Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Product Designer

Company: Gymreapers

Location: Nampa, Idaho, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Product Design & Development

Date Posted: May 28, 2026

Experience Level: 2-5 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end product design lifecycle for Gymreapers' hardgoods, accessories, and gear categories, from initial concept to production handoff.

• Ensure all products achieve the highest standards in performance, durability, aesthetics, and brand alignment, catering to strength sports and fitness enthusiasts.

• Translate athlete feedback and market insights into innovative product improvements, influencing product strategy and development roadmaps.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including sourcing, manufacturing, marketing, and e-commerce to bring products to market successfully.

• Possess a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and a passion for fitness and performance gear.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is critical in bridging the gap between market needs and tangible product innovation within the fitness and performance gear sector. The emphasis on "hardgoods, accessories, and gear" indicates a broad product scope requiring versatility in design and material application. The direct reporting to the Director of Product and Development suggests a significant level of responsibility and influence.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of new products across a diverse range including lifting accessories, belts, straps, wraps, plate carriers, bags, recovery products, and training equipment.

• Create comprehensive product concepts, detailed sketches, precise CAD models, and thorough technical specifications to guide manufacturing.

• Analyze athlete feedback and market research to identify opportunities for product enhancements and new product introductions.

• Develop products that meticulously balance performance, durability, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost targets.

• Build detailed tech packs and product specifications, including CAD files, dimensions, construction details, and Bills of Materials (BOMs).

• Work closely with factories and sourcing teams on material selection, construction methods, design revisions, and production feasibility assessments.

• Review prototypes, conduct rigorous testing, and drive iterative improvements based on findings.

• Research emerging market trends, competitor products, and advanced materials to foster product innovation.

• Identify opportunities for innovation within existing product lines and for future category expansion initiatives.

• Participate actively in product ideation sessions and contribute to the product roadmap development.

• Partner closely with Product Development, Sourcing, Creative, Marketing, E-commerce, Operations, and direct athlete feedback to ensure cohesive product launches.

• Support product launch readiness by reviewing packaging, approving samples, developing product storytelling elements, and adhering to launch timelines.

• Manage product development timelines from concept to production handoff, tracking milestones and approvals.

• Coordinate with internal teams and overseas factories to ensure timely project completion and proactively identify potential delays or risks.

• Maintain clear visibility into development calendars and upcoming launch schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a comprehensive product design role that extends beyond creative ideation into technical specification, manufacturing liaison, and project management. The emphasis on "balancing performance, durability, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost targets" is a core tenet of successful product development in this industry.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is typically expected for roles of this nature.

Experience: 2-5 years of direct experience in product design, industrial design, or soft goods design, with a strong preference for experience in sporting goods, tactical products, or consumer products.

Required Skills:

• Proven experience in product design, industrial design, or soft goods design.

• Demonstrated understanding of the sporting goods or fitness equipment industry.

• Proficiency in CAD software such as Fusion 360, SolidWorks, or Rhino.

• Ability to create detailed technical specifications and comprehensive tech packs.

• Strong understanding of product development processes from concept to production.

• Experience in creating Bills of Materials (BOMs).

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration.

• Strong problem-solving abilities and a solutions-driven mindset.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience specifically with hardgoods, accessories, and gear within the strength sports or fitness categories.

• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes relevant to fitness equipment and accessories.

• Knowledge of material science and its application in performance gear.

• Experience working directly with overseas factories and sourcing teams.

• Ability to conduct market research and trend analysis.

• Experience with prototyping and product testing methodologies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirement of 2-5 years suggests this is a mid-level role, requiring a solid foundation in design principles and practical application, but also offering opportunities for growth and increased responsibility. The specific mention of CAD software indicates a technical requirement beyond conceptual sketching.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 comprehensive product development projects that demonstrate the full design lifecycle, from initial concept and research to final product specifications and production handoff.

• Include examples of physical products designed, detailing the problem statement, design process, material selection, manufacturing considerations, and final outcome.

• Provide visual representations of sketches, CAD models, technical drawings, and tech packs.

• Demonstrate proficiency in balancing performance, durability, aesthetics, and cost targets within your designs.

Process Documentation:

• For each portfolio project, clearly document the design process undertaken, including research methodologies, ideation techniques, prototyping stages, and iterative refinement.

• Detail the creation of technical specifications, tech packs, and BOMs, showcasing accuracy and completeness.

• Explain how athlete feedback and market insights were integrated into the design process.

• Illustrate the problem-solving approaches used to overcome design or manufacturing challenges.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is paramount for this role, serving as the primary evidence of design capability and process execution. Candidates should be prepared to walk through their projects in detail, emphasizing their role and contributions.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on the experience level (2-5 years), location (Nampa, Idaho), and industry (sporting goods/consumer products), a competitive salary range for a Product Designer in this region would typically fall between $65,000 and $90,000 annually. This estimate is derived from industry salary benchmarks for similar roles in the Mountain West region, considering the cost of living and the specialized nature of product design in the fitness sector.

Benefits:

• Competitive Pay

• Company-paid holidays

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Access to the Gymreapers on-site gym

• Newly renovated HQ facilities

• 401(k) retirement plan with up to a 4% employer match

• Optional Life Flight Program

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Generous 50% employee discount on Gymreapers products

• 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance for employees

• 100% employer-paid Short-term and Long-term disability insurance

• 100% employer-paid Life insurance for employee, spouse, and dependents

• Optional Health Savings Account (HSA)

Working Hours: The standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, totaling 40 hours per week. Flexibility may be required to meet business needs, which is common in product development cycles leading up to product launches.

📝 Enhancement Note: The comprehensive benefits package, particularly the 100% employer-paid health insurance and disability coverage, is a significant advantage. The on-site gym and employee discount also align well with the company's brand and target audience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Sporting Goods, Fitness Equipment, Apparel, and Accessories. Gymreapers operates within a dynamic and competitive market, focusing on high-performance gear for athletes in strength sports, powerlifting, and general fitness.

Company Size: Gymreapers is a growing company, indicated by the establishment of a new HQ. While exact numbers aren't provided, the need for a dedicated Product Designer suggests a maturing product development function, likely moving beyond a startup phase into a more structured growth phase.

Founded: Gymreapers was founded in 2014. This history provides a foundation of brand identity and market presence, allowing for product evolution and expansion.

Team Structure:

• The Product Designer will report to the Director of Product and Development, indicating a direct line of leadership within the product development hierarchy.

• The role requires close collaboration with Sourcing, Creative, Marketing, E-commerce, and Operations teams, suggesting a matrixed or highly integrated cross-functional environment.

Methodology:

• The product development process appears to be iterative and data-informed, leveraging market trends, competitor analysis, and direct athlete feedback.

• Emphasis is placed on balancing multiple product attributes (performance, durability, aesthetics, cost) and managing complex timelines involving overseas manufacturing.

• The company likely employs a blend of agile and traditional product development methodologies to accommodate the fast-paced nature of the fitness industry and the complexities of global sourcing.

Company Website: https://www.gymreapers.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Gymreapers positions itself as a brand for serious athletes, emphasizing performance and durability. The company culture is likely to be driven, fitness-oriented, and focused on continuous improvement, mirroring the ethos of the athletes they serve.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a mid-level Product Designer role (2-5 years of experience). It requires independent contribution and ownership of product lines, moving beyond junior design tasks to strategic involvement in product conception and development. The role is crucial for shaping the physical product offerings of the company.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Director of Product and Development. This provides exposure to senior leadership and strategic product planning. Collaboration will extend across various departments, offering broad visibility into the business operations.

Operations Impact: The Product Designer's impact is direct and tangible, influencing the quality, functionality, and market appeal of Gymreapers' core product offerings. Successful product designs directly contribute to revenue, brand reputation, and customer loyalty by meeting and exceeding athlete expectations.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Potential to become a subject matter expert in specific product categories (e.g., lifting accessories, apparel, hardgoods).

• Leadership: Advancement to Senior Product Designer or Lead Product Designer roles, potentially managing junior designers or specific product portfolios.

• Cross-functional Transition: Opportunity to move into Product Management, Sourcing Management, or Brand Development roles, leveraging a deep understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Skill Development: Continuous learning in advanced CAD techniques, material science, manufacturing technologies, and market trend analysis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers significant growth potential within a company that is clearly investing in its product development capabilities. The direct impact on physical products and the collaborative environment provide a strong foundation for career advancement in the product design and development field.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job is advertised as "On-Site at NEW Gymreapers' HQ in Nampa, ID." This suggests a modern, dedicated workspace designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Office Location(s): Nampa, Idaho, located approximately 20 minutes outside of Boise. This location offers access to a growing metropolitan area while potentially providing a more cost-effective or lifestyle-oriented base compared to major coastal cities.

Workspace Context:

• The new HQ likely features modern design amenities and a collaborative layout, conducive to design work and team interaction.

• Proximity to Boise offers access to amenities, services, and a larger talent pool.

• The on-site gym is a significant perk, reinforcing the company's commitment to fitness and employee well-being, and providing a direct space for product testing.

• Expect a fast-paced environment driven by product launch cycles and market demands.

Work Schedule: The standard schedule is Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. While flexibility is mentioned, the nature of product development often requires dedication to meet critical deadlines, so occasional extended hours may be necessary, especially during product launch phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and the description of a "newly renovated HQ" suggest a company that is investing in its physical infrastructure and employee experience. The location in Nampa offers a balance of accessibility and a potentially lower cost of living compared to major design hubs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or hiring manager will review applications and portfolios for essential qualifications and design experience.

• Portfolio Review & Technical Interview: Candidates will likely present their portfolio to the Director of Product and Development and potentially other key stakeholders. This will involve discussing design choices, process, technical specifications, and problem-solving approaches. Expect questions on CAD proficiency and manufacturing considerations.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with members from Sourcing, Marketing, and potentially other designers to assess collaboration style and understanding of departmental needs.

• Final Interview: A discussion with senior leadership (potentially CEO or VP of Product) to assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-4 of your strongest projects that best align with Gymreapers' product categories (fitness accessories, hardgoods, soft goods). Showcase projects that demonstrate innovation, problem-solving, and a balance of key design attributes.

• Detail Your Process: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your role, the design process (research, ideation, prototyping, testing), technical specs, material choices, and manufacturing considerations. Use high-quality visuals (sketches, renders, CAD screenshots, photos of prototypes/final products).

• Quantify Impact (if possible): If any of your designs have been launched, mention their success metrics, user feedback, or contributions to sales if available.

• Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly demonstrate your proficiency with CAD software (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Rhino) and your ability to create detailed tech packs and BOMs.

• Emphasize Fitness Passion: Show genuine interest and understanding of the fitness and strength sports market.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for a potential design challenge or case study, which might involve conceptualizing a new product or solving a design problem related to existing Gymreapers products.

• Practice articulating your design rationale clearly and concisely.

• Be ready to discuss your understanding of manufacturing limitations and material properties relevant to fitness gear.

• Research Gymreapers' current product line thoroughly to understand their brand aesthetic, target audience, and market positioning.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio is the most critical component of this application. Candidates should invest significant time in preparing a visually appealing and technically detailed presentation that showcases their end-to-end product design capabilities.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design Software:

• CAD Software: Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Rhino (Proficiency in at least one is required).

• 2D Design/Illustration: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator) for concept refinement, graphic elements, and technical drawings.

• Prototyping Tools: Familiarity with rapid prototyping methods and software for 3D printing or digital modeling.

Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) / Project Management Tools:

• Experience with PLM systems is beneficial for managing product data, BOMs, and version control.

Collaboration & Communication Tools:

• Slack, Microsoft Teams, or similar for daily team communication.

• Google Workspace or Microsoft Office Suite for documentation and presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific CAD software indicates a technical requirement. Candidates should be ready to discuss their experience level and specific projects undertaken using these tools. Familiarity with broader product development software is a plus.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Performance & Durability: A core value driven by the company's mission to provide high-quality gear for athletes. Designs must be robust and functional.

• Innovation: A continuous drive to research trends and develop new products that meet evolving athlete needs.

• Athlete-Centricity: A commitment to understanding and serving the needs of strength athletes, often involving direct feedback and community engagement.

• Integrity & Quality: Upholding high standards in product design, manufacturing, and customer experience.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Essential for bringing complex products to market, requiring seamless integration across departments.

Collaboration Style:

• Highly collaborative, cross-functional environment where designers work closely with product development, sourcing, marketing, and e-commerce teams.

• Expect a fast-paced, iterative approach with regular feedback loops from internal teams and external athletes.

• Open communication and a willingness to adapt designs based on manufacturing constraints, cost targets, and market feedback are crucial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely mirrors the dedication and intensity of the fitness community it serves. Success in this role will depend on strong communication, a proactive attitude, and a genuine passion for fitness products.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing competing priorities: Effectively balancing performance, durability, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost targets for each product.

• Global supply chain complexities: Navigating challenges with overseas manufacturing, material lead times, and quality control.

• Rapid market evolution: Staying ahead of trends in the fast-paced fitness and sports equipment industry.

• Translating athlete needs: Accurately interpreting and translating the specific, often demanding, needs of elite athletes into functional product designs.

• Managing timelines: Meeting tight deadlines for product development and launches in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deep Dive into Fitness Gear: Gaining extensive knowledge of materials, construction techniques, and performance requirements specific to strength sports and fitness equipment.

• Advanced CAD & Design Software: Mastering advanced features of design software and potentially exploring new tools.

• Manufacturing Processes: Developing a deeper understanding of various manufacturing techniques and their implications for design and cost.

• Product Strategy: Contributing to broader product strategy and roadmap development, gaining experience in market analysis and business planning.

• Cross-functional Expertise: Learning about sourcing, marketing launches, and e-commerce operations, broadening overall business acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers a steep learning curve in a specialized industry, providing ample opportunities for professional growth in product design and development. The challenges are inherent to bringing physical products to market successfully.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a product you designed that you are most proud of. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and impact).

• "How do you approach balancing performance requirements with cost constraints in product design?" (Demonstrate understanding of trade-offs).

• "Walk me through your process for creating a tech pack. What are the essential components, and why are they important?" (Showcase technical documentation skills).

• "How do you stay current with market trends and athlete needs in the fitness industry?" (Highlight research and industry awareness).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Gymreapers and our product line?" (Research brand, values, and products).

• "How do you see your design philosophy aligning with the Gymreapers brand?" (Connect your style to their aesthetic and mission).

• "Describe your ideal team environment for product development." (Assess cultural fit and collaboration preferences).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your presentation logically, starting with an overview of your role and the project's objective.

• Tell a Story: Frame each project as a narrative: the problem, your journey to a solution, the challenges faced, and the final outcome.

• Visuals First: Use high-quality images, renders, and CAD views. Let the visuals speak, but be prepared to explain them.

• Technical Depth: Be ready to discuss materials, construction methods, manufacturing feasibility, and BOM details.

• Conciseness: Allocate time effectively for each project. Aim for 5-10 minutes per major project.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare specific examples that demonstrate their end-to-end design process, technical proficiency, and understanding of the fitness product market. Practicing the portfolio presentation is crucial.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on JazzHR.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight experience directly relevant to Gymreapers' product categories (fitness accessories, hardgoods, soft goods). Ensure your portfolio is easily accessible and showcases projects that demonstrate your skills in CAD, tech pack creation, and manufacturing collaboration.

• Resume Optimization: Clearly list your proficiency with required CAD software (Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Rhino) and any experience in the sporting goods or fitness industry. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Designed X product that led to Y% sales increase").

• Interview Preparation: Rehearse responses to common interview questions, particularly those related to your design process, problem-solving skills, and understanding of fitness product development. Practice presenting your portfolio concisely and effectively.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Gymreapers, their mission, their current product line, their target audience, and their competitors. Understand their brand aesthetic and values to better articulate your fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description provides a comprehensive overview based on the provided information and industry standards for Product Designer roles. Candidates should verify all details, especially regarding specific responsibilities, qualifications, and compensation, directly with Gymreapers during the application process.