CMF Specialist

Join our Asia Pacific Operation Office in Shenzhen as our CMF Specialist, and make an immediate impact on our trusted brands: OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Honeywell, PUR, Braun, Vicks, Hot Tools, Drybar, Curlsmith, and Revlon. Together, we build innovative and useful products that elevate people's lives everywhere every day!

BASIC PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

We are seeking a creative and technically minded CMF Specialist to drive the visual and tactile identity of our products. You will bridge design and manufacturing - selecting colors, materials, and surface finishes that are not only beautiful but also cost-effective, durable, and manufacturable at scale.

• Interface with US team, mostly Developer to receive Design Brief; work with manufacturer to recommend best processes to achieve design. Be willing to push back on US team with issues, offering alternatives/options.
• Monitor sample making process and compare against mass production process to ensure stable quality.
• Troubleshoot any decoration issues with the factory, both in development and in production.
• Help manage and create Production Documentation for decoration processes.
• Confirm that Mass Production Processes are what we expect/what was agreed to during Sample-making stage, including materials and parameters.

Dimensions / Scope

Trend & Strategy

·     Research global trends in color, material, texture, and finish.

·     Develop seasonal CMF palettes and strategies aligned with brand identity and product roadmap.

·     Create CMF design briefs, mood boards, and material presentations for stakeholders.

·     Benchmark competitors and emerging material technologies.

·     Understand what new capabilities are available (at our factories and out in the world) that are worth trying/exploring.

Color, Material Selection & Development

·     Evaluate and select polymers, metals, composites, coatings and bio-based materials.

·     Collaborate with suppliers to develop custom colors, textures, or finishes (e.g., Powder coating, PVD, digital printing, liquid paint, water transfer, etc.

·     Conduct feasibility studies: cost, lead time, supply chain availability, regulatory compliance (FDA, PFAS, RoHS, REACH, Prop 65).

Process Engineering

·     Define manufacturing processes for CMF: Powder coating, PVD, digital printing, liquid paint, water transfer, etc.

·     Work with supplier and internal team to ensure color consistency and adhesion.

·     Create and maintain CMF specification sheets (Pantone, RAL, Munsell; gloss values; scratch/abrasion standards).

Quality & Validation

·     Lead pilot runs and first-article inspections for color, texture, and finish.

·     Develop test plans for wear, UV resistance, chemical resistance, scratch hardness (pencil test), and adhesion (crosshatch).

·     Work with other Helen of Troy team members to answer questions about Decoration.

·     Work with US-team and Chinese factory to track and ensure correct samples are delivered on time.

·     Work with suppliers to understand Mass Production schedule risks; share with US team.

·     Oversee testing and validation at factory to confirm it meets expectations.

·     Talk with sub-suppliers (powder, ink, paint suppliers) to troubleshoot issues/understand capabilities. Include vetting new potential suppliers.

Education, Qualification and training

·       Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Product Design Engineering.

·       Coursework or certification in color science is highly preferred.

Experience or skills required

·       6 - 10 years of hands-on CMF engineering experience (consumer electronics, automotive interiors, appliances, or sporting goods).

·       Proven track record taking CMF from concept to mass production (≥ 50k units).

·       Portfolio showing physical samples or production parts (required for interview).

·       Experience and expertise in metal vessel decoration processes such as powder coating, PVD, digital printing, liquid paint, water transfer, etc.  Strong understanding of chemistry behind these processes.

·       Proficiency in color measurement tools (spectrophotometer, colorimeter, etc.).

·       Working knowledge of CAD visualization (Creo, SolidWorks or other Software for material rendering).

·       Strong cross-functional collaboration (with ID, ME, QA, Sourcing, and vendors).

·       Ability to create clear technical documentation and failure analysis reports.

·       Ability to track multiple projects ongoing at different factories.

·       Comfortable traveling to supplier sites and factories (domestic/SEA/international).

·       Mandarin or Cantonese language skills (for Asia-based supplier communication).

·       English proficiency to work with US-based design team and China-based contract manufacturers.

Specialized knowledge or skills required

·       Expertise in metal vessel decoration processes such as powder coating, PVD, digital printing, liquid paint, water transfer, etc.

·       Knowledge of processes to recommend which to use to achieve desired outcome.

·       Experience developing and qualifying manufacturing processes at suppliers for high volume production

#LI-DNI

Founded in 1968, Helen of Troy is a leading global consumer products company with operations across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.  Our portfolio includes trusted brands such as OXO, Hydro Flask, Osprey, Honeywell, PUR, Braun, Vicks, Hot Tools, Drybar, Curlsmith, Revlon, and Olive & June – many of which rank among the top brands in their consumer goods categories.

We grow and strengthen our brands through innovation, operational excellence, and a collaborative culture focused on delivering exceptional products and experiences for consumers worldwide.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

Management reserves the right to modify the duties and responsibilities of the position at any time.