Lead Footwear Materials Designer in Beaverton, Oregon - #71802 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 71802

Lead Footwear Materials Designer
Our client is seeking a Lead Footwear Materials Designer to help shape the material direction for innovative outdoor footwear products. This role is ideal for a creative problem-solver with a strong understanding of textiles and performance materials who enjoys collaborating across design and product teams. The ideal candidate brings a thoughtful design approach, strong storytelling ability, and a passion for creating materials that balance durability, functionality, and visual impact.

This role is a hybrid model in Beaverton, Oregon.

Lead Footwear Materials Designer Responsibilities

• Lead the development of footwear material concepts from initial ideation through commercialization, ensuring alignment with product performance goals and design direction.
• Research, develop, and apply innovative textile solutions—including wovens, knits, and leather—to support durability, performance, and aesthetic goals for outdoor footwear products.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners including product designers, developers, engineers, and color and graphics teams to bring material concepts to life.
• Translate consumer insights, seasonal narratives, and brand storytelling into material choices that elevate both performance and emotional connection to the product.
• Explore emerging technologies, sustainable material options, and new production techniques to continuously improve product innovation and environmental impact.
• Create and present material palettes, mockups, and design concepts using digital and physical tools to communicate ideas effectively to internal teams and stakeholders.
• Contribute to seasonal product strategies by refining existing materials and introducing new concepts that enhance the overall footwear collection.
• Partner with development and manufacturing teams to ensure materials meet performance, durability, and production requirements.

Lead Footwear Materials Designer Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in materials design, textile design, footwear design, or a closely related field, with 5+ years preferred.
• Strong knowledge of textiles and material construction, including wovens, knits, leather, and performance fabrics.
• High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) for concept development and presentation.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional partners across design, engineering, development, and product teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in fashion design, textile design, product design, industrial design, or a related creative discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience translating consumer insights and product narratives into material concepts and product execution.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, material sourcing, and performance requirements for consumer products.
• Experience in footwear design, knitwear, or outdoor performance products is strongly preferred.
• Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to clearly articulate design concepts and material strategies.
• Passion for innovation, creativity, and continuous learning in the evolving field of performance materials.

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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