Technical Product Specialist - Tools

Summary:

The Technical Product Specialist - Tools provides technical insight and practical evaluation of automotive specialty tools to support product development and continuous product improvement.  This role uses hands-on knowledge of tool usage and mechanical systems to evaluate new product ideas, test prototypes, and identify opportunities to improve the usability, durability, and performance of existing products while supporting the Product Manager in product development decisions.

Qualification Requirements:

• Hands-on experience using automotive or mechanical tools, such as experience as an automotive technician, mechanic, or similar technical trade
• Strong understanding of how tools are used in real-world repair or service environments
• Ability to evaluate tools for usability, durability, and practicality
• Basic computer skills including Excel, Outlook, and documenting evaluation notes or test results
• Ability to communicate technical observations and improvement suggestions clearly
• Comfortable working in both an office setting and a hands-on tool evaluation environment

Minimum Qualifications (Must have/non-negotiable):

• High school diploma or GED required 
• Professional experience working on automobiles (such as an automotive technician, mechanic, or similar role) with strong knowledge of vehicle repair and tool usage
• Demonstrated hands-on experience using a wide range of automotive hand tools and specialty tools
• Ability to evaluate tools based on functionality, access, leverage, and real-world repair scenarios
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Outlook for documenting evaluations and communicating with internal teams and suppliers
• Ability to communicate technical observations clearly in both written and verbal form

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong practical knowledge of automotive repair procedures and common service operations
• Ability to identify usability issues, design weaknesses, or improvement opportunities in automotive tools
• Ability to clearly explain how tools are used and communicate technical feedback to product management and suppliers
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze why a tool performs well or poorly in real-world use
• Basic computer skills for documenting product evaluations, organizing files, and communicating through email
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with product management, quality, and creative teams

Essential Functions:

• Evaluate new automotive tools and product concepts to determine practicality, usability, and value for technicians and end users
• Test product samples and prototypes to assess functionality, durability, and real-world performance
• Review existing tools within the product line and identify opportunities to improve usability, quality, or design
• Provide feedback to the Product Manager and suppliers regarding potential design improvements or issues discovered during testing
• Compare company products to identify strengths, weaknesses, and improvement opportunities
• Document tool evaluations, testing observations, and improvement recommendations
• Assist with validating product specifications and ensuring product performance aligns with intended use
• Support product demonstrations, training materials, and technical explanations of tool usage when needed

Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand for extended periods while evaluating and testing tools
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate tools, equipment, and computer systems
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, and position tools or components during testing and evaluation
• Ability to lift and move tool samples, equipment, or materials weighing up to approximately 40 pounds
• Ability to visually inspect tools and components to identify defects, wear, or usability concerns

Work Environment:

• Combination of office environment and hands-on tool evaluation area
• Regular use of automotive hand tools and specialty tools during product testing and evaluation
• Occasional exposure to shop or warehouse environments while handling product samples or testing tools
• Moderate noise levels may occur when operating tools or equipment during evaluations
• Frequent collaboration with Product Management, Quality, and Creative teams to support product development and improvement initiatives