A liaison officer…

By Sylvie Lemieux

The product development manager (or product designer) acts as a liaison officer between the production and the R&D departments in the manufacture of prototypes and special products. This individual receives requests from researchers and assesses the feasibility with regard to the technical aspect and production costs. Once this step has been completed, he or she must assign the necessary personnel to the execution of different projects. In the meantime, this individual must devise a list of required components and send this list to the senior buyer who in turn orders them from the different suppliers.

Throughout the project, the product development manager supervises the work of technicians and establishes the work schedule in accordance with deadlines. He or she ensures that the necessary materials are on hand, and in the event of a shortage, must find alternative solutions. Technical problems are also referred to this individual.

The product designer is also responsible for technological transfer between the R&D department and the production division. Here again, this individual is responsible for specifying what equipment is required for production, and for placing the order with the senior buyer.

On occasion, the product designer is required to assume the role of scientific representative to participate in exhibitions and other scientific events in order to introduce special products newly developed by the company.

A communications expert

Since the product designer works in close cooperation with different departments, he or she must have excellent communications skills and demonstrate a keen sense of interpersonal relations. Often referred to as the contact in the event that problems arise, this individual's make-up must include technical knowledge and creativity. He or she is able to deal with the unexpected and work under pressure.

This individual's management responsibilities require planning and organization skills. He or she is also able to resolve conflicts that arise between personnel. The computer is a work tool that is extensively used by the product designer, who must know how to operate the different software applications. Lastly, expertise in French and English are essential.

Training and experience

Generally speaking, to work in this position, employers seek a candidate who has a Master's degree or Doctorate in physics, with a concentration in optics. Applicants who hold a Bachelor of physical engineering degree may also be successful. Education must be complemented by practical experience of one to two years in optical assembly processes and techniques. Experience in personnel management is also considered an asset.