Product Designer

Description

Position Summary

GSM Outdoors is seeking a creative, collaborative, and results-driven Product Designer to support the development of innovative outdoor sporting goods, tools, and accessories. This position will be responsible for bringing new product concepts to life—from initial ideation and concept sketches through design development, prototyping, and product completion.

The Product Designer will work closely with the Design Manager, Engineering, Marketing, Product Management, and manufacturing partners to create products that align with consumer needs, brand standards, and marketplace opportunities.

The ideal candidate is highly creative and detail-oriented, with a strong understanding of industrial design, consumer products, design-for-manufacturing principles, and the ability to translate ideas into compelling and functional product concepts.

Essential Job Duties

Product Design & Concept Development

• Develop new product concepts for outdoor sporting goods, tools, accessories, and consumer products.
• Participate in the full product development process from initial ideation through final product completion.
• Create initial concept sketches and visual concepts to communicate design direction and product opportunities.
• Research consumer needs, market trends, competitive products, and emerging design trends to inform product development.
• Develop designs that balance consumer needs, functionality, aesthetics, brand identity, cost, and manufacturability.
• Execute assigned design projects under the direction of the Design Manager and in collaboration with Engineering, Marketing, and other cross-functional teams.
• Support product changes, enhancements, and new product development initiatives.

Design Documentation

• Create and maintain design documentation throughout the product development process.
• Develop competitive reference materials, inspiration decks, concept presentations, and other design resources.
• Create and maintain 2D and 3D design drawings and related documentation.
• Maintain accurate design revisions and change-control documentation.
• Ensure designs remain consistent with applicable brand guidelines and product requirements.

Prototyping & Manufacturing Support

• Participate in the research, design, sketching, and prototyping of new products.
• Review engineering and factory prototypes to ensure they accurately reflect the approved design intent.
• Identify design issues and recommend appropriate adjustments or improvements.
• Collaborate with Engineering and manufacturing partners to support Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles.
• Consider manufacturing processes, materials, assembly requirements, cost, and product functionality throughout the design process.
• Support product development activities with domestic and international manufacturing partners as needed.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Marketing, Product Management, Sourcing, and other stakeholders throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Clearly communicate design concepts, recommendations, and project updates to peers, leadership, and cross-functional partners.
• Present concepts and design solutions to internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Incorporate feedback while maintaining the overall design vision and project objectives.
• Manage multiple projects at varying stages of development while meeting established timelines and requirements.

Requirements

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or a related field, or an Associate's degree in Industrial Design with relevant professional experience.
• 3+ years of experience designing consumer products; outdoor products experience is a plus.
• 3+ years of experience using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator or comparable design software.
• Demonstrated understanding of industrial design principles and consumer product development.
• Understanding of brand standards and the ability to design products that align with established brand identities.
• Experience developing products for mass-market and/or specialty retail environments.
• Ability to create concept sketches and communicate early-stage design direction.
• Understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make thoughtful design adjustments based on feedback, testing, and manufacturing requirements.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a cross-functional team.
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Experience designing products using plastics, metals, soft goods, wood, or other materials.
• Hands-on manufacturing, prototyping, or product assembly experience.
• Experience working with consumer products from concept through commercialization.
• Experience within the outdoor, hunting, fishing, shooting sports, sporting goods, or recreation industries.

Key Competencies

• Creativity & Innovation: Develops fresh, differentiated product concepts that address consumer needs and market opportunities.
• Consumer Focus: Understands the target consumer and translates consumer insights into functional and compelling product designs.
• Design Excellence: Demonstrates strong visual, functional, and industrial design principles.
• Collaboration: Works effectively with cross-functional teams and manufacturing partners.
• Communication: Clearly presents ideas and communicates design decisions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Problem Solving: Identifies challenges and develops practical, effective solutions.
• Organization: Effectively manages multiple projects, deadlines, and design deliverables.
• Accountability: Demonstrates self-motivation, integrity, resilience, flexibility, and a strong commitment to results.

Why GSM Outdoors?

At GSM Outdoors, you'll have the opportunity to help bring innovative products to life for some of the most trusted brands in the outdoor industry. You'll work alongside passionate teams across Product Development, Engineering, Marketing, and Manufacturing to create products that are used by hunters, anglers, shooters, and outdoor enthusiasts every day.

If you're a creative problem-solver who enjoys turning ideas into real products and wants to make an impact in the outdoor industry, we'd love to hear from you.

GSM Outdoors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee can contribute, grow, and succeed.