Sr. Footwear Product Developer in Beaverton, Oregon - #71706 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 71706

Sr. Footwear Product Developer
Our client is seeking a Sr. Footwear Product Developer to support a high-visibility performance basketball initiative within a fast-paced, athlete-driven product environment. This role will focus on elevating and reimagining existing footwear models tied to key performance moments, translating athlete feedback into tangible product improvements. The ideal candidate thrives under pressure, embraces iteration, and confidently collaborates across design, engineering, and manufacturing partners to bring refined concepts to life.

This role is onsite in Beaverton, Oregon.

Sr. Footwear Product Developer Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end technical development of performance basketball footwear, transforming creative direction and athlete insights into commercially viable product updates.
• Translate real-time athlete feedback into actionable product refinements, improving fit, performance, durability, and overall execution.
• Drive development timelines from concept through commercialization, creating and adjusting schedules as needed to meet aggressive launch milestones.
• Partner closely with design to refresh and modernize existing models, ensuring cohesive storytelling and elevated product newness across key footwear moments.
• Manage multiple iterations of product development, analyzing prior model challenges and implementing continuous improvements in future executions.
• Serve as a key liaison with manufacturing partners to ensure feasibility, quality standards, and production readiness are achieved.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, materials, testing, sourcing, and operations teams to align on performance, cost, and manufacturability objectives.
• Maintain clear documentation, facilitate alignment meetings, and communicate progress and risks to stakeholders in a high-pressure environment.

Sr. Footwear Product Developer Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in technical footwear product development, with direct involvement in performance footwear projects.
• Proven ability to take creative concepts and successfully implement them into physical product under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience managing development timelines and adapting schedules to meet shifting priorities.
• Strong understanding of footwear construction, pattern engineering, tooling, materials, testing, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience working through multiple product iterations and applying lessons learned to enhance future models.
• Ability to confidently navigate complex, matrixed environments and collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to deliver and receive candid design feedback in a constructive manner.
• Calm under pressure, adaptable to ambiguity, and comfortable making informed decisions in fast-moving scenarios.
• Interest or experience in basketball performance footwear is preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Portfolio is required and must demonstrate relevant footwear product development work, including examples of technical problem-solving and execution.

Compensation: Up to $46.67/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.

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