Temporary - Product Developer, Apparel

At 5.11, we build gear for those who demand more, from their apparel, their team, and themselves. Our design and development center in Irvine is where we put innovation into motion, using real-world feedback from end users to engineer products that go further, whether on duty, in the field, or pushing boundaries off the grid.

We're looking for a Temporary Product Developer - Apparel to help bring these ideas to life. In this role, you'll drive the development of garments from initial concept through production handoff, making sure every product meets the highest standards of quality, function, fit, and performance. You'll work cross-functionally with sourcing, design, and technical teams to commercialize fabrics, trims, and construction details that stand up to the most demanding environments.

What You'll Do:

Product Development & Commercialization

• Manage the full development lifecycle from design handoff to production-ready handoff.

• Collaborate with Design, Technical Design, and Sourcing to ensure all materials, trims, and construction methods align with performance needs.

• Drive innovation in fabric, construction, packaging, and product functionality.

• Manage fit sessions, field testing, and feedback cycles to validate performance and comfort in real-use conditions.

• Own accurate and complete technical packages, including BOMs, color specs, packaging, and labeling.

Compliance & Standards

• Ensure products meet internal quality benchmarks and applicable compliance standards (NFPA, ANSI, EN, etc.).

• Maintain material and garment testing documentation and third-party validation.

• Track testing and certification processes to support regulated product categories.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Management

• Coordinate timelines, calendars, and seasonal deliverables across departments.

• Maintain databases, trackers, and documentation to ensure ISO compliance and team visibility.

• Regularly partner with Hong Kong sourcing teams and suppliers to keep projects on track and aligned to budget and cost goals.

• Support technical requests from internal teams, including product specs for RFPs or specialized customer bids.

What You Bring:

• 2-5 years of experience in apparel product development, with a focus on technical or performance wear.

• Bachelor's degree in Apparel or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.

• Deep understanding of garment construction, material sourcing, and product testing.

• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).

• Experience with PLM/PDM software preferred.

• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally as needed.

Pay Range: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour

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