Senior Product Engineer, Outerwear at Columbia Sportswear Company

Richmond, California, United States

Columbia Sportswear Company Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Apparel, Sportswear, Outdoor GearIndustries

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or relevant certification in Apparel Product Development, Design, or a related field
  • 5–8 years of experience in developing outdoor apparel, preferably with a focus on technical outerwear and Snowsports
  • Deep expertise in waterproof garment construction and material applications
  • Strong analytical skills and a clear understanding of garment costing
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Acrobat, Microsoft Teams, Excel, PowerPoint, and PLM/PDM systems
  • Familiarity with 3D design software such as Browzwear or CLO
  • Ability to travel approximately 20% of the time
  • Collaborative and fosters a culture of product excellence
  • Skilled in building strong cross-functional partnerships, vendors and support networks
  • Strategic and proactive problem solver with a keen eye for detail and an agile mindset
  • Transparent communicator and dependable team player
  • Able to excel at managing multiple projects with competing timelines, ensuring deliverables are met without compromising quality
  • Consistently able to meet or exceed deadlines through strong planning, organization, and follow-through

Responsibilities

  • Managing all aspects of product development from prototype through to market readiness for assigned categories
  • Develops and maintains accurate product specifications and ensures alignment with design intent and brand standards
  • Provides strategic input throughout the development process, with a focus on cost efficiency, quality, construction integrity, and functional components
  • Manages the development calendar and adheres to key milestones and turn time cycle to ensure timely sample delivery for cross-functional needs
  • Regularly communicates progress updates to cross-functional teams
  • Maintains proactive and consistent communication with overseas vendors to monitor prototype progress and resolve development issues
  • Reviews and validates BOMs, technical sketches, and construction details to ensure accuracy, functionality, and quality standards
  • Evaluates and engineers garment construction prioritizing on quality standards, performance, workmanship, and costing
  • Establishes and maintains quality construction standards as a foundational framework to proactively address product development challenges and ensure consistency across styles
  • Maintains organized records for all managed inline styles, including select SMU and R&D projects
  • Partners closely with Design and Product Line Managers to identify and address potential challenges related to quality, cost, and construction, offering viable solutions throughout the development cycle
  • Fosters open and collaborative communication across departments to support efficient workflow and information sharing

Skills

product development
product specifications
BOM management
technical sketches
garment construction
quality standards
vendor management
prototype development
cost engineering
development calendar

Columbia Sportswear Company

Designs and sells outdoor apparel and gear

About Columbia Sportswear Company

Columbia Sportswear Company designs and sells a variety of outdoor clothing and gear, including jackets, shirts, pants, shorts, footwear, and accessories like hats and backpacks. Their products are aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and active individuals of all ages. Columbia's products are known for their quality and durability, setting them apart from competitors in the outdoor apparel market. The company operates through a direct-to-consumer model, selling via their website, retail stores, and partnerships with other retailers, which helps them reach a wide audience. Their goal is to provide high-quality outdoor gear that enhances the experience of those who enjoy outdoor activities.

Portland, OregonHeadquarters
1938Year Founded
$40KTotal Funding
IPOCompany Stage
Consumer GoodsIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Health Savings Account/Flexible Spending Account
Unlimited Paid Time Off
401(k) Company Match
401(k) Retirement Plan
Wellness Program
Employee Discounts
Mental Health Support

Risks

The new Cherry Hill Mall store may face challenges in a competitive retail environment.
The Vader Collection may not resonate with Columbia's core customer base.
Strategic shifts by new marketing leadership could impact brand loyalty.

Differentiation

Columbia Sportswear offers innovative outdoor apparel with a strong brand reputation.
The company employs a multi-channel sales strategy for broad market reach.
Columbia's collaborations, like the Star Wars collection, attract niche markets.

Upsides

The rise of outdoor activities post-pandemic boosts demand for Columbia's products.
Collaborations with franchises like Star Wars enhance brand visibility and appeal.
Direct-to-consumer sales and social media marketing reach younger demographics effectively.

Land your dream remote job 3x faster with AI