NPD Project Manager

Vortex Optics is seeking a talented Project Manager to join the New Product Development (NPD) team. In this role you will execute product planning for both internally manufactured and sourced finished goods, collaborate with cross‑functional teams to innovate new products, manage product lifecycles, and communicate progress to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Bring product roadmaps to life by driving execution toward key strategic goals.
• Own and maintain NPD tracking and documentation for multiple active projects.
• Ensure all tasks required to bring new products to market are completed with a primary focus on quality and on‑time execution through cross‑functional collaboration.
• Work with Marketing to understand customer insights, trends, and future opportunities.
• Coordinate Consumer Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing to advance new products.
• Translate market insights and customer feedback into clear, actionable product requirements.
• Lead and engage focus groups to shape and refine new product concepts.
• Collaborate with Industrial Design, Engineering, and Manufacturing teams to deliver high‑quality results on schedule.
• Evaluate, select, and develop manufacturing partners aligned with product requirements and program objectives.
• Build strong relationships with vendors and factory partners, maintaining clear communication throughout development.
• Assist Engineering teams in solving technical challenges and advancing designs when needed.
• Conduct hands‑on prototype testing to validate performance, identify gaps, and drive improvements.
• Own improvements to NPD and testing SOPs, keeping them practical, effective, and evolving.
• Help build and improve processes that streamline NPD workflows and keep teams aligned.
• Ensure final product specifications are clear, complete, and effectively shared across teams and partners.
• Partner with Sales and Supply Chain to build and refine demand plans for new products.
• Support product‑level financials, aligning teams with cost and profitability targets.
• Analyze product categories, competitive offerings, and customer trends to identify opportunities and drive smarter product decisions.
• Travel to domestic and international vendors, partners, and factories to support development and build relationships.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, optical, or electrical engineering.
• Minimum 5 years of engineering experience.
• Minimum 2 years of project management experience with demonstrable success managing multiple simultaneous NPD projects.
• Experience in new product innovation methods, business case analysis, product definition & trade‑offs, design verification, manufacturing validation, new product introduction, and product lifecycle management.
• Strong knowledge of product development systems and tools.
• Ability to analyze complex data and situations and develop a range of solutions.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, design review, and basic part evaluation.
• Excellent written and presentation skills.
• Experience in low‑volume manufacturing.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from PMI or equivalent.
• Master’s degree in a technical or business field.
• Documented experience obtaining utility and design patents.
• At least 3 years of engineering experience with consumer products.

Benefits

• Great health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• 401(k) plan, life insurance, and short‑ and long‑term disability coverage.
• Employee ownership opportunities.
• On‑site amenities including a fitness center, nature preserve with walking trails, and dog‑friendly work areas.
• Neighboring daycare facility.
• Casual and flexible work environment.
• Employee discounts on industry‑leading products.

Location and Schedule

This is a full‑time, onsite position based in Barneveld, WI. Relocation assistance is available.

Application Details

• Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis for any employer.
• A cover letter is required when submitting your application.
• Applications will be accepted until July 17 2026; interviews will begin after that date.