At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop innovative guitar amplifiers and software from concept to production.
- Company: Join Blackstar, a leading innovator in guitar amplification design.
- Benefits: Relaxed dress code, passionate team, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with industry experts and contribute to transformational innovation.
- Why this job: Combine your love for music with cutting-edge technology in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Guitar playing experience and a keen ear for sound are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Blackstar Amplification’s Products team is excited to be recruiting a new Product Developer. This is an ideal opportunity for a highly capable guitarist with extensive hands-on experience in professional recording, live sound or an equivalent audio engineering environment, who can combine an excellent ear for sound with a structured and technically rigorous approach. The successful candidate will support the development of guitar amplifiers, software and associated products from initial concept, through prototyping and production, to testing and final product sign-off.
The duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Apply critical listening and sound-design skills, to bring an objective ear to product development
- Use rapid prototyping and modern studio production tools to drive Blackstar sound engineering during product development and ongoing technical research
- Work alongside electronics and mechanical design engineers to help to design and prototype new products
- Be responsible for the “first-pass” sound design of Blackstar products
- Devise, control and carry out pre-release test procedures for hardware and software products
- Set up and manage product listening tests
- Maintain accurate records of the product development process
Required Knowledge and Experience:
- Experienced guitar player with a passion for guitar tone, audio technology and the music industry
- Extensive hands-on experience in a professional recording studio, live sound environment or equivalent audio engineering role
- An objective ear, with the ability to critically analyse sound
- Strong understanding of guitar amplifiers, effects pedals, recording equipment and signal flow
- Experience using computer-based recording software and plugins
- A structured engineering approach to any task, with a high level of attention to detail
- Independent, self-motivated and able to solve technical problems with minimal supervision
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build professional relationships with people at all levels
- Ability to manage working time effectively and prioritise assignments appropriately
Desirable skills, however not essential:
- Qualified to degree level or above in an audio or engineering discipline
- Knowledge of audio recording techniques and equipment
- Knowledge of the Musical Instrument product sector
- Basic understanding of software and software-testing principles
- An interest in electronics with basic soldering and hardware-maintenance experience
- Enthusiastic, methodical, committed and dependable
The Company:
Launched in 2007, Blackstar is globally recognised and respected as an innovator and leader in guitar amplification design. We are a company of musicians who are truly passionate about what we do and understand the importance of great tone. Blackstar is based in Northampton, with over 80 years’ combined experience in guitar amplification design and production. Our team pioneers change in the industry and has a strong commitment to driving transformational innovation throughout our products. Blackstar products combine outstanding design, technology and performance to create the ultimate tools for self-expression.
The Environment:
Blackstar is a unique environment; we are all musicians or music lovers, and the dress code is relaxed. Our teams are experts in their fields and are incredibly passionate about our products and the industry as a whole. Many of our staff have worked in the industry for a long time, and we are looking for candidates who wish to grow with the company and share in our current and future success. Office hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday to Friday, at our Northampton office, with a willingness to work extra hours as and when required to achieve project deliverables to schedule.
If you share our passion, approach your work with pride, are driven by innovation and want to help grow our global brand to its highest potential, we would love to hear from you. Please apply with an up-to-date CV and head to our website to fill in an application form. We are looking to hold interviews as soon as possible, with an initial telephone conversation as the first step.
Product Developer in Kettering employer: Blackstar Amplification Ltd
Blackstar Amplification Ltd is an exceptional employer located in Northampton, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth within a supportive environment, where creativity is encouraged and contributions are valued. With a focus on cutting-edge technology and a commitment to quality, working here means being part of a team that is passionate about delivering outstanding digital products.
Contact Details:
Blackstar Amplification Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Developer in Kettering
✨Join Product Management Meetups
Get involved in local product management meetups or workshops. These events are perfect for meeting industry folks, sharing ideas, and staying updated on trends. Plus, you never know who might be hiring—it's a fantastic way to make connections that could lead to a job at places like Blackstar Amplification Ltd!
✨Show Off Your Product Sense
Create case studies or mini-projects showcasing your product management skills, and share them on platforms like Medium or LinkedIn. This not only puts your skills on display but also boosts your visibility in the product community. Imagine how impressed the hiring team at Blackstar Amplification Ltd would be by your initiative!
✨Utilise Online Communities
Dive into online product management communities like Product Coalition or Mind the Product. Engage in discussions, ask questions, and share your insights. These platforms are goldmines for networking and finding hidden job opportunities—many companies often scout talent from within these circles.
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you’ve recently graduated or are still in uni, tap into your alumni network for connections in product management. Many universities have their own job boards and affinity resources to help graduates land roles. Don't forget to keep an eye out for job openings at Blackstar Amplification Ltd through your school's career services!
We think you need these skills to ace Product Developer in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Product Passion:When applying for a product management role like Product Developer, let your passion for developing products shine through in your cover letter. Share specific examples of products you've managed, how you solved user needs, and any successful outcomes you've achieved. This is your chance to showcase your understanding of the product lifecycle!
Highlight Your Cross-Functional Skills:Product management isn't just about understanding the product; it’s about collaborating with different teams! Make sure to emphasise your experience working with developers, designers, and marketers. Use your CV to showcase your ability to bridge gaps between these areas, and include relevant experiences that demonstrate your communication and leadership skills!
Include Your Metrics and Achievements:In a full-time product management application, data speaks volumes! Quantify your achievements wherever possible. Did you increase user retention by a certain percentage? Launch a product ahead of schedule? Include these metrics in your CV to paint a picture of your impact and effectiveness in previous roles.
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Make sure your CV is tailored for the Product Developer position at Blackstar Amplification Ltd. Use keywords from the job description and ensure your relevant experiences are front and centre. Highlight any certifications or relevant training you’ve completed that will make you stand out as a strong candidate for the role. And remember, we’re excited to see your application on our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackstar Amplification Ltd
✨Understand the Product Life Cycle
As a product management candidate, we need to get our head around the complete product life cycle. Be prepared to discuss real-world examples of how you’ve managed product development from ideation to launch. Bring specific insights on tools like JIRA or Trello that can help streamline these processes.
✨Showcase Your Cross-Functional Skills
Product management is all about collaboration. We should be ready to highlight how we’ve worked across teams—think marketing, engineering, and design. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to mediate differing opinions and how you got everyone on board with a shared vision.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In a full-time role, we can expect to encounter case study questions during our interviews. Practise solving hypothetical product problems on the spot, such as prioritising features for a new app or improving user engagement metrics. This will show our analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
✨Know Your Metrics
Let’s face it, numbers are our best friends in product management. We should prepare to discuss key performance indicators (KPIs) and how we've used analytics to inform product decisions. Dive into examples where data has driven our strategy for improvements or justified product changes.
