Product Developer

Horizon Hobby, LLC is a leader in the global Radio Control industry, currently hiring a Product Developer for their Athearn Train team. The Product Developer is responsible for managing the research, development, and introduction of products to maximize sales while maintaining vendor relationships and ensuring product quality.

Responsibilities

• Ensure that the quality of new products selected for introduction provide the value expected by Athearn customers/consumers and the brand promise of Athearn
• Coordinate the research, concept, and, if necessary, the design, testing and development of new products across the required functional teams at Athearn and with vendors
• Monitoring both Athearn and competitive products to ensure that Athearn maintains its competitive advantage and fills the voids in the market
• Maintains an optimal product portfolio that provides sufficient choices for Athearn customers to maximize the value and product assortment expected of the Athearn brand
• Assists, as required, in the development of manufacturing information for products while working with existing manufacturers to assure the availability of the necessary capacity to produce products that meet/exceed the market demand
• Ensure that all communication with vendors is effective in the development of new products and keeps products in development moving forward to meet planned schedules
• Provides training as required for sales, service, and new product releases
• Attends trade shows and hobby events as required and be available for possible overseas and domestic travel as necessary (less than 5%)
• Manages all project timelines to ensure market release dates are met
• Attend trade shows as required and be available for possible overseas and domestic travel as necessary
• Effectively communicate and document product development events both to complete product development tasks and to communicate product development progress, or challenges
• Attend as needed, meetings related to product development, product marketing, or brand management which affects products or categories assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned by management

Skills

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience required; high school diploma required
• Must be self-motivated, capable of multi-tasking, detail-oriented, and able to organize/set work priorities for themselves
• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to communicate and interact with all levels of the organization, vendors, customers, and consumers
• Should have good proficiency in the use of computers with knowledge in Excel, Word, Outlook, etc
• Experience in a product development setting is preferred ideally in either the model railroading or toy industries, however, not required
• Knowledge of the model railroad industry, and significant hands-on experience using model railroading products as well as an in-depth knowledge of prototypes is highly desired
• Experience with CAD programs and files is a plus (but not required) for this role as is experience working with Adobe Illustrator
• Knowledge of various facets of model railroading
• Accurate color identification- willing and able to pass a color hue test accordingly
• Knowledge of model railroading tools including a test track with DC and DCC controls; PCB knowledge and understanding; troubleshooting of electronics

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• HSA and FSA options
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance
• 401(k) with a company match
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Internal Rewards
• Discounts on Products
• Additional Coverage such as accident, critical, hospital and pet insurance.

Company Overview