Product Developer (Casegoods)

Hi there, we’re Article. We’re a North American based furniture company creating remarkably better furniture experiences one sofa at a time. And as the Technical Product Developer (Casegoods), you’ll manage, communicate and educate internal partners and external vendors in all technical design and construction details to achieve the consistent execution of the original design intent.

Why We Need You:

In the Product team, the Technical Product Developer (Casegoods) will develop original product designs (OEM and ODM+) in the Casegoods category that meet Article’s Indoor furniture requirements. Day-to-day communication with the manufacturers, product design, quality and sourcing teams, arranging prototypes of new products, and monitoring the progress of all new Casegoods developments.

Why Article?

While, we sell to the North American market, we work closely with a number of our manufacturing partners throughout Asia. As a result we have an office in Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam where we currently have around 60 Particles (people of Article) working.

As a Particle (people of Article), you will have a high level of autonomy to solve challenging, meaningful problems the best way you can. That means you’re trusted to explore solutions you believe will work best (you’re the expert, after all). You’ll do all this while growing your skills within a company that is redefining the furniture industry.

What You’ll Do:

You’ll be part of 6 seasoned product professionals to develop original product designs in the Casegoods category. You will lead the review, assessment, and approval of Initial & Final Prototype review sessions for your projects, coordinating with Design, Category Management, Sourcing, Quality, Industrial Engineering and other cross-functional teams as required.

• Develop original product designs (OEM, ODM+) that meet Article’s Indoor furniture requirements. Work closely with the cross-functional teams to ensure Article's product standards are met.

• Communicate (OEM, ODM+) Casegoods design briefs and technical drawing packages to the manufacturing partners. Review prototypes and make technical construction recommendations, ensuring that the product meets the specifications of design briefs.

• Work closely with your Product Development Lead to create and develop shared Development tools and best practices for Article. Participate in pre-production meetings and production verification activities, ensuring that the vendor is executing according to the technical specifications.

• Continuously conduct product research to gain an understanding of new product innovations and construction advancements. Observe product trends and new offerings through market research, trade shows and factory visits.

• Cultivate an understanding of costs associated with raw materials, design detail choices and vendor manufacturing capabilities and proficiencies.

• International travel to Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Canada, and the USA may be required.

Who You Are:

• 5+ years’ experience with developing Casegoods furniture is required.

• Strong technical background in Casegoods furniture with in-depth knowledge of Casegoods furniture construction, materials, production processes, testing requirements and quality defects.

• Effective analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills to ensure timely completion of multiple projects with competing deadlines.

• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

• Proficient with G-Suite / Microsoft Office Suite and related software for tech.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Vietnamese.