Job Description

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

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 café, 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: New 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.

Umbra

Open Positions

Product Developer