At YETI, we believe that time spent outdoors matters more than ever and our gear can make that time extraordinary. When you work here, you’ll have the opportunity to create exceptional, meaningful work and problem solve with innovative team members by your side. Together, you’ll help our customers get the high-quality gear they need to make the most of their adventures. We are BUILT FOR THE WILD™.
About the Role
As a member of the YETI Bozeman/Mystery Ranch Mission Industrial Design Team, you are responsible for creating purpose-built load carriage and equipment solutions that enable users to perform effectively in all environments. This role translates military and wildland firefighting operational requirements, user insights, and product strategy into innovative, durable, and highly functional products that uphold Mystery Ranch's reputation for building the best load-bearing gear for the most-demanding end users in the world.
A Mission Industrial Designer leads design efforts through all phases of the product creation process, from concept development through production. This includes user research, ideation, pattern development, prototype construction, material selection, design documentation, and collaboration with Development, Operations, Quality and Manufacturing teams. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of product use, construction methods, end-user needs, and the ability to balance innovation with proven design principles.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on problem solver with strong soft goods expertise, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for designing equipment that performs when mission success depends on it. Through direct engagement with users, field testing, and continuous product refinement, this role helps ensure Mystery Ranch products remain the benchmark for functionality, durability, comfort, and reliability.
What You'll Do
- Lead product design efforts through all phases of the design and development process, from concept through commercialization.
- Translate end-user insights, mission requirements, and product strategy into innovative load carriage and equipment solutions.
- Conceptualize compelling ways to improve functionality, durability, comfort, organization, and mission effectiveness for professional users.
- Conduct competitive product evaluations, market research, and benchmarking to identify opportunities for innovation and differentiation.
- Engage directly with end users to understand operational needs, product use cases, and field challenges.
- Develop 2D concepts, technical drawings, patterns, prototypes, and product specifications that clearly communicate design intent.
- Create complete design packages including patterns, BOMs, sew samples, material specifications, and technical documentation to support development and costing.
- Maintain and evolve Mystery Ranch's purpose-built design language, construction standards, and commitment to load carriage excellence.
- Guide design intent from initial concept through development, testing, manufacturing, and production.
- Work closely with Design Engineers, Product Managers, and Product Development teams to ensure products meet performance, quality, cost, and manufacturability goals.
- Coordinate material sourcing, testing, and evaluation of new fabrics, trims, hardware, and construction techniques.
- Develop cut-and-sew prototypes and evaluate solutions through hands-on testing and iteration.
- Assist with product improvements and design modifications to resolve development, manufacturing, and in-line production challenges.
- Contribute to the advancement of Mystery Ranch products through the exploration of new technologies, construction methods, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Communicate and present concepts, prototypes, and design rationale in a professional and compelling verbal, written, and visual format.
- Collaborate with designers, development partners, sourcing teams, manufacturing partners, and end users throughout the product creation process.
- Influence design outcomes through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and support of cross-functional teams.
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Soft Goods Design, or related field preferred; equivalent soft goods design experience considered.
- Greater than five (5) years of experience designing and developing commercialized soft goods, backpacks, load carriage systems, tactical equipment, outdoor gear, or related products.
- Ability to travel internationally ~1x per year
- Engaging story telling ability through 2D sketching and 3D physical and virtual modeling
- Strong understanding of the complete product design and development process from concept through production.
- Proven ability to identify user problems, develop innovative solutions, and execute products that deliver meaningful performance benefits.
- Strong storytelling abilities through sketching, visual communication, prototyping, and presentation.
- Experience with pattern creation using Optitex or equivalent patterning software preferred.
- Technical and creative skills to draft patterns, develop prototypes, and create production-ready design documentation.
- Experience creating complete BOMs, technical packages, material specifications, and prototype requirements.
- Hands-on experience building and evaluating sewn and cut-and-sew prototypes.
- Strong knowledge of materials, construction methods, and manufacturing processes related to soft goods products.
- Experience working with domestic and global manufacturing partners.
- Strong communication, presentation, organization, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Exceptional creative thinking, problem-solving, and product innovation capabilities.
- Ability to interface directly with end users and translate field needs into actionable design solutions.
- Passion for outdoor pursuits and a deep appreciation for load carriage systems; active backpacking experience strongly preferred.
Location
Bozeman, MT
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Benefits & Perks:
Click here to learn about the benefits and perks we offer at YETI.
YETI is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Our commitment to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture is at the center of everything we do for our employees. We embrace all applicants looking to bring their authentic selves to YETI and contribute to our mission of keeping the wild WILD. Find out more about our commitment to DE&I at yeti.com/esg.html.
All applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.
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