Fabric Product Development Engineer (Toys, softgoods)

Please note the title of this position is Project Engineer

Job Description: 

Project Engineer (Soft Toys) – The engineer will play a critical role in designing, developing, and ensuring the quality of soft toys, from concept to mass production. This position requires expertise in soft goods engineering, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and adherence to international safety standards. 

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

1. Product Development & Engineering 

   - Design and prototype soft toys, including fabric selection, pattern creation, and material optimization to meet aesthetic and functional requirements. 

   - Collaborate with design, production, and QA teams to ensure design feasibility and cost-effectiveness. 

   - Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to enhance production efficiency. 

2. Quality Assurance & Compliance 

   - Oversee product testing, certification, and compliance with international safety standards (e.g., ASTM F963, EN71, CPSIA). 

   - Troubleshoot production issues and implement corrective actions to reduce defects and customer complaints. 

3. Vendor & Supply Chain Management

   - Liaise with suppliers in China and overseas to negotiate costs, manage tooling, and ensure timely material procurement. 

   - Monitor production line setups and conduct on-site inspections to maintain quality during mass production. 

4. Project Coordination 

   - Manage project timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to meet delivery schedules. 

   - Prepare technical documentation, including design specifications and production reports. 

5. Travel Requirements

   - Frequent travel to manufacturing facilities in mainland China and other regions as needed. 

Requirements 

- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Textile Engineering, or related field . 

- Experience: 

  - Minimum 3–5 years in soft toy manufacturing, with expertise in plush/electronic toy development. 

  - Familiarity with soft goods materials, stitching techniques, and prototyping. 

- Technical Skills: 

  - Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator) for pattern design. 

  - Knowledge of tooling, injection molding, and safety testing protocols. 

- Language: Fluency in English, Mandarin and Cantonese. 

- Soft Skills: Strong problem-solving, organizational, and communication abilities . 

Note: This role is ideal for candidates passionate about combining creativity with technical precision in the toy industry.

Open to candidates with experience in Garment manufacturing related experience in soft goods, plush related accessories. Familiar with Pattern and Fabric manufacturing processes 

Other related roles with transferable skillset: 

• Garment Technicians 

• Garment Technologist

• Garment Product Development

• Pattern Making and Fabric Development 

• Textile R&D Managers

• Technical Manager in Fabric or Garment 

• Textile Development Manager