Location: Cedar Falls, Iowa
Job Type: Full-Time
About Us: BraceAbility is a growing online retailer specializing in orthopedic braces and supports, seeking a talented individual to enhance our products and brand through their design and development skills.
Position Summary: As a Product Development Associate, you’ll play a key role in bringing new products to life - from concept through production. Working closely with cross-functional teams, including sourcing, marketing, and operations, you’ll support the development and innovation of products that make a difference!
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Project Management & Documentation
- Manage product catalog documentation, ensuring accurate tracking through checklists, timelines, and project management tools.
- Drive cross-functional communication between Product Development and Marketing teams by sharing updates, assets, and product details.
- Coordinate supplier communication to ensure timelines, samples, and production details are met.
- Research & Competitive Insights
- Perform competitive analysis to identify market trends, product gaps, and opportunities for innovation.
- Develop feature / benefit positioning to ensure the intent and value of new products are clearly communicated to the customer.
- Coordinate and conduct user testing sessions to evaluate product performance, fit, and comfort, compiling feedback to guide project directions.
- Product Quality & Analysis
- Conduct quality control checks on incoming shipments to ensure products meet design, performance, and compliance standards.
- Analyze product returns and sizing feedback to identify areas for improvement.
- Evaluate packaging for functionality, cost efficiency, and fulfillment improvements.
- Innovation & Design Support
- Develop and maintain detailed tech packs to guide suppliers and internal teams.
- Develop product prototypes for internal feasibility and/or customer testing.
- Explore the use of AI tools for aspects such as color forecasting, product concepting, and Amazon data analysis to inform future development.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Engineering, or a related field.
- 1–3 years of experience in product development, preferably in soft goods.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
- Self-motivated and passionate about problem-solving.
- Proficient in Google Suite and Adobe Illustrator.
- Comfortable working with a variety of sewing machines and understanding of basic construction techniques.
- Amazon marketplace experience is a plus but not required.
What We Offer:
- Hands-on learning
- Unlimited paid time off
- Hybrid work from home options
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Matching 401K contribution
Why BraceAbility: Join our innovative team at BraceAbility, where we are committed to a culture of Comfort and Confidence for Life, aiming to significantly impact and elevate our customers’ lives through product.
How to Apply: To expediate the screening process, submit your complete resume and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience to https://form.jotform.com/231282086408455
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $30,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Application Question(s):
- Do you have a Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Engineering, or a related field? (Yes/No)
- How many years of experience do you have in product development?
☐ Less than 1 year
☐ 1–3 years
☐ 3–5 years
☐ 5+ years
- Which types of products have you worked on? (Select all that apply)
☐ Soft goods (apparel, accessories, textiles, wearable products)
☐ Hard goods
☐ Consumer packaged goods
☐ I do not have direct product development experience
- Have you worked directly with suppliers or manufacturers (samples, timelines, production details)?
☐ Yes
☐ No
- Describe how you’ve used customer feedback, user testing, or product reviews to improve a product. (Short answer)
- Design, Tools & Technical Skills
What is your proficiency level with Adobe Illustrator?
☐ Beginner
☐ Intermediate
☐ Advanced
☐ No experience
- Have you used AI tools for product development (e.g., trend forecasting, concepting, or data analysis)?
☐ Yes
☐ No
☐ Not yet, but interested
- Do you have experience with Amazon Marketplace (product research, reviews, listings, or data analysis)?
☐ Yes
☐ No
Experience:
- Hands-on experience in product development: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: Remote
