Footwear Materials Designer in Beaverton, Oregon - #72519 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 72519

Footwear Materials Designer
Our client is seeking a Footwear Materials Designer to help shape material strategies and executions for established lifestyle footwear franchises serving both men’s and women’s product lines. This role is ideal for a creative and consumer-focused designer who combines strong material expertise, trend awareness, and storytelling abilities to create compelling product experiences. The successful candidate will partner closely with cross-functional teams to develop innovative material concepts from early inspiration through final production.

This role is a hybrid model in Beaverton, Oregon.

Footwear Materials Designer Responsibilities

• Lead the development and selection of material concepts that enhance product storytelling, consumer appeal, and overall product differentiation.
• Translate consumer insights, cultural trends, and market influences into material narratives and product solutions that resonate with target audiences.
• Create and refine material palettes, finishes, textures, and applications for seasonal and franchise-based footwear collections.
• Develop inspiration boards, concept presentations, and visual storytelling tools that communicate design direction and material intent.
• Partner closely with footwear designers, color designers, developers, marketers, and manufacturing teams to bring concepts to life.
• Evaluate, source, and explore new material opportunities, technologies, and construction techniques to support innovation initiatives.
• Build and maintain material specifications, documentation, and design files to support product creation and commercialization processes.
• Collaborate with development and manufacturing partners to address technical challenges and ensure design intent is successfully executed.
• Contribute to multiple projects simultaneously while managing timelines, priorities, and evolving business needs.
• Present design concepts and material recommendations to internal stakeholders, incorporating feedback throughout the development process.

Footwear Materials Designer Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Materials Design, Textile Design, Apparel Design, Industrial Design, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3+ years of professional experience in materials design, textile design, footwear design, apparel materials, or related consumer product design disciplines.
• Demonstrated ability to create compelling material stories and clearly communicate design rationale through a strong portfolio.
• Portfolio must showcase design process, concept development, decision-making ownership, and final product outcomes on large-scale consumer product projects.
• Strong understanding of consumer trends, cultural influences, and how material choices impact product perception and emotional connection.
• Exceptional taste level with a keen eye for materials, textures, finishes, and tactile experiences.
• Experience translating consumer insights and market trends into commercially relevant design solutions.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams while maintaining a positive, curious, and solution-oriented approach.
• Experience creating physical mockups, material samples, prototypes, or concept models is preferred.
• Interest in streetwear, fashion, lifestyle products, and contemporary design culture is highly desirable.
• Previous experience within the footwear industry or with globally recognized consumer brands is preferred.
• Familiarity with footwear product creation processes and sustainable material practices is a plus.

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
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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