Industrial Designer

Implus Footcare, LLC is an industry-leading global consumer packaged goods company with 20+ brands in footwear accessories, hosiery, specialty running, outdoor, fitness and movement categories. Implus is headquartered in Research Triangle Park in Durham, NC with locations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, Hong Kong, and South Africa. Our brand family includes Balega, Harbinger, TriggerPoint, Perfect, Sport-Brella, DryGuy, SKLZ, RockTape, Sof Sole, Stabil, Spenco, Yaktrax, Apara, Airplus, Sneaker Balls, Sof Comfort, Little Hotties, Forcefield. From insoles, socks, and shoe care to fitness equipment and seasonal accessories, Implus' products are sold in over 80,000 retail locations across North America and in over 70 countries worldwide.

At Implus we are committed to creating and sustaining an inclusive culture. We encourage & value different perspectives and are seeking an Industrial Designer who shares our commitment to inclusivity and enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. Based in our Carlsbad office, set in beautiful North San Diego, this role sits alongside our Marketing teams. Our close-knit office is a creative hub dedicated to designing and launching innovative products in the fitness, outdoor and sporting goods markets.

Position Summary

Essential Job Function

Drive innovation through a design thinking approach with consumer empathy in mind.

Perform market analysis on competing products and brands

Create prototypes and test them internally, with users, and athletes; translate results back into the design process.

Work closely with internal mechanical engineering team to define materials, test standards, and design for manufacturability.

Help transform 3D CAD models made by the engineering team into visually appealing works of art

Create robust 2D drawings in Adobe Illustrator for overseas manufacturing of soft good products.

Create CMF’s and Artwork to express the brands personality though new product design

Analyze feasibility, cost, and return on investment for product ideas

Work with our manufacturing partners to optimize designs based on their manufacturing capabilities.

Preform inspection on incoming samples from vendors by measuring and testing parts to drawing specifications.

Collaborate with QA team to develop Quality Assurance Plan for mass production

Travel to China 1 to 2 times a year

Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Design experience with plastics, TPE’s, sheet metal, tube bending, and cut and sew fabrics

Extensive knowledge of textiles and fabrics

Proficient in SolidWorks and Adobe Illustrator

Working knowledge of tolerance analysis and 6 sigma

Workshop experience with power tools, (workshop equipment i.e. bandsaws, grinders, welder, drill press) and 3D printers

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum of 5+ years’ progressive product design experience, preferably within the fitness, footwear & accessories industries.

Clear, demonstrated understanding of consumer products

High intermediate demonstrated skills in Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel in addition to other Microsoft Office applications

Education & Experience

A bachelor's degree in a related field of study, preferably Industrial/Product design, OR a combination of education & experience will be considered.

Relevant Working Conditions & Physical Demands

Observe/Identify: The ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Hearing: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, customers and vendors.

Operate: Write, type and use the telephone, copier, and computer systems.

Stationary position: Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50- 75% of the time.

Mobility: Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, attend meetings, etc.

Predictable attendance on site

Communicate: Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

Move/Transport: Ability to occasionally move boxes weighing up to 25 lbs. across office for various needs with or without accommodations

Exposed: Standard climate-controlled office setting

Occasional exposure to open air, shop setting

Work may require occasional travel