Associate Product Designer

Job Type: Full Time FLSA Status: Exempt, Salaried Department: Product Location: Bend, OR (on-site) People Leader: No This individual contributor role is responsible for designing seasonal product concepts to support Ruffwear’s goal of building performance dog gear to enhance and inspire exploration for outdoor adventurers and their human companions. This role works with the Design, Development, Product Line Management, and Product Operations teams from concept to commercialization hand-off to create products that meet the brand's long-range strategy, calendars, design principles, and Go-To-Market goals. Like all roles at Ruffwear, this person has a first-hand understanding of the interactive bond between canines and humans and a passion for the outdoors.

Partner with Director, Product Design to execute the design process for assigned projects, from initial ideation and functional decision-making through design approval. Ideate and develop innovative solutions using sketching, digital drawings, CAD, and in-house 3D prototyping (cut-and-sew & 3D printing). Present and communicate design concepts, thinking, and research analysis to the Design and Development teams, applying feedback across multiple iterations.

Conduct and/or direct all necessary testing, including proof-of-concept, fit testing, and size grading, to validate product functionality. Analyze customer surveys, product reviews, focus groups, and wear testing feedback to inform design decisions. Create and manage tech packs, artwork documents, and notes for each project, meeting assigned deadlines.

Design new packaging concepts when necessary, including substrate, die line, and on-product placement. Partner with the Development team on patterning and sampling to ensure manufacturability, review costing to refine designs, and provide final approval for commercialization. Assist in documentation updates for special make-up and working dog product lines.

Be a curious and continuous steward of the Ruffwear design philosophy and principles. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This position is based in Bend, Oregon and available to candidates already authorized to work in the country in which the position is based.

Ruffwear is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.

Responsibilities

of the employee to do this job.

, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Work Environment While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office and/or design studio setting. Our headquarters operates in Pacific Time (PT), but as a global company, we operate across multiple time zones.

Evening hours will be required to work with team members and partners in different time zones. Travel International travel with extended duration (3 weeks or more) is required twice per year to meet with manufacturing partners and suppliers. Occasional domestic travel may be required to attend training or company meetings/events.

At least 1 year of experience in product design, technical design, or fashion design. Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Product Design or related field. Strong understanding of design principles with a clear eye for visual aesthetics across product categories.

High degree of curiosity and problem-solving skills. Self-motivated, with excellent time management and organizational skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Understanding and passion for outdoor gear, and knowledge of how technical softgoods can work together to enhance our outdoor adventures. A keen eye for detail and a passion for creativity. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.