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.ResponsibilitiesEnsure that the quality of new products selected for introduction provide the value expected by Athearn customers/consumers and the brand promise of AthearnCoordinate the research, concept, and, if necessary, the design, testing and development of new products across the required functional teams at Athearn and with vendorsMonitoring both Athearn and competitive products to ensure that Athearn maintains its competitive advantage and fills the voids in the marketMaintains an optimal product portfolio that provides sufficient choices for Athearn customers to maximize the value and product assortment expected of the Athearn brandAssists, 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 demandEnsure that all communication with vendors is effective in the development of new products and keeps products in development moving forward to meet planned schedulesProvides training as required for sales, service, and new product releasesAttends 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 metAttend trade shows as required and be available for possible overseas and domestic travel as necessaryEffectively communicate and document product development events both to complete product development tasks and to communicate product development progress, or challengesAttend as needed, meetings related to product development, product marketing, or brand management which affects products or categories assignedPerform other duties as assigned by managementSkillsBachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience required; high school diploma requiredMust be self-motivated, capable of multi-tasking, detail-oriented, and able to organize/set work priorities for themselvesMust possess strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to communicate and interact with all levels of the organization, vendors, customers, and consumersShould have good proficiency in the use of computers with knowledge in Excel, Word, Outlook, etcExperience in a product development setting is preferred ideally in either the model railroading or toy industries, however, not requiredKnowledge 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 desiredExperience with CAD programs and files is a plus (but not required) for this role as is experience working with Adobe IllustratorKnowledge of various facets of model railroadingAccurate color identification- willing and able to pass a color hue test accordinglyKnowledge of model railroading tools including a test track with DC and DCC controls; PCB knowledge and understanding; troubleshooting of electronicsBenefitsMedical, Dental, VisionHSA and FSA optionsShort-Term and Long-Term Disability InsuranceLife Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance401(k) with a company matchPaid Time OffPaid HolidaysInternal RewardsDiscounts on ProductsAdditional Coverage such as accident, critical, hospital and pet insurance.Company OverviewHorizon Hobby develops, markets, and distributes radio control hobby products; model trains; and educational, toy, and other hobby products. It was founded in 1985, and is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, USA, with a workforce of 501-1000 employees. Its website is https://www.horizonhobby.com/.



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