Associate Product Developer, Retail & Cruise Merchandise

About PulsarPulsar is a trend-driven, family-owned product company creating high-performing assortments across retail, cruise, and entertainment channels, with a focus on crafts, stationery, and note-taking products.We combine trend insight, product design, and a deep understanding of retail to develop assortments that drive conversion, increase sell-through, and keep customers coming back.Our model brings product, design, sales, and global supply together into one connected system, allowing us to move quickly from concept to shelf while staying aligned on cost, quality, and execution.This is a place for people who want to be close to the product and close to the outcome. You won't be working on just one small piece, you'll see ideas take shape, move through development, and land in the market. The pace is fast, the work is hands-on, and the impact is visible.Teams are highly collaborative and decisions move quickly. People here take ownership, test ideas, and learn by doing. There's a strong sense of accountability, but also a real openness to new thinking and experimentation.From early ideas through production and distribution, Pulsar delivers end-to-end solutions that balance speed, value, and trend-right design, resulting in products you can actually walk into a store and find. Position OverviewWe are looking for an Associate Product Developer who cares about creating thoughtful, consumer-informed products and bringing ideas to life from concept through production. In this role, you will help develop a wide range of products across stationery, organization, gifting, and creative tools, building private label, branded, and promotional assortments that are trend-right and designed for scale.You have a natural curiosity for how things are made, with a strong understanding of product form, function, and materials. You enjoy translating ideas into tangible products, whether through sketches, digital renderings, or hands-on exploration. From early ideation and research to sample reviews and direct communication with factory partners, you will be involved in every stage of the product development journey.This role blends creativity with technical execution. You will develop detailed specifications, manage the sampling process, and partner closely with factory teams to ensure products are high quality, cost-effective, and aligned with design intent. You will stay closely connected to trends and continuously bring fresh, relevant ideas into the product line.Our team is hands-on, collaborative, and deeply curious. We value people who like to make things, test ideas, and figure out how to turn creative concepts into real, sellable products. There is a strong culture of ownership and learning here, where you are encouraged to ask questions, explore new techniques, and contribute ideas early and often.You will collaborate cross-functionally with Product Management, Design, and Global Supply to align on vision, cost targets, and timelines. Success in this role comes from being both imaginative and solutions-oriented, with strong attention to detail and a drive to make ideas real. A passion for hands-on creativity such as arts, crafts, or stationery, and an eagerness to experiment with new approaches, will set you apart.Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesProduct Development & ExecutionTranslate product concepts into detailed, production-ready specificationsDefine materials, construction methods, and packaging requirementsEnsure all products are technically feasible and aligned with cost targetsManage development from initial concept through final production approval Sample & Quality OwnershipRequest and evaluate factory swatches and prototypes during development Review, evaluate, and approve all development samples (prototype, pre-production, and production) to ensure alignment with design intent, quality standards, and technical requirements.Identify and resolve issues related to construction, materials, or qualityEnsure all samples meet spec, brand standards, and functional requirementsDrive consistency between approved samples and final productionFactory & Sourcing CollaborationCommunicate directly with factory partners to develop products, refine construction, and explore materialsManage communication on specs, revisions, and technical requirementsPartner with Global Supply to align on cost, MOQs, and production timelinesSupport sourcing decisions through material and construction expertise, offering cost-informed tradeoffs and decision support (not directly responsible for cost negotiations)Troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and propose solutionsCost & Feasibility ManagementEvaluate product designs for cost efficiency and manufacturabilityRecommend material or construction changes to meet margin targetsBalance product features, quality, and cost in collaboration with Product ManagerCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Product Managers to align on product intent and requirementsCollaborate with Design on concept direction, visual development, and packagingSupport Sales with accurate product details and sample readinessEnsure alignment across all teams throughout the development lifecycleProcess & DocumentationMaintain accurate and detailed product specificationsTrack development progress across all SKUs and programsEnsure all product data is complete, up-to-date, and production-readyCreate digital mockups or visual specs to support development and factory communication Identify opportunities to improve development workflows, tools, and systemsKPIsSpec Accuracy Rate % of products produced without spec-related issuesCost Alignment Accuracy % of products meeting target cost within defined toleranceProduction Quality Rate - % of products meeting quality standards with minimal defectsQualificationsBachelor's degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, or a related field OR equivalent hands-on experience in product development, sourcing, or manufacturing2-5 years of experience developing physical products, preferably in consumer goods, retail, or promotional productsAbility to think through product form, function, and material selectionExperience contributing to concept development (must have a portfolio)Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple workstreamsStrong understanding of materials, construction methods, and manufacturing processesProven ability to translate product concepts into clear, detailed, production-ready specificationsExperience working directly with factories or global sourcing teamsAbility to identify and solve product execution challenges related to cost, construction, or qualityHighly detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management skillsStrong communication skills in cross-functional and factory-facing environmentsTechnical SkillsProficiency in creating detailed product specifications using tools such as Adobe Illustrator, Excel, or similarExperience creating mockups, renderings, or sketches (digital and physical)Familiarity with design tools beyond specs (optional: 3D tools as a plus)Ability to manage product data, specifications, and timelines across project management and related systems (e.g., , PLM, or similar tools)Strong working knowledge of materials, construction methods, and manufacturing processes across relevant product categoriesExperience reviewing and annotating samplesAbility to communicate technical requirements clearly to factory partners, including revisions and correctionsAbility to create functional dielines and innovative packaging solutions; familiarity with product testing and compliance considerations preferred.Experience using digital tools or AI to improve workflow efficiency, documentation, or communication is a plusWhy PulsarEntrepreneurial, fast-paced environment with high-level ownershipCollaborative team across product, sales, design, and global supplyOpportunity to build products that reach global retail and entertainment marketsHybrid work environment allows flexibilityBenefitsGenerous paid time off, including company holidaysRetirement savings plan with company matchingComprehensive health, dental, and vision insuranceHealth Savings Account (HSA) for eligible expensesHybrid schedule: remote Mondays and Fridays, in office Tuesday through Thursday. Entrepreneurial, family-owned company with a collaborative cultureConvenient downtown Cleveland location (Asia Town) with free parkingCompany-sponsored experiences and entertainment budget to support work-life balanceThis position offers a competitive compensation package, with pay commensurate with experience within the $60,000 - $65,000 range.

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