Designer Assistant in Monticello, Iowa at Polo Custom Products

~PART TIME POSITION~

Position Summary:

The Designer Assistant provides technical, administrative, and prototype development support to assigned Product Designers. This position assists with sample preparation, prototype construction, material organization, documentation management, testing support activities, and project-related tasks to help ensure development projects progress efficiently through the product development process. The Designer Assistant supports product development efforts but is not responsible for originating product concepts, managing projects, directing testing activities, or approving final product designs.

Essential Functions (Primary accountability for specific functions and results):

1. Serve as a positive role model and uphold Polo’s corporate culture at all times.
2. Support Product Designers in the development, modification, construction, and testing of prototypes and samples.
3. Prepare and stage materials, components, patterns, tooling, and equipment needed for product development activities.
4. Perform hands-on prototype tasks, including pattern preparation, material cutting, sewing, assembly, and related fabrication activities.
5. Assist with prototype testing by preparing samples, collecting data, documenting results, and communicating findings to the Product Designer.
6. Maintain and organize development records, project documentation, sample inventories, and prototype files.
7. Prepare, distribute, and support development and production documentation, including information required for production masters.
8. Track sample status, development activities, prototype logistics, material requests, and project communications as directed.
9. Identify and communicate construction, material, or manufacturability concerns to the Product Designer.
10. Participate in departmental, project, and cross-functional meetings and collaborate with team members as assigned.
11. Maintain a safe, organized, and efficient work environment.
12. Maintain dependable attendance and flexibility to support business needs.

Additional Responsibilities (Not essential & could be performed by others, if necessary):

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (minimum required):

Dimensions of Authority:

Positions that report to this position:

N/A

Limits of authority to change subordinates’ salaries, job assignments, operating policies, etc.:

N/A

Limits of capital expenditure authority:

N/A

Other limits to authority:

No supervisory, project ownership, design approval, customer approval, or production release authority.

Position Requirements (minimum required):

To perform at a proficient level and to be fully qualified, a person would be expected to have:

Education:

High school diploma or equivalent required. Technical coursework or associate degree in a related field preferred.

Experience:

Experience with sewing, sample construction, manufacturing, prototype development, or technical support activities preferred.

Licenses/Certifications:

(minimum required)

N/A

Physical Requirements (minimum required):

Work Environment: