Product Developer

Horizon Hobby•Champaign, IL

3d•$60,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At Horizon Hobby, we inspire dreams and help build memories! Our company is the leader in the global Radio Control industry. We offer tremendous opportunities for growth and development and a full array of benefits including discounts on our products! We are currently hiring for a Product Developer for our Athearn Train team! The Product Developer’s primary responsibility is to manage the research, development and introduction of products that maximize sales, on schedule, and follows strategic initiative plans while promoting positive ongoing vendor relationships. The Product Developer develops products with the right features, quality, and value to satisfy consumers within the value standards of Athearn. As an ambassador of Horizon Hobby, the Product Developer should be familiar with Horizon’s mission and values. This position reports into the Champaign, IL location. Local candidates preferred; however, we will consider hybrid/remove work arrangements for qualified applicants. Typical pay for this position is $60,000-$70,000 annually. The final offer for this position will be based on the unique experience and qualifications of the candidate selected. Additionally, this position may also be eligible for a bonus that is not included in the base pay range.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience required; high school diploma required.
Must be self-motivated, capable of multi-tasking, detail-oriented, and able to organize/set work priorities for themselves.
Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to communicate and interact with all levels of the organization, vendors, customers, and consumers.
Should have good proficiency in the use of computers with knowledge in Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.
Accurate color identification- willing and able to pass a color hue test accordingly
Knowledge of model railroading tools including a test track with DC and DCC controls; PCB knowledge and understanding; troubleshooting of electronics.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a product development setting is preferred ideally in either the model railroading or toy industries, however, not required.
Knowledge 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 desired.
Experience with CAD programs and files is a plus (but not required) for this role as is experience working with Adobe Illustrator.

Responsibilities

Ensure that the quality of new products selected for introduction provide the value expected by Athearn customers/consumers and the brand promise of Athearn.
Coordinate the research, concept, and, if necessary, the design, testing and development of new products across the required functional teams at Athearn and with vendors.
Monitoring both Athearn and competitive products to ensure that Athearn maintains its competitive advantage and fills the voids in the market.
Maintains an optimal product portfolio that provides sufficient choices for Athearn customers to maximize the value and product assortment expected of the Athearn brand.
Assists, 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 demand.
Ensure that all communication with vendors is effective in the development of new products and keeps products in development moving forward to meet planned schedules.
Provides training as required for sales, service, and new product releases.
Attends 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 met.
Attend trade shows as required and be available for possible overseas and domestic travel as necessary.
Effectively communicate and document product development events both to complete product development tasks and to communicate product development progress, or challenges.
Attend as needed, meetings related to product development, product marketing, or brand management which affects products or categories assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.