Product Design Associate (Mandarin Preferred)

Teso Life • New York, NY

2d • $22 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for design execution, production coordination, and quality control for physical products. Working with the Product Design Manager, the Product Design Associate helps define packaging structures, visual architecture, and grid systems, then translates approved concepts into production-ready packaging files that meet product positioning, compliance requirements, and production conditions. The role coordinates with external manufacturers and contract factories on product specifications, design requirements, and production processes; tracks and reviews samples; and reports production deviations, conflicts, and risks.

The role executes and translates packaging visual concepts into production-ready deliverables. Internally, it works with the Product Design Manager on packaging formats, information hierarchy, and visual effects, and with the Product Information & Compliance Specialist to place legal information, product instructions, and other required content accurately. Externally, it provides manufacturers with clear requirements, design drawings, and process specifications; evaluates samples against approved standards; and coordinates or escalates issues as needed.

The position also assists the Product Design Manager in coordinating routine execution tasks assigned to Product Design Assistants, clarifying task requirements and delivery standards, and overseeing file organization, design adaptation, and document archiving.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of experience in physical product or packaging development.
• Proven experience delivering mature projects to mass production.
• Familiarity with contract manufacturing processes and cross-time-zone collaboration.
• Proficiency in English and Chinese, with the ability to communicate verbally and in writing across international teams.
• Strong command of Adobe Creative Suite.
• Knowledge of Pantone color standards and color accuracy.
• Ability to work under pressure and exceptional attention to detail.
• Clear technical reasoning and ability to turn production conflicts into structured analysis reports for efficient escalation and resolution.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in visual communication, graphic design, packaging design, or a related field from an art or design institution.
• Proficiency in English and Mandarin is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Use established internal layout systems to independently lay out and adapt high volumes of derivative SKUs each month.
• Translate approved core design concepts into standardized foundational 3D physical-structure models and 2D outer-packaging visual files, maintaining aesthetic consistency and standardization.
• Reorganize and lay out verified copy supplied by the Product Information & Compliance Specialist for packaging intended for target sales markets, while preserving the product’s design and brand identity.
• Provide external factories with complete and accurate design files, product requirements, and specifications for mass production.
• Track factory progress on first samples and production samples.
• Use standardized lighting to compare color accuracy and verify the structural suitability and dimensional precision of physical white-box samples.
• Break down and assign routine, basic tasks to Product Design Specialists.
• Conduct preliminary compliance and quality checks on basic work submitted by assistants, catch common errors, and ensure deliverables meet professional standards.
• Coordinate with the Product Design Manager, Product Information & Compliance Specialist, manufacturers, and contract factories on packaging requirements, production processes, and issues.
• Organize design files and oversee design adaptation and document archiving.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching, subject to eligibility requirements
• Quarterly performance-based bonus, subject to program eligibility requirements, performance criteria, and terms
• Paid sick leave
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level