Product Development Specialist at Kappler, Inc.

Product Development Specialist

Bring Ideas to Life as a Product Development Specialist at Kappler!

Are you passionate about innovation, materials, and turning concepts into real-world solutions? Kappler is seeking a Product Development Specialist to help drive the creation of next-generation protective garments. In this role, you’ll collaborate across teams to research new materials, design and test prototypes, and support projects from initial concept to commercialization.

This is a hands-on opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects—including product improvements, new product launches, and government-funded research—that directly impact the safety of those who depend on our gear.

What You’ll Do:

• Research and explore cutting-edge materials and technologies
• Design and test prototypes, bringing new ideas to life
• Contribute to product development, improvements, and launches
• Collaborate across teams to solve problems and deliver results
• Play a key role in government-funded research projects

If you thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and love problem-solving, innovation, and bringing ideas from the lab to the production floor, this role is for you.
 

About Kappler:

For nearly 50 years Kappler has defined the protective clothing industry with patented fabrics, innovative seaming technology and unique garment designs. All our critical protection chemical and biohazard suits are produced at our corporate headquarters in Guntersville, Alabama, providing American-made quality for added assurance. A certified Woman Owned Small Business and registered to ISO 9001 since 1996, we document every detail when it comes to ensuring product quality. End-user safety is priority one, and our integrated manufacturing process is geared to making sure every garment meets demanding specifications. Whether it’s designing the most user-friendly suit possible or pressure-testing every gas-tight suit before it leaves the factory, Kappler quality comes through every time. From Berry-compliant products for DoD markets to NFPA-certified apparel for the most challenging hazmat calls, you know what you’re getting into with Kappler.

Job Description:

Summary/Objective:

The Product Development Specialist (PDS) supports the development of new products and production processes for Kappler, with a primary focus on protective garments.  

The PDS manages assigned projects or portions of projects, ensuring objectives are consistent with product requirements and supporting progress from conception to commercialization.  Project types include product development, product improvement, and government-funded research contracts.  The PDS collaborates closely with the Product Development Manager and other cross-functional teams but does not have direct supervisory responsibility.

Key Responsibilities:

Product Development & Improvements

• Research new materials and technologies through vendor visits, trade events, networking, and independent research.
• Participate in business meetings with prospective vendors for technology collaboration.
• Manage assigned product development and product improvement tasks, ensuring timelines and objectives are met.

• Work with Prototype Technician to support creation of initial designs and prototypes.
• Maintain working knowledge of NFPA, ASTM, and other standards related to Kappler’s products.

Funded Research & Standards Compliance

• Assist with the execution of government-funded research contracts in compliance with applicable rules and regulations.
• Comply with applicable rules and regulations on Government contracts.
• Contribute to presentations of new product development activities for internal stakeholders and external parties.

Cross-Functional Support & Standards Compliance

• Partner with Manufacturing, Marketing, and Sales to provide technical support as needed.
• Collaborate with Technical Support & Training Manager to provide input for training curriculum.
• Assist Sales Team with technical data and product testing during new product introductions.
• Support developmental fabric runs and production trials, documenting and reporting results.

Other

• Participate in industry associations such as INDA and NFPA.
• Represent Kappler at industry events.
• Work onsite, in person to develop cross-departmental relationships and collaboration, maintain high levels of service and productivity, and be readily available to promptly address dynamic business needs as they arise.  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Solid technical foundation in polymeric materials, textile science, or related field.
• Hands-on experience with product development, process improvement, and testing.
• Natural curiosity with a research-oriented mindset and passion for innovation.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects or project components simultaneously.
• Effective communicator with ability to clearly document findings and contribute to technical reports.
• Comfortable presenting technical information to peers, managers, and external stakeholders.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work closely with cross-functional teams.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools (Zoom, Teams).
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and process diagrams.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree or higher in a related field, or equivalent job experience.  Engineering or Material Science degree preferred. 
• 4-7 years of hands-on industry experience in product development, materials, or additive manufacturing environment, preferably in protective garments, polymers, textiles, or related industries. 
• Demonstrated success in contributing to new product launches, process improvements, or applied research.
• Strong background in manufacturing processes; nonwoven fabrics, film technology, or extrusion highly desired.  Knowledge of additive manufacturing and automation of process is preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform job functions. 
• Must be able to stand, sit, and walk for prolonged periods of time; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate computer and telephone keyboards.
• Noise levels are usually moderate.
• Ability to see and adjust; close vision and distance vision.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at a time.
• Travel is required, up to 20%.  Mostly within the US.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required by the employee.  Kappler is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability.