Junior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Product Designer

Company: Chrome Industries

Location: Portland, OR

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Development

Date Posted: February 19, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Supports product program execution with a focus on precision in technical documentation, including tech packs, CADs, and specifications, to translate creative direction into manufacturable product details.

• Contributes to detailed design execution and development support across the full product lifecycle, with a specific emphasis on special collections, graphics, and branded merchandise.

• Facilitates cross-functional collaboration by ensuring clear communication and alignment with development, marketing, operations, and sales teams throughout the product creation process.

• Plays a key role in product operations by maintaining accurate product data, organizing seasonal assets, and assisting with timeline management and execution tracking.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a Junior Product Designer, indicating a focus on foundational design execution and development support rather than strategic concept generation. The emphasis on "precision," "accuracy," and "documentation" suggests a need for strong organizational and technical skills within the design process, making it a critical support function for the senior design team and overall product lifecycle management. The role requires a blend of creative input on graphics and special collections with rigorous operational adherence to design specifications.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design Support: Assist in the development of product designs across the entire lifecycle, contributing to the creation of design documentation, visual assets, and presentations.

• Line Planning & Concepting: Support line planning activities, contribute to product design concepting, and assist in preparing product presentations for internal stakeholders.

• Special Collections & Graphics Coordination: Collaborate on the execution of design concepts for inline products, special collections, and branded merchandise, focusing on color, materials, graphics, and branding elements.

• Product Operations & Data Management: Maintain accurate product data, meticulously organize seasonal assets, and assist with timeline management, handoffs, and execution tracking for product programs.

• Product Development Assistance: Support product development activities, including sample reviews, documentation updates, specification refinement, and coordination with development partners to ensure products meet design intent and quality standards.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal departments such as development, marketing, operations, and sales to ensure seamless product execution and alignment on product information and launch preparations.

• Research & Trend Analysis: Conduct research on market and competitive trends related to design, materials, color, and construction, and maintain reference libraries and visual documentation of current and past products.

• Technical Documentation: Create and maintain detailed technical packs, CAD drawings, color specifications, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a dual focus: executing design elements for special collections and graphics, and meticulously managing the operational aspects of product development. This includes detailed documentation, data organization, and cross-functional communication, which are critical for ensuring product quality and timely delivery in a fast-paced consumer goods environment. The mention of "product operations" and "process improvement efforts" indicates an opportunity for the candidate to contribute to streamlining workflows.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Design, Engineering, Business, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of experience in product development, product design, or product management, preferably within premium consumer goods categories.

Required Skills:

• High attention to detail, with a proven ability to maintain accuracy and identify errors in multiple files and formats.

• Proficiency in Adobe Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, for design and asset creation.

• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data management, spec sheets, and BOM creation.

• Solid technical design skills, including the ability to create comprehensive tech packs, CAD drawings, color specs, and manage Bills of Materials (BOMs).

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the capacity to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

• Ability to clearly document, illustrate, and communicate design changes and specifications to both internal and external partners.

• Comfort working collaboratively and cross-functionally with Design, Development, Marketing, Sales, and Operations teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the bag category and/or the sport/outdoor/bike industry.

• 3D modeling software skill and experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications emphasize a blend of technical design proficiency (Adobe Suite, tech packs, CADs) and strong operational acumen (Excel, organization, attention to detail). The preference for industry-specific experience (bags, outdoor) and 3D modeling suggests a desire for candidates who can quickly integrate into the company's specific product development ecosystem and potentially contribute to advanced design visualization.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of technical design documentation, including examples of detailed tech packs, CADs, and specification sheets that clearly articulate design intent for manufacturing.

• Showcase projects where attention to detail was critical, highlighting your ability to manage and organize complex product data, measurements, and file structures accurately.

• Include examples of collaboration on special collections, graphics, or branded merchandise, illustrating your contribution to color, material, and graphic execution.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have documented product development processes, including sample reviews, change lists, and resolution tracking, to ensure clarity and accountability.

• Illustrate your experience in organizing seasonal assets and maintaining accurate product data within shared file structures or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems (if applicable).

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to supporting process improvement efforts aimed at enhancing efficiency and cross-functional workflows in product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, a portfolio is implicitly crucial for a design role. For this Junior Product Designer position, the portfolio should emphasize technical execution and process adherence over conceptual ideation. Candidates should highlight their ability to create clear, actionable design documentation and demonstrate their organizational skills in managing product data and project timelines.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $81,000 - $85,500 per year.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their families.

• Paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays, to support work-life balance.

• Retirement savings plan options, such as a 401(k), with potential company matching contributions.

• Employee discounts on Chrome Industries products, reflecting the company's commitment to its brand.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning to support career growth.

Working Hours: Regular, Full-Time. While not explicitly detailed, a standard full-time role typically involves 40 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific and competitive for a Junior Product Designer role in Portland, OR, reflecting the company's investment in talent. The benefits listed are standard for a full-time position in the consumer goods industry, aiming to attract and retain employees by supporting their well-being and professional development.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Outdoor Gear & Apparel (specifically bags, cycling accessories). Chrome Industries operates within a dynamic and competitive market, known for its emphasis on durability, functionality, and urban mobility.

Company Size: While not explicitly given, Chrome Industries is a well-established brand with a global presence, suggesting a medium to large-sized organization with multiple departments and product lines.

Founded: The company was founded over 30 years ago, indicating a strong heritage and established brand identity. This long history suggests a culture that values experience, innovation grounded in practicality, and a deep understanding of its core customer base.

Team Structure:

• The design team is described as "small" and "agile," implying a collaborative and fast-paced environment where team members often wear multiple hats.

• The Junior Product Designer will report to a Senior Designer, suggesting a mentorship structure and a clear reporting hierarchy within the design department.

Methodology:

• The company's ethos is to "do things differently," "challenge the status quo," and "push boundaries" in design, manufacturing, and marketing. This suggests a culture that encourages innovation, bold thinking, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

• There's an emphasis on building "bold, thoughtfully designed, durable gear," indicating a commitment to quality, longevity, and functional aesthetics.

• The company values individuals who are "disrupters, challengers and creators" and are "equally comfortable leading a team or project and rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty."

Company Website: https://chromeindustries.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Chrome Industries cultivates a culture of innovation, durability, and a hands-on approach, deeply rooted in its history of creating functional gear for urban commuters and outdoor enthusiasts. The "small, agile team" structure for design implies a collaborative environment where individual contributions are visible and impactful, aligning with the company's ethos of challenging the norm and getting work done.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is classified as "Junior," indicating an entry-level to early-career position within the product design and development function. It signifies a focus on learning, executing defined tasks, and supporting senior team members, rather than leading strategic initiatives.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Product Designer will report directly to a Senior Designer. This structure provides a clear line of mentorship, guidance, and performance feedback, facilitating skill development within a specific design discipline. Collaboration with cross-functional teams (development, marketing, operations, sales) is also a significant aspect of the role's dynamic.

Operations Impact: While this role is primarily focused on design execution and documentation, its success directly impacts the efficiency and quality of the product development pipeline. Accurate tech packs, well-organized assets, and seamless cross-functional communication are critical for ensuring products are manufactured correctly, on time, and meet quality and cost targets. The role contributes to the overall brand reputation for durable, well-designed products.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deep expertise in technical design documentation (tech packs, CADs), material selection, and product development processes within the bag and outdoor gear industry.

• Design Acumen: Gain experience in color, graphics, and special collection design, potentially leading to more creative responsibilities within the design team over time.

• Cross-Functional Understanding: Build a strong foundation in how design integrates with development, marketing, operations, and sales, providing a holistic view of the product lifecycle.

• Advancement: Progress to a Product Designer or Senior Product Designer role, taking on more complex projects, leading design initiatives, and mentoring junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: This Junior Product Designer role is a foundational step in a product development career. Growth will likely involve mastering technical design skills, gaining in-depth knowledge of the product category, and demonstrating the ability to manage increasingly complex projects and contribute to design strategy under the guidance of senior team members.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based at Chrome Industries Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon, described as "on-site." This suggests a physical office environment designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Portland, Oregon. Specifics about the office facilities are not detailed, but as a global headquarters, it likely houses design studios, product development labs, and administrative functions.

Workspace Context:

• The "small, agile team" structure implies a collaborative workspace where designers, developers, and other cross-functional partners work in close proximity.

• Access to necessary design tools and technology, including Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, and potentially 3D modeling software, is expected in this environment.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with senior designers and cross-functional teams will be prevalent, facilitating learning and efficient problem-solving.

Work Schedule: Regular, Full-Time. This typically aligns with standard business hours, but the company's culture of "working hard and playing hard" and encouraging individuals who "roll up your sleeves" suggests a dynamic environment where flexibility may be valued, provided work is completed efficiently and to a high standard.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in Portland, OR, emphasizes a collaborative, in-person work environment characteristic of many design-focused companies. The "global headquarters" designation suggests a well-equipped facility that supports the company's full range of operations, from design and development to marketing and distribution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess for technical skills (Adobe Suite, Excel, tech packs) and relevant experience.

• Technical Assessment/Case Study: Candidates may be asked to complete a design exercise or present a portfolio case study demonstrating their technical design skills, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities relevant to product development. This could involve creating a tech pack, analyzing a product spec, or discussing a design challenge.

• Team Interviews: Meetings with the Senior Designer and potentially other members of the design, development, or marketing teams to evaluate collaboration skills, cultural fit, and technical understanding.

• Final Interview: A discussion with hiring management to finalize the decision, focusing on overall fit, career aspirations, and understanding of the company's mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Technical Focus: Clearly showcase your proficiency in creating detailed tech packs, CAD drawings, color specifications, and Bills of Materials. Ensure all documentation is accurate, legible, and professionally presented.

• Process Documentation: Include examples of how you've organized product data, managed timelines, or collaborated on special collections. Highlight your ability to manage details and support the full product lifecycle.

• Problem-Solving: Select projects that demonstrate your problem-solving approach, particularly in translating creative direction into manufacturable details or resolving technical challenges.

• Clarity & Conciseness: Present your work clearly and concisely. Be prepared to walk through your projects, explaining your role, the process, and the outcome, especially focusing on the technical and organizational aspects.

• Company Relevance: If possible, tailor your portfolio to highlight experience relevant to bags, outdoor gear, or cycling, demonstrating an understanding of Chrome Industries' product categories.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to discuss your experience with Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Excel in practical design scenarios.

• Prepare to explain your process for creating a tech pack, including critical components and potential pitfalls.

• Anticipate questions about how you handle feedback, manage multiple projects, and ensure accuracy in detailed documentation.

• Understand Chrome Industries' brand, product lines, and commitment to durability and functionality to articulate how your skills align with their mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process will likely heavily scrutinize technical design capabilities and organizational skills. Candidates should prepare to demonstrate their proficiency with design software and their ability to produce precise, actionable product documentation. A strong portfolio showcasing these skills will be critical for advancing.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for creating graphics, layouts, and visual assets.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Strong command of Microsoft Excel for technical specifications, BOM management, data analysis, and tracking.

• 3D Modeling Software: Experience with 3D modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino, Blender) is a significant plus for visualizing and developing product designs.

Analytics & Reporting:

CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for this role, as it is focused on the design and development side. However, understanding how design data integrates into broader company systems (like ERP or PLM) is advantageous.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology requirements are centered around design software (Adobe Suite) and data management (Excel). The explicit mention of 3D modeling as a "plus" indicates that while not mandatory, it's a highly valued skill that can differentiate candidates, especially in a product design context. Familiarity with PLM systems would also be a strong asset for managing product data efficiently.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Challenge the Status Quo: A core value encouraging innovation, critical thinking, and a willingness to push boundaries in design and product development.

• Hands-On Problem Solving: A culture that values individuals who are proactive, resourceful, and willing to get involved in all aspects of the work to achieve results.

• Durability & Functionality: A deep commitment to creating high-quality, long-lasting, and practical gear that meets the needs of users in demanding environments.

• Bold Design: An appreciation for thoughtful, distinctive design that stands out and reflects the brand's identity.

• Empowerment: The company aims to equip and empower people to "make and move on their own terms," suggesting a value placed on user autonomy and enabling customer lifestyles.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Cross-Functional: The team operates in a small, agile manner, necessitating close collaboration across design, development, marketing, operations, and sales departments.

• Direct Communication: Given the emphasis on getting the "work done," communication is likely direct, efficient, and focused on achieving project goals.

• Mentorship: The reporting structure to a Senior Designer indicates a culture that supports learning and skill development through guidance and feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: Chrome Industries fosters a culture of innovation, hard work, and practicality, driven by a passion for creating durable, functional products. Team members are expected to be proactive, collaborative, and unafraid to challenge conventional thinking, aligning with the company's heritage of independent design and manufacturing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creativity with Technical Rigor: The role requires translating creative concepts into precise, manufacturable specifications, demanding a balance between artistic vision and meticulous technical execution.

• Managing Multiple Projects: Supporting a "small, agile team" and contributing to various product lines, special collections, and branded merchandise will require strong organizational skills to manage competing priorities and deadlines effectively.

• Cross-Functional Alignment: Ensuring all stakeholders (development, marketing, sales, operations) are aligned on design intent, specifications, and timelines can be complex and requires strong communication and documentation skills.

• Staying Current with Trends: Keeping pace with evolving design trends, material innovations, and competitive offerings in the fast-moving outdoor and cycling industries.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Design Mastery: Deepen expertise in creating industry-standard tech packs, CADs, and detailed product specifications, becoming a go-to resource for technical documentation.

• Product Lifecycle Immersion: Gain comprehensive experience across the entire product lifecycle, from concept ideation and material selection to production support and market launch.

• Industry Knowledge: Develop specialized knowledge within the bag, cycling, and outdoor gear sectors, understanding user needs, material properties, and manufacturing processes specific to these categories.

• Career Progression: Build a foundation for advancement into roles such as Product Designer, Senior Product Designer, or even Product Manager, with potential leadership opportunities within the design or product development teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a significant opportunity to hone crucial technical design and product development skills in a well-respected brand. The challenges are inherent to the product design process and provide fertile ground for learning and professional growth, particularly for those eager to contribute to tangible, high-quality products.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for creating a detailed tech pack. What are the most critical elements, and how do you ensure accuracy?" (Focus on your technical process, attention to detail, and understanding of manufacturing requirements.)

• "Walk us through a project where you had to translate a creative concept into specific design documentation. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?" (Highlight your ability to bridge creative vision with technical execution and problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Chrome Industries and our product categories (bags, cycling, outdoor)?" (Research the brand's history, mission, product lines, and values. Connect your passion and skills to their offerings.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with cross-functional teams like development, marketing, and operations?" (Emphasize your communication style, ability to work with diverse perspectives, and your understanding of how design integrates with other departments.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Technical Depth: Focus on showcasing your best examples of tech packs, CADs, and specification sheets. Be prepared to explain the details and rationale behind your technical decisions.

• Process Walkthrough: For each project, clearly articulate your role, the steps you took (from concept to documentation), the tools you used, and the outcome. Highlight your organizational process and problem-solving approach.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Use clear headings, concise descriptions, and high-quality visuals.

• Concise Storytelling: Present your work efficiently, focusing on the key aspects relevant to the role: technical accuracy, attention to detail, collaboration, and contribution to product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should heavily emphasize technical design skills, organizational capabilities, and a genuine understanding of Chrome Industries' brand and products. Candidates should be ready to demonstrate their practical application of design software and their ability to contribute to a detail-oriented product development workflow.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Junior Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Chrome Industries careers page.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest examples of technical design documentation, including detailed tech packs, CAD drawings, color specifications, and Bills of Materials. Ensure these examples highlight your precision and organizational skills.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your 2+ years of experience in product development or design, highlighting specific achievements related to technical execution, data management, and cross-functional collaboration. Use keywords from the job description such as "tech packs," "CADs," "Adobe Illustrator," and "Excel."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your design process, especially concerning technical documentation and problem-solving. Be ready to discuss specific projects and how you handle feedback and collaboration, aligning your responses with Chrome Industries' values.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Chrome Industries' brand, mission, product lines (bags, cycling accessories, outdoor gear), and company culture. Understand their emphasis on durability, functionality, and challenging the status quo to demonstrate your alignment during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.