About us:
Target is an iconic brand, a Fortune 50 company and one of America's leading retailers.

At the heart of one of the world's best loved and most recognizable brands is an impeccable Product Development & Design organization. We thrive on the magic of discovering that just-right thing, and we infuse everything we do with our passion for affordable chic. We concept, develop, make and deliver the stylish new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve. We are uber-savvy trend and style experts who stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying our market's needs and exceeding them, every time. Join one of our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the style, quality and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will have a direct and positive effect, whether on home, hardlines or apparel & accessories. Here, you'll be close to the action of dreaming up and bringing to life the Target-owned brands that surprise and gratify guests, wherever and whenever they love to shop.

A role with Engineering and Technical Design means being on a team of engineers and technical designers who create products that truly embody the intent of Target-owned brands. Can you ensure that each product has that just-right mix of style, quality and value? Do you love to create technical product solutions that help meet strategic business goals? Then you'll have success on our talented and innovative team. Here, you'll partner with our quality and compliance teams to understand performance testing protocols and develop products that meet them. Your work can help identify technical specifications and quality standards like raw materials, fit and function, construction details and dimensions. You'll leverage collective expertise to suggest improvements to cost of goods, assembly, sustainability and ROI. You'll also collaborate with vendors to ensure that the brand vision is clearly understood and successfully brought to life with every product we offer.

As an Associate Technical Designer, you will support the product design and development process with direction from technical leaders to achieve overall product design strategy and merchant objectives. This requires a diligent approach to workload and maintaining timely communication with cross-functional partners. You will support product, brand, and guest research to ensure Target product meets or exceeds the perceived value/performance of the competitors' product. Working collaboratively with cross-functional partners, vendors, and leadership, you will gain the understanding and support the development of effective technical specifications, fit consistency and product quality standards. You'll also execute timely sample evaluations and ensure approvals of all products are meeting the specification and Target's standards. In addition, you will contribute to both the development of products and the timely resolution of manufacturing and quality issues.

Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs.

Responsibilities

·Collaborate with the Sr. Technical Designer and Creative Design Team in researching, sketching,and developing guest-focused Owned Brand product from concept through execution

·Partner with Sr. Technical Designer, Designer, Merchandising, Sourcing and Vendors to deliver on product objectives and business strategy while adhering to calendar timelines

·Create and maintain complete and accurate specifications and approvals in PLM system

·Evaluate footwear samples for fit, construction, quality and adherence to standards

·Communicate daily with internal and external partners to coordinate approvals for materials, components, and fit

·Assist with market research of competitors and benchmarks to engineer value and guide strategy

·Assist with guest research and wear testing to build products that foster love and loyalty

·Review guest feedback/production concerns and collaborate with the Cross Functional Team to resolve

·Support the development, documentation, and implementation of new technical processes, brand standards, and vendor certifications

·Manage sample storage, organization, and chain of custody for approved samples

·Manage fit model schedule, model searches, and fit model database

·Support incoming and outgoing shipment of samples

·Performs other duties as required/assigned by manager

About you:

• 4-year degree in technical design, product design, industrial design, or related degree.
• 0-4 years' experience in footwear product development
• Basic understanding of footwear fit and construction
• Experience with relevant computer applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Office Suite, PLM systems, 3D CAD experience is a plus)
• A self-starter with demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Aptitude for accuracy and attention to detail
• Adept at working in a fast-paced, often changing, highly collaborative environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Similar Industry Titles and Key Words: Product Developer, Technician

Technical Designer, Footwear

About us:
Target is an iconic brand, a Fortune 50 company and one of America's leading retailers.

At the heart of one of the world's best loved and most recognizable brands is an impeccable Product Development & Design organization. We thrive on the magic of discovering that just-right thing, and we infuse everything we do with our passion for affordable chic. We concept, develop, make and deliver the stylish new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve. We are uber-savvy trend and style experts who stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying our market's needs and exceeding them, every time. Join one of our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the style, quality and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will have a direct and positive effect, whether on home, hardlines or apparel & accessories categories. Here, you'll be close to the action of dreaming up and bringing to life the Target-owned brands that surprise and gratify guests, wherever and whenever they love to shop.
A role with the Design team means a big opportunity to start from scratch and create something truly original. Are you a design expert who can support your business by staying one step ahead of industry trends, new materials and techniques? Can you demonstrate the utmost attention to detail and create products that are unprecedented in the marketplace for their design and quality for the price? Then you'll have success on our Design team who owns the design and development of all Target-owned brands, from apparel to home goods, and beauty to essentials. In close partnership with our merchant and sourcing counterparts, you'll drive brand cohesion and continuity, ensuring that our products meet the merchant line plans, assortment strategies, price points and overall creative direction.

Responsibilities

·Collaborate with the Designer to research, sketch, and develop guest-focused Owned Brand product from concept through execution

·Partner with Sr. Technical Designer, Designer, Merchandising, Sourcing and Vendors to deliver on product objectives and business strategy while adhering to calendar timelines

·Create and maintain complete and accurate specifications and approvals in PLM system

·Communicate daily with internal and external partners to ensure high quality execution in materials, components, and fit

·Lead live model fit sessions and evaluate samples for fit, construction, and quality

·Identify/alleviate potential manufacturing, quality, and fit concerns within the product development cycle

·Conduct market research of competitors, benchmarks, and whitespace to engineer value and guide strategy

·Drive guest research and wear testing to build products that foster love and loyalty

·Review production issues and collaborate with Cross Functional Team to resolve

·Develop, document, and implement technical processes and brand standards

·Assist in vendor training and certification programs

·Assist in building and maintaining last library

·Analyze foot models for appropriate shape and measurements

·Travel internationally and domestically to support business as needed

·Performs other duties as required/assigned by manager

About you:

• 4-year degree in technical design, product design, industrial design, or related degree with strong academic performance (3.0 GPA or above)
• 5-8 years' experience in footwear product and development
• Strong knowledge of footwear fit, construction, molds/blueprints, and lasts
• Current in industry standard technical knowledge of footwear development and manufacturing processes, in bothman-made and genuine leather materials
• Proficient in use of relevant computer applications (Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Office Suite, PLM system, 3D CAD experience is a plus)
• Robust problem solving and decision-making skills
• Aptitude for accuracy and attention to detail
• Adept at working in a fast-paced, often changing, highly collaborative environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Similar Industry Titles and Key Words: Product Developer, Technician