Lead Production Engineer

The pay range is $92,000.00 - $166,000.00

Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position. These include labor markets and in some instances may include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves. Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation. Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.

About us:
Target is one of the world’s most recognized brands and the second-largest retailer in the U.S. Our Owned Brand Sourcing & Development team is at the heart of our success—driven by creativity, collaboration, and a passion for delivering affordable, high-quality products that inspire our guests. With 48 private labels, we lead with exclusive, guest-loved products that deliver exceptional value and style. Our Product Design, Development, and Quality teams ensure every item meets our high standards and fulfills our brand promise: Expect More. Pay Less.

As a Lead Production Engineer, you’ll be a key technical expert responsible for ensuring the safety, quality, and compliance of Target’s owned brand products. You’ll work across the full product lifecycle—from concept through production—partnering with cross-functional teams to bring guest-centric, trend-forward products to life. This is a hands-on, on-site role with regular travel to domestic and international vendor and factory locations. You’ll assess manufacturing capabilities, lead technical development, and proactively manage production risks to ensure flawless execution.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with design, sourcing, merchandising, and technical teams to align product development with brand strategy and guest expectations.
• Evaluate vendor and factory capabilities to ensure they meet Target’s quality, safety, and compliance standards.
• May lead the creation and implementation of product development guidelines and technical standards by category 
• Drive vendor onboarding, training, assessments, and accreditation to elevate performance and ensure alignment with Target’s expectations.
• Initiate and support vendor accreditation, aligning on long-term development strategies.
• Champion continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to enhance product quality, fit, and manufacturability.
• Partner with global teams to resolve production issues, mitigate risks, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality products.
• Advocate for innovation and transformation across tools, processes, and partnerships.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in product development, technical/production engineering, or quality assurance
• Deep knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality systems, and compliance standards
• Familiarity with CPSC and U.S. consumer product safety regulations
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and vendor partnerships
• Strong communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence across functions
• Demonstrated leadership in change management and decision-making
• High learning agility and curiosity to adopt new tools and technologies
• Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, Microsoft Office, PLM systems, and 3D software 
• Strong multitasking, prioritization, and organizational skills
• Ability to troubleshoot and adapt in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Commitment to continuous learning, strong inclusion acumen, with the ability to influence and advance priorities that foster belonging
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally (25–40%)

Preferred:

• Advanced degree or certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, Lean, Quality Engineering)
• Experience with PLM systems and digital product development tools
• Background in global sourcing and vendor management
• Passion for inclusive, guest-centered product development

This position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target’s needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member’s core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target. Click here if you are curious to learn more about Minnesota.

Team Members in the Target General Merch Inc operating company are prohibited from working more than thirty (30) days per calendar year in any of the following states: AL, AR, DE, FL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MS, MO, NC, OK, PA, SC, TN and VA. If hired, you will be prohibited from working remotely from any of the states listed above for more than thirty (30) days per calendar year.

Benefits Eligibility

Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_E

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com.

Application deadline is : 07/21/2025