Product Developer

Is this you?

Do you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where design, engineering, and manufacturing intersect?

Join our Product Development team and play a hands-on role in bringing Umbra's innovative designs to life - from concept to production.

Here’s what makes you successful at Umbra

• Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Can-Do Attitude
• Curiosity
• Street Smarts
• Team Player Mentality

What you’ll do to be successful in this role

• Bring design concepts to reality on time while achieving target cists
• Collaborate with China Product Development, Category Managers, and Design teams to refine product details, materials, and construction
• Execute solutions based on conceptual design direction
• Create prototypes and mock-ups as required
• Make informed product development decisions to improve efficiency and reduce cost while maintaining design intent

• Post Secondary degree/diploma in Industrial Design
• Minimum 2-3 years of working experience in related field
• Good understanding of manufacturing process in plastic and metal
• Engineering experience preferred but not mandatory. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills are highly valued
• Good command of oral and written English communication and literacy
• Strong organization skills and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Proficient skills in AutoCAD/SolidWorks, or other 3D data software
• Good understanding of Photoshop and Illustrator
• Proficient skill in Microsoft Office
• Flexible and adaptable to a changing work environment

Organization & Systems

• Track open projects and manage design milestones
• Maintain and update product data and drawings for production using SolidWorks and other internal systems (Jira, Flex, PowerPoint renderings)
• Maintain Product Knowledge files, Umbra Brand Standards (UIL/UBL), and SolidWorks/CAD master templates
• Provide training and technical support to Designers as required

Collaboration & Communication

• Participate in regular meetings with Head Office Category Management and Design teams
• Collaborate with the China Product Development team on ongoing projects
• Attend trade shows and vendor visits as required

Research

• Conduct research on new materials, manufacturing methods, and production techniques
• Identify opportunities for innovation in product design, construction, and functionality
• Work closely with Project Managers, Category Managers, and Designers to support new product initiatives

Decision Making

• Ability to make decisions on product development to save costs and ensure efficiency in production
• Able to understand Umbra’s requirement in quality, visual appearance, and functionality to guarantee developed product meets the design intent and support the Umbra Brand
• Meeting catalogue, trade show and presentation deadlines
• Works independently and collaboratively as part of a team within strict deadlines
• Polished, professional presentation with effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Solid organization skills and a sense of urgency with a customer service mindset
• Strong work ethic with the ability to adapt to changing priorities with a positive attitude

Responsibility

• 6-month performance reviews
• Success and reception of new products on time and with good quality

Compensation: $60,000 - $80,000 annually

What we offer

A fast-paced, collaborative studio environment where designers work closely across teams and disciplines. Umbra values curiosity, efficiency, and thoughtful execution.

We offer competitive compensation, incentive programs, group benefits and RRSP, continuous learning opportunities, an on-site gourmet café, full gym facilities, and a design-driven culture with global reach.

We’re Umbra …A leading global design company, inspired and driven to perform

We share a vision of creating original, modern, casual and affordable design for every room in the home.  We are a privately owned, Canadian company with 45 years of industry experience. Led by one of our founders, our designs can be found in over 120 countries across five continents. Our global success is attributed to our entrepreneurial nature and a desire to push ourselves, and each other, beyond our limits. 

 Hiring Process

• Vacancy Status: New Position
• Use of Al: Umbra may use artificial intelligence (Al) tools to assist in screening, assessing, or selecting candidates for this role. These tools are designed to support - but not replace - human decision-making. All hiring decisions will be reviewing by our recruitment team to ensure fairness, accuracy, and compliance with employment laws.
• All candidates will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their final interview.