Product Development Assistant - Wood Finishing and Fabrication

We are seeking a detail-driven Product Development Assistant to support the Product

Development Lead in the development, testing, and refinement of industrial wood

finishing systems, including customer-requested product customizations. This role

supports both standard product development and tailored finishing solutions for key

customers, ensuring finishes perform consistently and reliably in a large-scale

manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Customer-Requested Product Customizations

• Support the development, testing, and documentation of custom finish formulations or requested by customers
• Assist in translating customer requirements (color, sheen, performance, applicationmethod) into test plans and development trials
• Prepare customized samples and test panels for internal review and customerevaluation
• Document customization parameters to ensure repeatability and manufacturability
• Assist in scaling customized finishes from lab or pilot trials to production

Finishing & Product Development Support

• Assist in preparing, applying, and evaluating wood finishes including stains, sealers, topcoats, and multi-step finishing systems
• Support bench-scale, pilot, and production-scale finishing trials
• Prepare wood panels and production samples
• Document finish appearance, color consistency, cure time, adhesion, durability, and process variables

Manufacturing & Process Support

• Assist with production line trials and finishing process validation
• Help track and document process parameters such as application method, film build,  flash time, cure conditions, and line speed
• Support standardization efforts for new, revised, or customized finishing systems

Quality & Testing Assistance

• Perform basic finish evaluations (visual inspection, color comparison, adhesion, hardness, and defect identification)
• Assist with investigations related to finish defects or performance concerns, including customer-related issues
• Maintain retention samples and testing records in accordance with quality procedures

Documentation & Data Management

• Accurately record test results, formulations, and customization details
• Maintain organized digital and physical records for product development and customer-specific finishes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Manufacturing teams to support customer-driven requests
• Assist in communicating development status, timelines, and technical details related to customized finishes
• Support feedback collection from customers and internal stakeholders

General Support

• Assist the Product Development Lead with project coordination and prioritization
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized lab, spray booth, and finishing areas
• Follow all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements related to coatings and finishing

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Strong attention to detail and documentation
• Ability to work within structured manufacturing and quality systems
• Comfort working in industrial finishing and lab environments
• Willingness to learn customer-driven product development processes

Preferred 

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in coatings technology, chemistry, materials science, wood science, or manufacturing technology
• Experience with industrial wood finishing or coatings
• Familiarity with color matching or finish performance testing

Skills & Attributes

• Detail-oriented with a strong process mindset
• Able to balance standard work with customer-specific needs
• Strong communication and follow-through
• Organized, dependable, and safety-focused
• Comfortable working cross-functionally in a manufacturing environment

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to stand and move throughout manufacturing and finishing areas

• Ability to work with PPE and around coatings, solvents, and finishing equipment