Assistant Product Developer Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Is this you?

Are you a hands-on Product Developer who loves turning design concepts into real, manufacturable products?

This role sits at the intersection of design, materials, and manufacturing-focused on execution, not pure engineering. You'll work closely with Designers and Category Managers to bring Umbra products from concept to shelf, balancing design intent, cost, and production realities

Here's what makes you successful at Umbra

• Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Can-Do Attitude
• Curiosity
• Street Smarts
• Team Player Mentality
• Hands-on mindset

What you'll do to be successful in this role

• Bring design concepts to reality on time while achieving target costs
• Collaborate with Product Development, Category Managers, and Design teams to refine product details, materials, and construction
• Execute manufacturing specifications based on conceptual design direction
• Build, modify, and evaluate prototypes and mock-ups regularly
• Conduct hands-on product testing to ensure functionality, durability, and usability
• Work through real-world product challenges related to materials, construction, and assembly
• Make informed product development decisions to improve efficiency for production and reduce cost while maintaining design intent

Requirements

Requirements

• Post Secondary degree/diploma in Industrial Design or Product Development
• Minimum 2-3 years of working experience in hands-on consumer product development
• Strong understanding of materials and how products are physically made
• Demonstrated experience with prototyping, sample reviews, and product iteration
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Strong organization skills and the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
• Proficient skills in SolidWorks, or other 3D data software
• Good understanding of Photoshop, Illustrator and Microsoft Office

Organization & Systems

• Track open projects and manage design milestones
• Maintain and update product data and drawings for production using SolidWorks and other internal systems (Jira, Flex, PowerPoint, AI tools, Illustrator)
• Maintain Product Knowledge files, Umbra Brand Standards (UIL/UBL), and SolidWorks/CAD master templates
• Provide training and technical support to Designers as required

Collaboration & Communication

• Participate in regular meetings with Head Office Category Management and Design teams
• Collaborate with the China Product Development team on ongoing projects
• Attend trade shows and vendor visits as required

Research

• Conduct research on new materials, manufacturing methods, and production techniques
• Identify opportunities for innovation in product design, construction, and functionality
• Work closely with Project Managers, Category Managers, Designers and Marketing to support new product initiatives

Decision Making

• Able to understand Umbra's requirement in quality, visual appearance, and functionality to guarantee developed product meets the design intent and support the Umbra Brand
• Meeting catalogue, trade show and presentation deadlines
• Works independently and collaboratively as part of a team within strict deadlines
• Polished, professional presentation with effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Solid organization skills and a sense of urgency with a customer service mindset
• Strong work ethic with the ability to adapt to changing priorities with a positive attitude

Responsibility

• 6-month performance reviews
• Success and reception of new products on time and with good quality

This is a hands-on product development focused on physical products, prototyping, and manufacturing execution. Candidates with primarily theoretical or engineering-only backgrounds without hands-on product development experience may not be a fit.

Benefits

What we offer

A fast-paced, collaborative studio environment where designers work closely across teams and disciplines. Umbra values curiosity, efficiency, and thoughtful execution.

We offer competitive compensation, incentive programs, group benefits and RRSP, continuous learning opportunities, an on-site gourmet cafe, full gym facilities, and a design-driven culture with global reach.

We're Umbra ...A leading global design company, inspired and driven to perform

We share a vision of creating original, modern, casual and affordable design for every room in the home.  We are a privately owned, Canadian company with 45 years of industry experience. Led by one of our founders, our designs can be found in over 120 countries across five continents. Our global success is attributed to our entrepreneurial nature and a desire to push ourselves, and each other, beyond our limits. 

Hiring Process

• Vacancy Status: Exisiting Position
• Use of Al: Umbra may use artificial intelligence (Al) tools to assist in screening, assessing, or selecting candidates for this role. These tools are designed to support - but not replace - human decision-making. All hiring decisions will be reviewing by our recruitment team to ensure fairness, accuracy, and compliance with employment laws.
• All candidates will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their final interview.