About this Product Development Manager role at Swinerton
Swinerton · Onsite · Portland OR (Timberlab)
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.
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