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Outdoors Product Tester Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GSM Outdoors

Product Designer

Henderson, NV · On-site

Position Summary GSM Outdoors is seeking a creative, collaborative, and results-driven Product ... testing, and manufacturing requirements. * Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Huish Outdoors

Junior Assembly Technician

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

Huish Outdoors products are fueling the human spirit for adventure by keeping people active ... testing and packaging. Our customers love our products, and our production team plays a vital role ...

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Outdoors Product Tester information

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How much do outdoors product tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for outdoors product tester in the United States is $36.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.00 and $43.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an outdoors product tester?

Outdoors Product Testers are individuals who evaluate and review gear, clothing, and equipment designed for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, climbing, and biking. Their job involves using products in real-world conditions to assess their performance, durability, comfort, and usability. They often provide detailed feedback to manufacturers or publish reviews for consumers, helping both companies improve their products and buyers make informed choices. Outdoors Product Testers may work as freelancers, for media outlets, or directly with outdoor brands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an outdoors product tester?

To thrive as an Outdoors Product Tester, you need extensive outdoor experience, product evaluation skills, and a keen attention to detail, often supported by knowledge of outdoor gear and relevant safety certifications. Familiarity with data collection tools, GPS devices, and digital reporting platforms is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and critical thinking help testers provide clear, unbiased feedback and handle diverse environments. These skills ensure accurate, actionable product assessments that help companies improve gear performance and reliability.

What are some common challenges faced by outdoors product testers during field evaluations?

Outdoors Product Testers often encounter unpredictable weather conditions, rugged terrain, and the need to adapt quickly to changing environments while evaluating products. These challenges require testers to balance thorough testing protocols with personal safety and comfort. Additionally, testers must document performance accurately, sometimes under less-than-ideal circumstances, and communicate detailed feedback to product development teams. Being adaptable, resourceful, and detail-oriented are key to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring high-quality evaluations.

What is the difference between Outdoors Product Tester vs Outdoor Equipment Reviewer?

AspectOutdoors Product TesterOutdoor Equipment Reviewer
CredentialsNone required, but knowledge of outdoor gear helpsNone required, often experienced in outdoor activities
Work EnvironmentField testing outdoor products in real outdoor settingsResearch and write reviews, often from home or office
Employer & IndustryBrands, outdoor gear companies, testing agenciesMedia outlets, blogs, review sites
Search & Comparison IntentHands-on testing, product feedbackEvaluating and communicating product quality

While both roles involve outdoor gear, Outdoors Product Testers focus on physically testing products in outdoor environments, providing hands-on feedback. Outdoor Equipment Reviewers analyze and write about products, often from a review or editorial perspective. Both roles require outdoor knowledge but differ in their primary activities and work settings.

How do you become an outdoors product tester?

To become an outdoors product tester, you typically need to have experience with outdoor activities, good communication skills, and the ability to provide detailed feedback. Many companies look for testers who are active in outdoor communities or social media and may require applying through company websites or testing programs. Some roles may also require basic knowledge of product features and safety standards.

How to become an outdoors product tester?

To become an outdoors product tester, you should have a strong interest in outdoor activities and good knowledge of outdoor gear. Many companies look for testers who can provide honest feedback, so building experience and reviewing products online can help. Some roles may require testing in specific environments and reporting skills, and staying active on outdoor communities can increase your chances of being selected.

What are popular job titles related to Outdoors Product Tester jobs?

For Outdoors Product Tester jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Outdoors Product Tester job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,106 per year, or $36.6 per hour.

Product Development Mechanical Engineer

Richardson, TX • On-site

GSM Outdoors
Sporting Product Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about GSM Outdoorsexternal

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Bring Innovative Outdoor Products to Life
At GSM Outdoors, we design, develop, and deliver products that enhance the outdoor experience. With a portfolio of trusted brands across hunting, shooting, fishing, and outdoor recreation, our Product Development team is responsible for turning ideas into innovative, functional, and market-ready products.
We are seeking a Product Development Mechanical Engineer to support the design and development of consumer products from initial concept through production. This role will work closely with Designers, Brand Managers, Project Managers, manufacturing partners, and other cross-functional teams to develop products that meet consumer needs, brand objectives, performance requirements, cost targets, and manufacturing specifications.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on mechanical engineer who enjoys solving problems, developing products, building prototypes, and working collaboratively to bring products from concept to reality.
Position Summary
The Product Development Mechanical Engineer provides both concept and engineering design support for assigned product development projects. This position will execute mechanical engineering activities throughout the product development lifecycle, including concept development, 2D/3D CAD design, prototyping, testing, validation, engineering documentation, and production release.
This is an opportunity for an engineer who enjoys working with a variety of materials and manufacturing processes and wants to have a direct impact on consumer products used by outdoor enthusiasts.
What You'll Do
Product Development & Mechanical Engineering
  • Execute mechanical engineering projects under the direction of the Engineering Manager and in collaboration with Designers, Brand Managers, Project Managers, and other cross-functional partners.
  • Support the development of new consumer products from initial concept through production.
  • Generate, evaluate, analyze, and execute 2D and 3D engineering designs that meet product requirements and project objectives.
  • Develop individual part, component, sub-assembly, and assembly designs and documentation.
  • Support product changes, enhancements, and new product development initiatives.
  • Translate product concepts and requirements into functional, manufacturable engineering solutions.
  • Evaluate designs for performance, functionality, durability, cost, and manufacturability.
  • Support the development of consumer products for the outdoor industry.

CAD & Engineering Documentation
  • Create detailed 3D models and engineering designs using SolidWorks CAD.
  • Create and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and other technical documentation.
  • Apply appropriate engineering standards and Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) principles.
  • Maintain accurate engineering documentation throughout the product development process.
  • Support engineering change control and product revision processes.
  • Ensure technical documentation is complete and accurate for production release.

Design for Manufacturing & Assembly
  • Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles throughout product development.
  • Evaluate product designs based on manufacturing capabilities, materials, assembly requirements, cost, and quality.
  • Collaborate with factories and manufacturing partners to identify and resolve engineering and production challenges.
  • Support the development and implementation of standards for product development, testing, validation, and production release.
  • Work with a variety of materials, including plastics, metals, and other consumer product materials.
  • Develop designs that can be efficiently manufactured at scale.

Prototyping, Testing & Validation
  • Participate in hands-on prototyping and product development activities.
  • Create and evaluate prototypes using 3D printing and other prototyping methods.
  • Support product testing and validation to ensure products meet established requirements and performance standards.
  • Analyze test results and recommend design improvements or corrective actions.
  • Work with manufacturing partners to evaluate prototypes and production samples.
  • Provide clear and actionable engineering feedback to factories and suppliers.
  • Participate in product reviews and make necessary design adjustments based on testing, feedback, and manufacturing requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work closely with Designers, Brand Managers, Project Managers, Sourcing, Quality, and manufacturing partners throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Communicate engineering concepts, recommendations, challenges, and project updates clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Provide engineering guidance and technical support to project teams.
  • Speak up and advocate for appropriate engineering, quality, safety, and manufacturability standards.
  • Build strong working relationships with internal teams and external manufacturing partners.
  • Take on additional projects and responsibilities as business needs require.

Project Management & Execution
  • Manage multiple engineering projects at varying stages of development.
  • Prioritize tasks and meet project deadlines and development milestones.
  • Maintain accurate project and engineering documentation.
  • Identify potential technical challenges early and proactively develop solutions.
  • Demonstrate ownership, accountability, and a results-driven approach to product development.

Requirements
What You'll Bring
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
  • 3+ years of mechanical/product design experience focused on consumer-based products.
  • 3+ years of experience using SolidWorks CAD or a comparable 3D CAD platform.
  • Experience working with various materials and manufacturing processes.
  • Strong understanding of mechanical design principles and engineering documentation.
  • Working knowledge of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).
  • Experience creating 2D engineering drawings and 3D models.
  • Working knowledge of GD&T.
  • Experience with prototyping and product testing.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.
  • Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a cross-functional team.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience designing outdoor sporting goods, hunting, fishing, shooting sports, sporting goods, tools, or other outdoor consumer products.
  • Hands-on manufacturing and/or product assembly experience.
  • Experience with 3D printing and rapid prototyping.
  • Experience working with plastics, metals, soft goods, wood, or other consumer product materials.
  • Experience with injection molding, die casting, stamping, CNC machining, extrusion, or other manufacturing processes.
  • Experience working directly with domestic or international manufacturing partners.
  • Experience developing products from concept through commercialization and production.

Key Competencies
  • Engineering & Technical Expertise: Applies sound mechanical engineering principles to develop functional, reliable, and manufacturable products.
  • Problem Solving: Identifies technical challenges and develops practical, effective solutions.
  • Product Development: Understands the process of taking a product from concept through prototype, validation, and production.
  • Attention to Detail: Maintains a high degree of accuracy in CAD models, drawings, specifications, BOMs, and other engineering documentation.
  • Collaboration: Works effectively with cross-functional teams and manufacturing partners.
  • Communication: Clearly communicates technical information and confidently presents engineering recommendations.
  • Accountability: Takes ownership of projects, follows through on commitments, and delivers results.
  • Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility and resilience when priorities, requirements, or project conditions change.
  • Leadership: Able to guide and influence project teams and manufacturing partners when technical direction is required.

Why GSM Outdoors?
At GSM Outdoors, you'll have the opportunity to design products that people actually use in the field. You'll work alongside talented teams in Product Development, Engineering, Marketing, Sourcing, and Manufacturing to bring innovative products from an idea on paper to a finished product in the hands of outdoor enthusiasts.
If you're a hands-on mechanical engineer who enjoys designing, building, testing, problem-solving, and bringing products to life, we'd love to hear from you.
GSM Outdoors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where every employee has the opportunity to contribute, grow, and succeed.

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