Footwear Materials Designer in Beaverton, Oregon - #72156 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 72156

Footwear Materials Designer
Our client is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Footwear Materials Designer to support the development of performance-driven footwear concepts from ideation through execution. This role blends artistic vision with technical understanding, contributing to seasonal collections while partnering cross-functionally to bring innovative material stories to life. The ideal candidate brings a strong design voice, hands-on material experience, and a passion for performance footwear that resonates with real-world consumers.

This role is a hybrid model in Beaverton, Oregon.

Footwear Materials Designer Responsibilities

• Drive the design and development of material concepts for seasonal footwear collections, aligning with creative direction and product briefs.
• Create and refine material specifications, supporting both new designs and updates to existing products.
• Collaborate closely with design, color, product, and development partners to ensure cohesive storytelling and execution.
• Translate creative ideas into tangible materials through sampling, prototyping, and technical documentation.
• Participate in presentations, athlete insights, and feedback sessions to inform and evolve design solutions.
• Utilize material libraries and explore new and existing materials to influence innovation and product differentiation.
• Support the end-to-end design process, including concepting, revisions, and handoff to development and manufacturing partners.

Footwear Materials Designer Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in performance footwear materials design or a closely related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in Design or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong portfolio showcasing footwear designs that have been brought to market and demonstrate consumer impact.
• Proven ability to design across a range of material expressions, from simple constructions to complex innovations.
• Experience working on seasonal collections, including collaboration with cross-functional teams and athlete or consumer insights.
• Familiarity with performance materials such as foams, mesh, synthetics, textiles, and advanced composites.
• Proficiency in design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, with exposure to 3D or emerging digital design tools preferred.
• Strong understanding of the product creation process, including material development, technical specifications, and manufacturing considerations.

Compensation: Up to $42.67/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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