Fit Technician I Job at YAKIMA PRODUCTS INC
Title: FIT Technician I
Reports to: Validation Manager
Location: Lake Oswego, OR
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Non-Managerial
On-Site
Relocation not available
General Description:
At Yakima we believe in connecting you, your family, friends and all your favorite gear to your desired destination or activity through our mission of enhancing the journey and earning trust every day. The position delivers expertise on the full range of Yakima products across the entire brand portfolio and their vehicle interface to internal and external customers. Working with the Product Development team and members of the FIT Team, this position will implement a structured vehicle FIT strategy that will enable all vehicles determined as “target” to be fit in the most efficient amount of time. The Fit Technician I will follow and understand automotive industry trends, consumer needs, and the competitive environment communicating relative vehicle and rack industry information to the appropriate functional areas. This position requires a high degree of mechanical aptitude, unique entrepreneurial skills for business, product development, marketing and an intimate hands-on knowledge of Yakima products, their use and their vehicle interface. Other key aspects of this position contribute to achieving and sustaining the Yakima Strategic Business Plan and Initiatives, global competitive advantage, and profitable market growth strategy.
Scope & Responsibilities:
Develop fitment applications for target vehicles using current products and aid in development of new products for current and future fit applications working toward achieving department strategic goals.- Track vehicle fitment in multiple markets and identify future fit targets.
- Research, maintain, and distribute technical information and industry trends that relate to new and existing Yakima fits and products.
- Collaborate with Fit team members to support product development team with FIT and consumer interface investigation for new and existing products.
- Assist Validation Manager in maintaining a database of all vehicles, and Fit development / tracking tools.
Specific Duties:
Fit Development
- Evaluate, produce and document fitment of new and existing Yakima products that attach to the roof, factory-installed racks, custom installations, spare tire, strap rack, truck bed or hitch of vehicle in accordance with Yakima’s sustaining requirements.
- Work with the Product Fit Team to maximize the number of vehicles fit with current tools (clips, pads, etc.) while reducing development and delivery cycle time.
- Capture images for use in a photo and physical library of Yakima products installed on vehicles for CS/DS, Product Development, Sales, and the Brand team.
- Develop and maintain relationships with local automotive dealerships for purposes of performing fit work on their inventory of vehicles while simultaneously promoting Yakima and Whispbar brands.
- Inform Validation Manager of new vehicle fit opportunities that are unobtainable with current tool inventory for the Yakima brand.
- Contribute to new clip and fitting kit development process by insuring that product interface and detailed product requirements are considered and communicated to FIT Manager and appropriate Category Manager.
- Works with Validation Manager in the creation and updating of Clip and Kit installation instructions.
- Understand and use computer and digital technology to develop fits.
- Interface across business unit to develop and improve fit quality.
Data Management
- Assist Fit Team in organizing and maintaining fit data throughout all database and tracking tools.
- Collaborate with Validation Manager and team to ensure quality and accuracy of FIT data across all channels.
Quality Assurance
- Performs existing and at risk fit evaluations. Thoroughly documents and clearly communicates the results to Validation Manager and team.
- Collaborate with the Warranty / PI Specialist and Quality Assurance department to ensure sustaining quality of vehicle fit applications.
Support
- Participate in the new product development process by providing technical research and vehicle or gear dimensional data upon request to Validation Manager.
- Perform and document gear to mount and mount to rack fit investigations for Product Development as requested.
- Participate in the creation of useful and efficient instructions for new products.
- Partner with other Product Fit Specialist II to organize and maintain the Fit Bay with inventory of all competitive benchmark samples and historical and current product, to support vehicle fitment, Product Development, Testing and Customer Service needs.
- Collaborate with Product Fit Specialist II in the maintenance, upkeep and inventory of specialized Fit vehicles.
- Carry out other duties, responsibilities, and projects as may be assigned in an effective and timely manner.
Qualifications:
AA degree in mechanical/structural engineering, technology, product marketing related field, or the equivalent experience preferred.- Demonstrated high-level of mechanical aptitude required.
- Written and Oral Skills: English mandatory, Mandarin Chinese desirable. Good penmanship and quality technical writing skills required.
- Knowledge of MS Office suite required. Proficiency in Excel or Smartsheet.
- Minimum two (2) years’ experience selling and installing both Yakima and Thule products preferred.
- Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and a good driving record.
- Eligible for or in possession of a valid passport allowing domestic and international travel.
- Documented track record of good business acumen.
- Demonstrates oral and written business communication skills including public speaking.
- Able to multi-task with special attention to follow-through with detail & accuracy.
- Independent, creative-thinker, self-starter, and ability to work independently without direct supervision.
- Minimum two (2) years’ experience working in a specialty retail sales environment preferred.
- Cycling, ski and snowboard, paddling, camping and general outdoor experience preferred.
- Previous experience as a mechanic is a plus.
- Authorization to work in the United States.
Physical Requirements:
Able to sit and work at a computer keyboard for periods of time- Able to stoop, kneel, bend at the waist, stretch, and reach on a daily basis
- Able to lift and move up to 75 pounds
- Must have vision corrected to 20/30
- Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle
- Use hands to handle or manipulate objects, tools or controls; operate hand tools and machinery in a safe manner and in accordance with OSHA Standards
- Must be able to travel domestically and internationally via commercial carrier
- Must be able to work weekends and evenings as required
Work Environment:
Yakima Products has a culture of honesty, respect and trust, and we are committed to providing an environment where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to their membership in any protected classification such as sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran, disability (mental or physical), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other status protected under applicable local, state, or federal law. Yakima Products is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) in all aspects of the employer-employee relationship including, but not limited to: recruitment, hiring, training, advancement and termination.
Yakima believes in doing the right thing, and is committed to enhancing our diversity, and demonstrating that commitment to our employees, customers and community. The Company promotes diversity by developing policies, programs, procedures that foster a work environment in which differences are respected, and employees are treated fairly.
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