Product Development Engineer

Who We Are:
WHY Brands Inc., a parent company of Munchkin and Curio Home Goods , focuses on creating, incubating, and growing the next generation of consumer lifestyle brands. Founded in 1990, Munchkin is the leading consumer product company and most loved baby lifestyle brand behind innovative gear and products for children, mothers, and caregivers. Munchkin has sold billions of dollars of products through our key retail partners: Target, Walmart, and Amazon, and has global distribution in over 50 countries. Curio, a premium brand of curated collections of home goods, launched in 2023. WHY's vision is to establish an expanding portfolio of innovative businesses that align with its commitment to inventive product design. With over 320+ patents under our belt, we continue to create solutions that leave our customers asking, "How did I ever live without this?" Recognized as #8 on America's Most Innovative Companies list by Fortune Magazine, innovation is the core of our company DNA and has been driving our designs for 30 years!
We lead with our core values and believe that investing in the community is our responsibility. We create opportunities for every child's potential and well-being through the Radiant Colors program, work to create a sustainable future, and in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare have committed to animal conservation.
There is no better time than now to join WHY Brands as we embark on our next and biggest growth journey, and you could be the next influential leader to play a key role in driving enormous customer-centered value and rapid growth.
What You'll Do:
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to help us build an innovative product portfolio. The ideal candidate is a proactive and problem-solving person with a passion for product development. This person will report to the Product Development Manager, and work closely with our design, engineering, sourcing, brand, and quality teams to ensure 4.5+ star ratings on all our products.
The Product Development Engineer is responsible for the planning, organization, coordination, and execution of the assigned projects. They support project integration, control, and completion, working under the guidance of senior team members, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful outcomes. Key duties include:

• Work cross-functionally with Design, PMO, Marketing, Global Quality, Global Operations, Global Vendors, Asia Product Development, and Asia Engineering executing the following:

• Drive and guide the product development process from concept to production
• Review and evaluate the feasibility of the product design
• Oversee cost breakdown evaluation and execute cost-saving studies
• Track product development milestones and monitor project schedule
• Coordinate with quality and reliability teams to create and define product specifications and their related testing methods
• Track and evaluate factory product samples throughout the product development process
• Review DFM/DFA with vendors and guide them to maintain the intended design while achieving product specifications
• Manage communication and develop effective relationships with vendors across the globe

• Plan and implement engineering projects, including defining the project goals, initial product costs, budget, schedule, milestones, and resourcing requirements
• Prepare and provide status reports on project milestones to the broader business and adjust schedules accordingly
• Coordinate preparation and delivery of project deliverables, design documents, and bid packages with vendors
• Coordinate and facilitate day-to-day activities concerned with technical developments, scheduling, and resolving engineering design and test troubleshooting
• Evaluate and recommend design updates, manufacturing improvements, and specification refinements

Bring It!

• Engineering degree (Mechanical, Industrial or Electrical preferred)
• 3 - 5+ years of relevant work experience -- Experience in infant, kids, or toy industry is a must
• Local to the Los Angeles, CA area
• Experience reviewing engineering drawings, experience with SolidWorks preferred
• Strong project management experience is required
• Fluency in English (written and oral) is a must -- Chinese is a plus
• Must be self-motivated with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Strong soft skills and diligent communication are a must

We Got You Covered!
As a Great Place to Work Certified™ company, we are committed to offering the best to our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, wellness benefits, a generous employer-matched 401(k) plan, and Paid Childcare Leave, among other benefit plans. Our total rewards are top of the market and include competitive salary, bonus, and opportunities to earn equity. We focus on supporting employee development and growth.
We regularly hold social functions to foster a genuine camaraderie that enhances teamwork. At our company-wide award functions, we take time to recognize the talent and dedication of the people who make Munchkin the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world.
To give our people flexibility, we offer a hybrid work environment with opportunities for half-day Fridays all year around and provide annual weeklong global office closures giving our people a chance to recharge.
Salary range: $85,000 - 100,000 (DOE)
To learn more, visit us at www.munchkin.com .
Munchkin welcomes and values what makes everyone unique. We're proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires for our team are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We recruit, employ, train, and promote regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic, or any other protected status.
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