Footwear Materials Designer in Beaverton, Oregon - #71800 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 71800

Footwear Materials Designer
Our client is seeking a Footwear Materials Designer to lead the material design direction for performance running footwear within a collaborative product creation environment. This role blends creative vision with technical expertise, translating consumer insights and trend research into innovative material concepts that elevate performance footwear. The ideal candidate brings a strong design portfolio, deep knowledge of running footwear materials, and the ability to guide projects from concept through product execution.

This role is a hybrid model in Beaverton, Oregon.

Footwear Materials Designer Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of materials for performance running footwear, translating research, trends, and consumer insights into innovative material solutions.
• Own the material vision for seasonal footwear collections, establishing design direction, material palettes, and toolboxes that align with overall product strategies.
• Partner closely with cross-functional teams including product design, development, manufacturing, merchandising, and sustainability to ensure successful execution from concept through production.
• Present and communicate design concepts, material strategies, and updates clearly to internal stakeholders throughout the product creation process.
• Contribute to the creative process by researching emerging materials, manufacturing techniques, and sustainability approaches to enhance product innovation.
• Support the development and evolution of material strategies across multiple footwear projects, ensuring alignment with brand direction and performance requirements.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to other designers when appropriate, helping strengthen creative collaboration and material innovation within the team.

Footwear Materials Designer Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in footwear materials design, with strong exposure to performance running footwear.
• Demonstrated experience developing materials across full footwear product lines or seasonal updates.
• Strong portfolio showcasing the design process from research and trend analysis through final product execution, specifically within performance footwear.
• Deep understanding of footwear materials such as engineered meshes and performance textiles, with strong material taste and design sensibility.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite and other digital design tools used for material exploration and presentation.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts and inspiration clearly to cross-functional teams.
• Understanding of the running consumer and performance apparel/footwear landscape preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in design, materials design, industrial design, or a related field preferred, though equivalent experience will be considered.

Compensation: Up to $50/hr. (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
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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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