Junior Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Junior Product Designer

Company: BMI Merchandise

Location: Lakewood, NJ, US

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Development

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive product innovation by assisting in the design and development of engaging and fun toys for the amusement industry.

• Translate creative concepts into tangible products through sketching, prototyping, and technical documentation.

• Ensure product relevance and market competitiveness by identifying and analyzing emerging trends and competitor offerings.

• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, particularly purchasing, to manage product lines from concept to production.

• Maintain a high standard of quality and attention to detail in all design outputs, from initial ideation to final print production.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is specifically focused on the amusement and redemption merchandise sector, requiring a keen understanding of trends within toys, novelties, electronics, and pop culture, distinct from general product design.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Assist senior designers in conceptualizing, sketching, and developing new toy and redemption merchandise concepts.

• Create detailed technical drawings, die-lines, and production-ready artwork using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

• Develop compelling concept renderings, layout designs, logo designs, and packaging designs for presentations to internal stakeholders and clients.

• Conduct thorough market research and trend analysis to inform product development and ensure alignment with consumer interests and pop culture movements.

• Analyze competitor products to identify opportunities for innovation, quality enhancement, and performance improvement.

• Collaborate closely with the purchasing department to communicate product specifications, material requirements, and production timelines for assigned product lines.

• Produce functional prototypes to test product viability, user experience, and overall performance before mass production.

• Review and approve color proofs, ensuring accurate color reproduction and adherence to brand guidelines during the print production phase.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a blend of creative ideation and practical production knowledge, with a strong focus on visual design elements like typography and layout, crucial for consumer-facing merchandise.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: BS/BA degree in Design, Package Design, Industrial Design, or an equivalent relevant field.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of professional experience in consumer goods, with a strong preference for experience in Toys, Novelties, or related packaging design.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop for graphic design and technical illustration.

• Strong understanding of color science, combinations, and their psychological impact on consumers.

• Solid knowledge of die-lines, structural packaging design, typography, and layout principles.

• Experience with print production processes, including the ability to review and correct color proofs.

• Demonstrated skill in brainstorming, ideation, and concept generation.

• Excellent sketching and rendering abilities to visually communicate design concepts.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple projects simultaneously to meet deadlines.

• Capacity to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment. Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with 3D modeling or CAD software for prototyping and visualization.

• Knowledge of material properties and manufacturing processes relevant to toy production.

• Passion for and deep understanding of current trends in pop culture, toys, electronics, and fashion.

• Experience in the amusement industry or with redemption merchandise.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for Illustrator and Photoshop proficiency is paramount, as these tools are central to creating the detailed artwork and technical specifications needed for merchandise production in this industry.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of product design projects, with a strong emphasis on consumer goods, toys, or novelties.

• Include examples of packaging design, demonstrating understanding of die-lines, structural integrity, and visual appeal.

• Present technical drawings and production-ready artwork that highlight proficiency with tools like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.

• Feature case studies or project descriptions that detail the product development lifecycle, from initial concept and trend analysis to prototyping and production. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate experience in documenting design processes, including ideation, concept development, and iteration.

• Illustrate how design choices were informed by trend analysis, competitor research, and market feedback.

• Provide examples of how design specifications were communicated for production, including print-ready files and color proofing.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio should visually articulate the candidate's ability to translate trends and creative ideas into commercially viable products, with a clear emphasis on the practical aspects of design for manufacturing and print.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year. This range reflects the Junior Product Designer level, location in Lakewood, NJ, and the specialized nature of the toy and merchandise design industry.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.

• Paid time off (PTO), including vacation days, sick leave, and holidays.

• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in design trends and technologies.

• Employee discounts on company merchandise.

• Potential for performance-based bonuses.

Working Hours: Standard 40-hour work week, typically Monday through Friday, with potential for occasional overtime during peak production periods.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is estimated based on the provided minimum and maximum values ($60,000-$80,000) for a Junior Product Designer role in New Jersey, considering the specified experience level and industry. Benefits are typical for full-time positions in the US consumer goods sector.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Amusement Industry, Merchandise & Technology Leader. BMI Merchandise specializes in redemption merchandise and technology, serving arcades, entertainment centers, and similar venues.

Company Size: Approximately 50-200 employees (estimated based on typical ADP platform usage for mid-sized companies). This size suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions are visible and impactful.

Founded: 1986. With decades of experience, BMI Merchandise has established itself as a leader, implying a culture that values innovation, reliability, and deep market knowledge.

Team Structure:

• The design team likely consists of a mix of senior and junior designers, potentially specializing in different product categories or design aspects (e.g., graphic design, structural design).

• This role will report to a Design Manager or Lead Product Designer, with close collaboration expected across departments like Purchasing, Marketing, and potentially Production.

• Cross-functional collaboration is key, particularly with Purchasing to ensure designs are feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with sourcing capabilities. Methodology:

• Data-driven trend analysis and competitor benchmarking are core to ensuring product relevance.

• A structured design process, from ideation and sketching to technical drawing and prototyping, is essential.

• Emphasis on iterative design and feedback loops, especially when working with purchasing and on prototypes.

• Continuous learning and adaptation to evolving consumer preferences and pop culture trends.

Company Website: https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=d858a015-e9c8-4bd4-882a-c0c656a3a85f

📝 Enhancement Note: BMI Merchandise's long history and leadership position in the redemption merchandise sector suggest a culture that balances established expertise with a forward-thinking approach to product innovation.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Junior Product Designer. This entry-level to early-career position focuses on supporting established design processes and developing foundational skills. The role is geared towards learning and execution under guidance.

Reporting Structure: The Junior Product Designer will report to a senior member of the design team (e.g., Design Manager, Lead Designer). Day-to-day guidance and project assignment will come from this individual, with potential collaboration with other designers and cross-functional teams.

Operations Impact: While not directly operations in the sense of sales or revenue ops, this role has a significant impact on the company's product offerings, which are the foundation of its revenue. Successful product design leads to desirable merchandise, driving sales and customer engagement within the amusement and redemption markets.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Advancement: Deepen expertise in specific design software (Illustrator, Photoshop), learn new 3D modeling tools, and gain a more nuanced understanding of print production and materials.

• Specialization: Develop expertise in particular product categories within the amusement industry (e.g., electronics, plush toys, collectibles) or focus on specific design disciplines like packaging or character design.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to roles like Product Designer, Senior Product Designer, or potentially Design Lead, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior staff, and contributing more significantly to strategic product direction.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a product designer typically involves mastering technical skills, gaining deeper market insight, and increasing project ownership and creative autonomy.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is on-site, indicating a traditional office or studio environment within BMI Merchandise's facilities in Lakewood, NJ. This suggests a collaborative workspace designed for creative teams.

Office Location(s): Lakewood, NJ. This location offers access to a regional talent pool and is situated within a business-friendly area.

Workspace Context: