Product Development Manager
Covers & Blankets
Role Overview
The Product Development Manager is responsible for executing new product development and new product introduction activities across multiple business segments. This role focuses on hands‑on technical execution, facilitation of the New Product Introduction (NPI) stage‑gate process, supplier and subcontractor support, and cross‑functional coordination to ensure products transition effectively from concept release through production readiness while meeting performance, quality, cost, and schedule requirements.
Key Responsibilities
New Product Introduction & Stage‑Gate Facilitation
Own the facilitation of the New Product Introduction (NPI) stage‑gate process for assigned programs across business segments, including planning, scheduling, preparation, execution, and follow‑up
Coordinate required inputs, deliverables, and readiness criteria to support effective and timely stage‑gate reviews
Prepare stage‑gate materials, status summaries, and risk assessments for cross‑functional review
Track decisions, action items, and commitments resulting from stage‑gate reviews and drive closure
Promote consistent application of NPI and stage‑gate processes, documentation, and communication practices across product lines
Product Development Execution
Execute assigned product development programs from concept release through first production
Coordinate development activities across engineering, supply chain, quality, manufacturing, and operations
Manage samples, development builds, pilot runs, validation testing, and production readiness activities
Identify and mitigate risks related to performance, manufacturability, cost, timing, or supplier capability
Technical Problem Solving
Serve as the primary technical contact for assigned products during development and early production
Troubleshoot material, construction, performance, and manufacturability issues
Lead root cause analysis efforts and drive corrective actions in collaboration with quality and manufacturing
Support product testing, verification, and validation activities
Supplier & Subcontractor Support
Support onboarding and technical qualification of new suppliers and subcontractors
Coordinate capability assessments, trial builds, and initial production ramp‑up activities
Communicate product requirements, specifications, and quality expectations to external partners
Act as a technical liaison between suppliers and internal teams during development and launch
Documentation & Change Control
Develop and maintain accurate product documentation including specifications, bills of material, work instructions, and technical data
Support engineering change implementation and ensure changes are properly reviewed, approved, documented, and communicated
Maintain development and change records to support production readiness, traceability, and quality system requirements
Provide day‑to‑day direction and prioritization for the PLM Coordinator to ensure timely and accurate execution of documentation, data management, and change activities
Partner with quality, manufacturing, and supply chain to ensure PLM data integrity and alignment with released product configurations
Cross‑Functional Collaboration
Partner with project engineers, technical leads, and cross‑functional stakeholders to support program execution
Provide regular status updates on development progress, risks, and milestone readiness
Participate in post‑launch reviews and support continuous improvement initiatives within the product development process
Qualifications
Required
Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Textile Science, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience)
5+ years of hands‑on product development or engineering experience in soft goods, textiles, or sewn products
Experience supporting new product introduction in a manufacturing environment
Strong technical troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills
Experience working with external suppliers or contract manufacturers
Preferred
Experience with aerospace, defense, or performance textile products
Familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar quality management systems
Experience supporting supplier qualification and production ramp‑up
Key Attributes
Execution‑oriented and detail‑focused
Strong organizational and cross‑functional communication skills
Comfortable managing multiple development efforts simultaneously
Practical, collaborative, and solutions‑driven approach to technical challenges
Travel & Work Environment
Frequent travel (40-50%+) to customer sites, Cocoon facilities and partner locations.
Professional office environment with substantial external and internal collaboration.
About Cocoon
Cocoon Inc. is an innovative and fast-growing company specializing in advanced textile solutions for aerospace and defense applications aimed at protecting high-value military assets from corrosion. Cocoon partners closely with OEMs and government customers to deliver engineered solutions across the full product lifecycle, from development through sustainment.