Materials Designer (Footwear) in Los Angeles, California - #71637 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 71637

Materials Designer (Footwear)
Our client is seeking a Materials Designer (Footwear) to support innovative product creation through material exploration, development, and execution. This role blends creative and technical responsibilities, requiring a designer who can translate visual direction into production-ready specifications and factory-ready schematics. The ideal candidate is highly detail-oriented, visually driven, and comfortable collaborating within fast-paced, cross-functional product teams.

This role is a hybrid model in Los Angeles, California.

Materials Designer (Footwear) Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and refine material concepts for footwear products, ensuring alignment with aesthetic, functional, and commercial objectives.
• Create and maintain detailed schematics and technical documentation to support accurate factory execution and production clarity.
• Partner closely with footwear design, graphics, and product development teams to translate creative direction into viable material solutions.
• Evaluate material options with consideration for performance, quality, cost, manufacturability, and scalability.
• Support seasonal product cycles by managing materials-related updates, revisions, and asset consistency across multiple timelines.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to validate feasibility and resolve material or construction challenges.
• Maintain organized digital assets, libraries, and files to enable efficient workflows and accurate design hand-offs.
• Contribute to material research, innovation, and trend exploration to inform future product direction.

Materials Designer (Footwear) Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Design, Footwear Design, Industrial Design, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of directly relevant experience in materials design, footwear design, or product creation.
• Demonstrated experience creating technical schematics and production-ready documentation for manufacturing partners.
• Strong understanding of material properties, finishes, and their interaction with footwear construction.
• Proficiency with industry-standard design and visualization tools used in product creation environments.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to manage complex files and documentation.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within highly iterative development cycles.
• Strong communication skills and comfort working across design, development, and technical teams.

Preferred:

• Experience supporting footwear or consumer product development within structured production environments.
• Familiarity with seasonal product calendars and rapid development timelines.
• Exposure to cross-discipline collaboration involving materials, color, and graphics.

Compensation: (DOE)

VanderHouwen Contractors Enjoy Exceptional Benefit Perks!
As an eligible contract employee with VanderHouwen, you’ll have access to a full suite of benefits designed with your well-being in mind. Our comprehensive package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a matching 401(k) to help secure your future.

Meet VanderHouwen
What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? VanderHouwen does, and we’re in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long-term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies’ staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals.

VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.

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