Product Development Specialist presso KYB Americas Corporation

Product Development Specialist

Job Purpose:
- The Product Development Specialist at KYB Americas Corporation is responsible for driving the development and enhancement of innovative automotive products. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure that products meet market demands and align with the company's strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct market research to identify consumer needs and emerging trends in the automotive industry.
- Collaborate with engineering, design, and marketing teams to conceptualize and develop new products.
- Manage the product development lifecycle from ideation to launch, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
- Evaluate product performance and gather feedback to inform future product enhancements.
- Prepare and present product proposals and progress reports to senior management.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements to ensure compliance.
- Coordinate with suppliers and vendors to source materials and components for product development.
- Support the sales and marketing teams with product knowledge and technical expertise.
- Monitor competitive products and strategies to identify opportunities for differentiation and innovation.

Qualifications

Purpose of Position/Summary:

The Product Development Specialist supports the creation, evaluation, and maintenance of KYB products through detailed technical analysis and cross-functional collaboration. This position assists in ordering, tracking, and validating components, performing fitment checks, and ensuring that all specifications meet internal and industry standards. The Product Development Specialist works closely with procurement, engineering, and suppliers to resolve issues, support prototype testing, and prepare documentation for new product launches. Additionally, this role provides technical support to customers, consumers, and internal teams responding to inquiries and assisting with requests. Over time, this position will expand to include catalog and data management responsibilities to improve accuracy and efficiency across product lines.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities :

• • Support product development projects by ordering, tracking, and evaluating OE samples for fitment validation and performance verification.
  • Perform fitment checks and assist with prototype builds to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with specifications.
  • Review supplier drawings and technical documentation to confirm dimensional accuracy and alignment with internal standards before production approval.
  • Prepare unification reports to consolidate applications, reduce redundancies, and improve catalog accuracy.
  • Coordinate with Procurement, Project Coordinators, and suppliers to resolve issues that delay product launches or production.
  • Assist in creating documentation and reports required for new product approvals and launches.
  • Provide technical support to customers, distributors, and internal teams.
  • Identify recurring technical issues or catalog gaps and communicate findings to improve product data accuracy.
  • Maintain organized records of development activities, test results, and supplier communications to support traceability and quality assurance.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align product specifications, timelines, and launch readiness.
  • Support the preparation of data and materials for internal and external communications related to new products.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Product Manager or immediate supervisor as needed.

Job Requirements:

An associate degree in a technical, mechanical, or business-related field is preferred. Equivalent hands-on experience in automotive, manufacturing, or product support environments will also be considered. Prior experience in product development, catalog management, or technical support is highly desirable. Candidates must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and capable of organizing and analyzing data accurately. The ability to read and interpret technical drawings is required. Knowledge of coil springs, suspension systems, or automotive components is strongly preferred. Successful candidates will demonstrate attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, and clear communication across departments and with external partners. A proactive attitude, willingness to learn, and commitment to teamwork are essential.

Technology Requirements:

Must be proficient with computers, software and devices that utilize:

• Microsoft Office applications, with strong Excel and data organization skills.
• CAD viewing or modeling software for reviewing technical drawings and verifying specifications.
• File management systems and shared data platforms used to track development progress and maintain documentation.
• Email, video conferencing, and collaboration tools for clear communication across departments and with external partners.
• Photo and video tools for documenting prototypes, assemblies, and fitment checks.
• Online research tools used for verifying applications, catalog data, or cross-references.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

None

Difficulty of Work:

The position of Product Development Specialist requires strong technical aptitude and attention to detail when working with components, drawings, and supplier documentation. This role involves coordinating with internal teams to ensure accurate fitment, proper specifications, and timely project execution. Clear communication and problem-solving are essential for addressing technical challenges, managing data accuracy, and supporting customers and distributors with product information.

Responsibility:

The Product Development Specialist works with moderate autonomy within the Product Department and is expected to manage assigned projects from initial sample review through production release with appropriate oversight. The position requires collaboration with multiple departments and external suppliers to gather feedback and resolve issues at each stage of development. The role is supported by the Product Manager and contributes directly to the accuracy, quality, and success of new product launches.

Personal Work Relationships:

The Product Development Specialist collaborates closely with the Product, Procurement, and Engineering teams and frequently interacts with suppliers, warehouse personnel, and customers to support product validation and development activities. The role also involves working with technicians and service shops during fitment checks, requiring clear communication and professionalism in diverse environments. Building and maintaining cooperative relationships across departments and with external partners is essential to ensuring smooth project execution and accurate technical results.

Physical Effort:

This position involves a combination of office and physical work. Approximately half of the time is spent at a computer performing data analysis, documentation, and communication tasks. The remaining time is spent handling components, conducting fitment checks, and evaluating samples in the warehouse or field settings. The role requires standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting or moving items up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Travel to mechanic shops or partner facilities is required for measurements, fitment testing, and related technical tasks.

Working Conditions:

The Product Development Specialist splits time between office, warehouse, and field environments. Work may include exposure to varying temperatures, noise, and mechanical equipment while performing fitment checks or product testing. Travel to off-site locations such as mechanic shops or customer facilities is required.