Product Developer - Athearn Trains

At Horizon Hobby, we inspire dreams and help build memories! Our company is the leader in the global Radio Control industry. We offer tremendous opportunities for growth and development and a full array of benefits including discounts on our products! We are currently hiring for a Product Developer for our Athearn Train team!

The Product Developer’s primary responsibility is to manage the research, development and introduction of products that maximize sales, on schedule, and follows strategic initiative plans while promoting positive ongoing vendor relationships. The Product Developer develops products with the right features, quality, and value to satisfy consumers within the value standards of Athearn. As an ambassador of Horizon Hobby, the Product Developer should be familiar with Horizon’s mission and values.

This position reports into the Champaign, IL location. Local candidates preferred; however, we will consider hybrid/remote work arrangements for qualified applicants. 

Typical pay for this position is $60,000-$70,000 annually. The final offer for this position will be based on the unique experience and qualifications of the candidate selected. Additionally, this position may also be eligible for a bonus that is not included in the base pay range.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Ensure that the quality of new products selected for introduction provide the value expected by Athearn customers/consumers and the brand promise of Athearn.


• Coordinate the research, concept, and, if necessary, the design, testing and development of new products across the required functional teams at Athearn and with vendors.


• Monitoring both Athearn and competitive products to ensure that Athearn maintains its competitive advantage and fills the voids in the market.


• Maintains an optimal product portfolio that provides sufficient choices for Athearn customers to maximize the value and product assortment expected of the Athearn brand.


• Assist, as required, in the development of manufacturing information for products while working with existing manufacturers to assure the availability of the necessary capacity to produce products that meet/exceed the market demand.


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  Ensure that all communication with vendors is effective in the development of new products and keeps products in development moving forward to meet planned schedules.



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  Provides training as required for sales, service, and new product releases.



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  Attend trade shows and hobby events as required and be available for possible overseas and domestic travel as necessary (less than 5%).



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  Manages all project timelines to ensure market release dates are met.



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  Effectively communicate and document product development events both to complete product development tasks and to communicate product development progress, or challenges.



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  Attend as needed, meetings related to product development, product marketing, or brand management which affects products or categories assigned.



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  Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Education and/or Experience

• Experience in a product development setting is preferred ideally in either the model railroading or toy industries.


• Knowledge of the model railroad industry, and significant hands-on experience using model railroading products.


• In-depth knowledge of prototypes is highly desired.


• Must be self-motivated, capable of multi-tasking, detail-oriented, and able to organize/set work priorities for themselves.


• Must possess strong written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to communicate and interact with all levels of the organization, vendors, customers, and consumers.


• Should have good proficiency in the use of computers with knowledge in Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.


• Experience with CAD programs and files is a plus (but not required)


• Experience working with Adobe Illustrator.


• Knowledge of various facets of model railroading.


• Accurate color identification- willing and able to pass a color hue test accordingly.


• Knowledge of model railroading tools including a test track with DC and DCC controls; PCB knowledge and understanding; troubleshooting of electronics.


• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience required; high school diploma required

Benefits and other perks

• Medical, Dental, Vision


• HSA and FSA options


• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance


• Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance


• 401(k) with a company match


• Paid Time Off


• Paid Holidays


• Internal Rewards


• Discounts on Products


• Additional Coverage such as accident, critical, hospital and pet insurance.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Horizon Hobby is a progressive, innovative company and, as such, is constantly reevaluating and reinventing the processes and procedures associated with each job. The essential duties and responsibilities of this position may change at any time. In addition, employees may be asked to work on special projects or to assist with other work necessary or important to the operation of Horizon. Your cooperation and assistance in performing such additional work is expected and appreciated.

Horizon Hobby, LLC is an equal opportunity and E-Verify employer