At Lakeshore, we create innovative learning materials and world-class guest experiences for teachers, parents and children. Since 1954, we’ve grown into a global community—with a thriving e-commerce business, multiple catalogs, 60+ retail stores, a peerless national sales force, plus international offices that support our preeminent supply chain division. But today we’re working better, smarter and faster than ever—and setting our sights even higher. We’re building an infrastructure designed for scalability, embracing data-driven decision-making and using technology to improve efficiency and ensure the best tools for the best work. Most importantly, we continue to invest in a diverse team of inquisitive top talent who fuel each other’s passions and curiosity, take risks, try new things, and believe that every new day brings opportunities for growth.

We are currently seeking a Soft Goods & Printing Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will assume functional responsibility for product compliance and ensure that vendor, in-house and external party lab testing requirements are well-executed, cover product safety, are durable, functional, and meet customer and regulatory requirements. The position also requires familiarity with CPSIA, AATTC, Prop 65, F963, ASTM and BIFMA requirements. Applicants should understand textile and toy manufacturing processes, including color evaluation. The ideal candidate also possesses excellent communication skills with the ability to speak and write in English and Chinese and/or local languages. 

A day on the job looks like this: 

• Working closely with Lakeshore business & technical teams to address potential callouts or risk factors and aligning with all stakeholders to ensure products are designed and developed in a timely manner and meet quality and compliance standards 
• Relying on design concepts and working with vendors on samples for approval by Lakeshore headquarters’ Engineer and Business teams  
• Guiding and following up on the production of samples 
• Improving plush toy, soft goods and printing processes on-site 
• Leading, engaging with and actively influencing an integrated approach to vendor development competence with different operational teams 
• Continually assessing and evaluating current/new vendors to ensure their development and performance is reflected in results 
• Providing effective feedback for all open callouts to Lakeshore headquarters team for next action plan 
• Evaluating color and providing technical inputs as appropriate for color-matching related callouts 
• Working with the Quality team to improve the plush toy, soft goods and printing process 
• Converting strategy into tactics, and setting operational plans for and securing execution in the product category/region/specific area of responsibility (CNAS or factory process/manufacturing audit skills is a plus) 

Got the skills and experience? Here’s what we’re looking for: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Technology or related disciplines preferred 
• 10+ years of hands-on experience leading plush toy or toy development and processes within Engineering establishment roles; print experience is preferred 
• Able to read and create 3-D CAD Engineering drawings 
• Familiarity with design/development procedures for plush toys, soft goods and printing 
• Excellent knowledge of home textile/plush toy products 
• Understand constructions, materials, product and quality levels, technical requirements and protocols for product ranges 
• Experience with and technical knowledge of printing process and development is preferred 
• Understanding of product development cycles and process, manufacturing processes and technologies 
• Understanding of product and materials value chain and cost aspects 
• Superior knowledge of product requirements, regulatory standards and test requirements 
• Ability to use Pro-E/Solid Work is essential to this position 
• Able to provide effective cost-saving solutions to assign development 
• Competence in reviewing & approving AI 
• Familiar with protocol requirements and able to verify testing standard with Carson headquarters’ QE and third-party labs 
• Ensure and call out in a timely manner that every stakeholder works proactively to prevent delay or impact on launch of new assortment 
• Reconditions needed to improve overall business performance 
• Ensure offshore & domestic businesses are well-executed and meet expected performance and timeline 
• Process-oriented with good analytical skills and a structured approach 
• Strong technical knowledge 
• Capability to build trust and relationships through effective communication 
• Self-motivated and results-oriented with high energy and self-driven way of working to deliver better products to exceed customer expectations 
• Ability to work independently, make decisions and solve problems with a holistic view in sourcing business 
• Key Performance Indicators: Successful meeting launch date; Adoption Rate; Customer Experience; Zero Safety Recall Tolerance 

And here’s our end of the bargain! 

• Competitive compensation based on skills and experience
• Paid leave for new parents to support work/life balance and family bonding
• Generous employee discount
• Casual dress…and we really mean it

At Lakeshore, we know our diversity makes us stronger, and when everyone feels included and valued, we all win. We strive to embrace our differences and create an intentionally diverse and inclusive community that is representative of the teachers, families and children we serve.

We know we couldn’t do the extraordinary things we’re doing without the people on our team. Thanks to the passion and enthusiasm of this spectacular group, Lakeshore is more than a great place to work—it’s a great experience to be part of. Day in and day out, we give everything we’ve got to create products that instill a sense of wonder and foster a true love of learning. To help maintain this high bar for success, we’re constantly on the lookout for people to join us. So if you’re a down-to-earth professional who shares our desire for making a difference, we’d love to hear from you. 
 
To learn more about Lakeshore, visit www.lakeshorelearning.com/careers 
 
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
People are selected to become members of the Lakeshore family based on skill, merit and mind-boggling talent—not based on race, color, creed, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, marital status, domestic partnership status, military status, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, alienage, AIDS or AIDS-related complex status, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, status as a victim of domestic violence, physical or mental disability, rural workers, carriers of infection diseases or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If things aren’t equal, we all lose. 

To learn about how we collect and use Applicant information, please visit our Employee/Applicant Privacy Policy. INDRLL11