Senior Product Technician

Overview

Lead the development of Skechers footwear projects from initial concept through sales samples, confirmation, and basic fit. Provide effective leadership, project management, communication, and technical skills for both domestic and Asian product teams in order to meet all project objectives related to performance, manufacturing, costing, and aesthetics. Contribute to the R&D and implementation of new and existing materials, processes, components, techniques, and innovations to aid design in achieving innovative product solutions.

Keep informed of and evaluate market developments with an eye toward improving the competitiveness and equity of the Skechers Brand.

• Lead and manage the daily activities for all assigned projects, thoroughly communicating necessary details to teams in the USA and Asia to reach calendar milestone objectives.
• Lead upper development for manufacturability, fit, function, pre-cost and desired aesthetic. Work closely with the fit/wear test team to ensure consistent fit and that each style meets Skechers fitting standards throughout the development process.
• Lead mold development from initial drawings through confirmation of model size with respect to manufacturability, fit, function, pre-cost, and aesthetic. In conjunction with Design and Development Leads, execute against strategy for components with regard to compounds, construction and mold type.
• Coordinate and maintain material and structural specifications to uphold Skechers standards for quality, durability, and performance.
• Participate in the planning and execution of forward engineering activities to meet commercialization and production timelines.
• Manage the assembly of the approved design into a package of two- and three-dimensional information that adequately describes and utilizes current and feasible manufacturing and assembly techniques.
• Maintain clear documentation and communication with team members to keep product teams focused and working toward the same project objectives, facilitating the transfer of design solutions from concept through final product with Asia developers and Skechers factory base.
• Manage costing objectives as outlined by the Product Manager and costing team, working with design to achieve category goals. Provide necessary information for pre-costing exercises during product brief reviews, tech. package development, and final pricing of confirmation standards.
• Work with development and design teams in the USA and Asia to initiate and oversee the development of lasts based on desired aesthetic, performance, comfort, and fit.
• Collaborate with the Skechers Commercialization team in both LA HQ and Asia to ensure the Basic Fit is approved for fitting, aesthetic of design intent, and proper construction for mass production, and that all materials meet Skechers physical property standards.
• Approve the Confirmation sample as Basic Fit approval for all aesthetics from the design intent and ensure all materialization on Spec Sheet is correct for the CFM sample.
• Work with Skechers Commercialization and Production teams to ensure products are manufactured well, successfully commercialized, and produced.

• Work with designers, merchandising, and marketing.
• Work with material team for the selection and testing of materials and help set material standards.
• Approve final specifications.
• Work with costing to achieve target cost.
• Develop lasts and molds.
• Assist in the confirmation of production samples.
• Assist in the Basic & Extreme-Fit approval process.
• Document the development process.
• Update specifications and processes.
• Recommend manufacturing improvements.
• Travel to manufacturing locations (typically 2 trips annually), development centers, and vendors to oversee the execution of footwear; attend trade shows and locations necessary for staying current with future R&D trends.

No supervisory responsibilities.

• Possesses a solid foundation in all aspects of athletic footwear manufacturing and development and related processes. (Footwear manufacturing experience is a plus)
• Capable of managing development projects from concept to…