Overview
Manufacturing Manager & Product Designer Jobs in Danielson, CT at Sports Equipment Manufacturer
** Pay commensurate with related experience **
We are a growing sport equipment manufacturer seeking a proactive manufacturing professional for product design and execution in manufacturing. They will be a highly motivated individual who will be productive within a CNC-driven wood, carpentry, resin, paint & metal fabrication environment. This role is hands-on with everything from CAD modeling and CNC programming, to process development and production launch.
The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-moving environment and is comfortable moving between design workstation and shop floor daily.
Core workshop, design & management responsibilities…
Product Development & Design
- Develop new sport equipment products from concept through production. Our collaborators bring ideas. We need your design-driven mind to build them.
- Create detailed CAD models, assemblies, and manufacturing drawings.
- Ensure efficiency in production environment.
- Rapid prototype and design iteration in collaboration with leadership.
CNC Programming & Shop Execution
- Write and optimize CNC programs (G-code/M-code) for mills and routers.
- Perform machine setup, prove-out, and first article validation.
- Design and fabricate new product as well as finding solutions to both new & old.
- Troubleshoot machining issues (i.e. in wood and metal shop)
Process & Operations Development
- Build manufacturing workflows and documentation from the ground up.
- Establish SOPs and quality checkpoints.
- Work with production team to improve cycle times, reduce scrap, and optimize material usage.
- Support purchasing decisions for tooling, materials, and equipment
Cross-Functional Contribution
- Work directly with company leadership on product roadmap.
- Train machinists and shop personnel on new processes as needed.
- Support customer-specific product modifications when needed.
Core Competencies (Basic needs)
- Technical precision and analytical problem-solving
- Process optimization mindset
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
- Hands-on mechanical aptitude
- Detail-oriented with high quality standards
- Ability to balance design creativity with production efficiency
Required Qualifications
- 3+ years of CNC manufacturing experience.
- Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Inventor, or similar).
- Strong working knowledge of G-code/M-code.
- Experience machining both wood, plastic and metal materials.
- Hands-on shop floor experience (setup and troubleshooting).
- Familiar with building Bill of Materials
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in sport equipment manufacturing or performance product development.
- CAM software proficiency (e.g., Mastercam, Fusion CAM, or similar).
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
- Fixture design experience.
- Knowledge of composite materials (when applicable to product line).
Work Environment
- Combination of hands-on shop floor engagement and office work.
- Regular exposure to machining environments (wood and metal shops).
- Requires use of PPE in manufacturing areas.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Comfortable wearing multiple hats.
- Strong bias toward action and problem-solving.
- Willing to work in a highly collaborative environment.
- Motivated by building systems from the ground up.
Pay: $75,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Title: Manufacturing Manager & Product Designer
Company: Sports Equipment Manufacturer
Location: Danielson, CT
