Product Development Manager

Job Description Summary:

The Product Development Manager develops new products, manufacturing methods, and technical solutions from early-stage concept through validation and commercialization readiness. The role translates product requirements into technical definitions, candidate solutions, prototypes, testing programs, and evidence-based development recommendations.
Working closely with Manufacturing, Engineering, Digital Construction, Operations, Architecture, and external consultants, this position supports major product-development initiatives and may independently lead appropriately scoped development efforts. The role combines technical product development, applied problem-solving, manufacturing integration, code and regulatory evaluation, and initiative leadership to help bring innovative timber-based products and systems to market.

Job Description:

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

• Develop product, system, and manufacturing concepts that address identified customer, business, and operational needs.
• Translate product requirements into technical definitions, candidate solutions, and development plans.
• Produce and coordinate models, drawings, specifications, bills of materials, and technical studies.
• Evaluate alternative technical approaches and support concept comparison and selection.
• Integrate architectural, engineering, manufacturing, fabrication, installation, and commercial considerations into product-development activities.
• Maintain technical documentation throughout the development process.
• Define prototype objectives, configurations, measurements, and acceptance criteria.
• Develop prototype briefs and technical build information.
• Coordinate prototype development, testing, mockups, demonstrations, and physical investigations.
• Analyze prototype and test results and recommend design refinements.
• Support development of validation, certification, and commercialization readiness plans.
• Document development findings, technical assumptions, risks, and recommendations.
• Coordinate technical work with internal and external engineers, architects, consultants, manufacturers, fabricators, Digital Construction personnel, and other specialists.
• Facilitate communication among stakeholders to ensure technical alignment and effective execution.
• Support project planning, scheduling, and coordination activities for assigned initiatives.
• Present technical findings, development status, risks, and recommendations to leadership and project stakeholders.
• Support evaluation of building code requirements, regulatory considerations, product approvals, certification pathways, and industry standards relevant to product-development initiatives.
• Research technical, regulatory, and market constraints affecting product viability and implementation.
• Coordinate with internal and external subject-matter experts to develop compliant and commercially viable solutions.
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, building systems, manufacturing methods, and industry trends relevant to Timberlab products and markets.
• Lead appropriately scoped product-development initiatives when assigned.
• Coordinate contributors, manage technical workstreams, and support achievement of development objectives.
• Identify technical risks, development challenges, and resource needs, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Support preparation of development deliverables, stage-gate reviews, and commercialization planning activities.

MINIMUM SKILLS & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Engineering, Industrial Design, Construction Management, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in product development, engineering, design, manufacturing, construction, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience developing, evaluating, or implementing physical products, building systems, or manufacturing solutions.
• Experience producing technical documentation, drawings, specifications, models, or similar development deliverables.
• Ability to independently lead technical work and coordinate multidisciplinary contributors.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in an evolving development environment.

PREFERRED

• Experience in mass timber, structural systems, prefabrication, modular construction, or advanced building products.
• Experience within architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, or industrial-product industries.
• Professional experience in architecture or working closely with architectural design teams.
• Experience with prototype development, testing, and validation programs.
• Familiarity with building codes, regulatory requirements, product certifications, and evaluation processes.
• Experience coordinating external consultants, testing agencies, and certification bodies.
• Proficiency with CAD, BIM, product-development, and project-management software platforms.
• Familiarity with stage-gate, Lean product development, or similar development methodologies.