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:
The Industrial Designer is a hands-on, creative problem solver with an inventor’s mindset and a passion for bringing ideas to life. In this role, you’ll play a key part in shaping the next generation of products, leading innovation through a Design Thinking approach and building, testing, and refining prototypes in our in-house lab and workshop. You’ll use your strong 3D CAD and 2D drawing skills to clearly communicate design intent and translate ideas into reality. You’ll also collaborate closely with a small, highly engaged team, contributing to brainstorming sessions, team-building activities, and a culture that values curiosity, creativity, and shared success. Hybrid, Carlsbad, CA.
- Drive innovation through a design thinking approach with consumer empathy in mind.
- Perform market analysis on competing products and brands
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Create prototypes and test them internally, with users, and athletes; translate results back into the design process.
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Work closely with internal mechanical engineering team to define materials, test standards, and design for manufacturability.
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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
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Analyze feasibility, cost, and return on investment for product ideas
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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
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Travel to China 1 to 2 times a year
Minimum Qualifications: Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
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Design experience with plastics, TPE’s, sheet metal, tube bending, and cut and sew fabrics
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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
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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).
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Hearing: Ability to effectively communicate with co-workers, customers and vendors.
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Operate: Write, type and use the telephone, copier, and computer systems.
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Stationary position: Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50- 75% of the time.
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Mobility: Occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, attend meetings, etc.
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Predictable attendance on site
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Communicate: Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
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Move/Transport: Ability to occasionally move boxes weighing up to 25 lbs. across office for various needs with or without accommodations
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Exposed: Standard climate-controlled office setting
- Occasional exposure to open air, shop setting
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Work may require occasional travel
Implus is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and committed to creating a diverse and inclusive company culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion/belief, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other protected status under the law. Individuals needing a reasonable accommodation should contact [email protected].
