Associate Product Developer – Sporting Goods / Industrial Design at Century LLC – Midwest City, Oklahoma

About the Role:

The Associate Product Developer supports the design, development, and launch of physical consumer products, including sporting goods, apparel, and industrial-use products. This role works closely with engineering, design, and manufacturing teams to bring new products from concept through production.

This is an entry-level opportunity, ideal for candidates with a background or interest in industrial design, product development, footwear or apparel design, or related disciplines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support product development from concept, prototyping, and testing through production
• Collaborate with Engineering (R&D) on product design, materials selection, and manufacturability
• Assist in development of physical products (sporting goods, apparel, industrial products)
• Conduct materials, trend, and competitive product research
• Coordinate with suppliers and manufacturers on samples, prototyping, and production readiness
• Support 3D prototyping, design iterations, and product validation
• Track product development timelines, milestones, and deliverables
• Assist with cost analysis, pricing inputs, and product specifications
• Ensure compliance with consumer product safety standards (CPSIA)

Targeted Backgrounds / Key Skills

Candidates with exposure to or interest in the following areas are strongly encouraged to apply:

• Industrial design
• Product development
• Footwear design
• Athletic / sporting goods design
• Apparel design
• Industrial glove or protective equipment design
• 3D printing / additive manufacturing
• Prototyping and product testing
• Materials development (plastics, textiles, composites)
• Consumer product design
• CAD tools or Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in:
  • Industrial Design
  • Product Development
  • Engineering
  • Apparel / Footwear Design
  • or related field
    OR
• 1–2 years of relevant experience in product development, design, or manufacturing
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project coordination skills
• Ability to collaborate cross-functionally in a team environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with:
  • Sporting goods, athletic equipment, or apparel design
  • Industrial or protective product design (e.g., gloves, safety equipment)
  • Working knowledge of product development, materials, and basic manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with:
  • Materials (plastics, textiles, composites)
  • Manufacturing processes (injection molding, cut & sew, assembly)
• Proficiency in:
  • Adobe Illustrator / Photoshop
  • CAD tools (preferred)
  • Microsoft Office

Who Should Apply: This is an opportunity ideal for individuals interested in developing physical consumer products such as sporting goods, apparel, or industrial-use equipment.

This role is ideal for:

• Recent graduates in industrial design, product development, engineering, or related fields
• Candidates with hands-on experience in prototyping, 3D printing, or product design projects
• Individuals interested in developing physical consumer products such as sporting goods, apparel, or industrial-use equipment

About Company:

Owned and Operated by Martial Artists

At Century Martial Arts, our passion is rooted in experience. Many of our team members actively train, compete, teach, or own martial arts schools. Founder Mike Dillard is a two-time Karate National Champion, and that same dedication to excellence continues to shape our culture today. Whether in the workplace or on the mat, we value discipline, growth, and continuous improvement.

Build Your Career with an Industry Leader

Century Martial Arts has been a trusted leader in the martial arts industry since 1976. We are proud to support martial artists, schools, and enthusiasts worldwide—and we’re looking for team members who want to grow with us.

As part of the Century team, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and professional development. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) with company match, paid holidays, and employee product discounts. We also invest in your future with tuition reimbursement, company-paid life insurance, and short- and long-term disability coverage. Additional perks include free onsite martial arts training and access to our onsite fitness center.

This is a full-time, onsite position based at our corporate headquarters, with a standard schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This role is not eligible for remote work.