Product development engineer Jobs in Boulder, CO

Job Description

The Product Testing Engineer Softgoods is responsible for planning, executing, and documenting product validation, quality inspections, and compliance testing across the softgoods development and manufacturing lifecycle. This role ensures that softgoods products meet defined engineering requirements, quality standards, OK to Ship (OK2Ship) criteria, and customer expectations before mass production and shipment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Product Testing & Engineering Verification

• Plan and execute engineering verification testing (EVT/DVT/PVT) for softgoods products
• Perform functional, durability, usability, and environmental tests on:
• • Bags, cases, covers, straps, sleeves, and textile assemblies
• Validate products against engineering specifications, drawings, test protocols, and acceptance criteria
• Identify performance risks and failure modes related to materials, construction, and workmanship
• Support root cause analysis and corrective actions for test failures

2. OK to Ship (OK2Ship) & Release Activities

• Define and execute OK2Ship testing and inspection requirements prior to shipment
• Verify:
• • Product performance
  • Cosmetic quality
  • Packaging integrity
  • Labeling and documentation compliance
• Ensure all open quality and engineering issues are resolved before shipment approval
• Provide formal approval or rejection based on OK2Ship criteria

3. Incoming Quality Control (IQC)

• Develop and execute IQC inspection and testing plans for incoming materials and components
• Inspect and test:
• • Fabrics and textiles
  • Foams and padding
  • Webbing, fasteners, zippers, hardware, and trims
• Validate supplier materials against:
• • Technical specifications
  • Test methods
  • Approved samples / golden references
• Document non conformances and drive supplier corrective actions (CAPA)

4. Outgoing Quality Control (OQC)

• Perform OQC inspections and functional testing on finished softgoods products
• Ensure compliance with:
• • Quality standards
  • Cosmetic requirements
  • Functional and performance criteria
• Support final audit activities prior to shipment
• Approve or block shipments based on inspection results

5. Documentation & Reporting

• Author and maintain:
• • Test plans and protocols
  • Test reports and inspection records
  • OK2Ship checklists and sign off documents
• Maintain traceability between requirements, test results, and final approval status
• Clearly communicate risks, defects, and testing outcomes to cross functional teams

6. Cross Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:
• • Softgoods design and engineering teams
  • Prototyping and fabrication teams
  • Manufacturing and quality teams
  • Supplier and vendor quality teams
• Provide early feedback to improve design robustness, manufacturability, and long term quality

Required Qualifications

• Diploma / Bachelor's degree in:
• • Textile Engineering
  • Industrial / Mechanical Engineering
  • Manufacturing or Quality Engineering
  • Fashion or Apparel Technology (with testing experience)
• 3 7 years of experience in product testing, quality assurance, or engineering verification for softgoods
• Strong knowledge of:
• • Softgoods materials and constructions
  • Test methods for textiles and sewn products
• Hands on experience with IQC, OQC, and OK2Ship processes

Required Skills

• Product testing and validation for softgoods
• Engineering verification and requirement validation
• OK2Ship criteria definition and execution
• Incoming Quality Control (IQC) testing
• Outgoing Quality Control (OQC) testing
• Defect analysis, CAPA, and continuous improvement
• Clear technical documentation and reporting

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with global suppliers and contract manufacturers
• Familiarity with:
• • AQL standards
  • ISO or internal quality systems
• Experience supporting consumer electronics accessories, medical, automotive, or industrial softgoods
• Ability to test and evaluate new materials and construction techniques

Behavioural & Soft Skills

• Strong attention to detail and data driven decision making
• Clear and confident communication with cross functional teams
• Ability to balance engineering rigor with production timelines
• Willingness to travel to manufacturing sites if required

Work Environment

• Combination of lab testing, manufacturing floor, and supplier environments
• Hands on testing of materials and finished goods
• Occasional extended hours during production ramps or shipment milestones
• This is a full time, onsite role based in the United States. Remote or hybrid work is not supported.