• Experience managing multiple projects from concept to finished product, meeting design, development, and GTM deadlines.
• Knowledge of Centric and Asana is a plus.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, solid work ethic, and teamwork.
• Strong problem-solving abilities.
• Detail-oriented and self-motivated.
• Shows a passion for premium products and brand building.
• Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and adapt to changing priorities.
• Team-oriented mindset is required.

Technologies

• Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop)
• Excel
• Google Sheets
• Centric
• Asana
• PLM