Materials Designer

Product Design and Development – Materials Designer 3

Location:

Beaverton, OR (PHK) – Onsite

Duration: 6 Months Contract

We are seeking a talented Materials Designer 3 to join the NSW Icons team supporting Men's and Women's Sportswear footwear franchises. This role will focus on creating innovative material concepts and storytelling for established footwear franchises while driving consumer-relevant design solutions that elevate product experiences. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in materials design, a deep understanding of consumer trends, tactile materials, and a passion for streetwear culture.

They will be responsible for translating insights into compelling material narratives and partnering with cross-functional teams to bring concepts to life.

• NSW Icons Team
• Men's and Women's Sportswear
• Established footwear franchises
• Working on footwear product creation

• Design and develop innovative material concepts for footwear products.
• Research and interpret consumer trends, cultural influences, and market insights.
• Create compelling material stories and narratives that connect with consumers.
• Partner with cross-functional teams throughout the product creation process.
• Drive material innovation while maintaining alignment with brand and consumer needs.
• Present design concepts, process work, and final solutions to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with development and product teams to execute material strategies.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in Materials Design.
• Strong understanding of consumer trends and tactile materials.
• Experience working on large-scale consumer goods projects.
• High taste level with the ability to identify and interpret emerging trends.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating storytelling, design process, decision-making, and final execution.
• Ability to clearly articulate design rationale and showcase ownership of project contributions.

• Experience in industrial material design, textile material design, or apparel material design.
• Strong interest in streetwear, fashion, and consumer trends.
• Experience creating materials for consumer-facing products.

Portfolio submission is required. Portfolio should demonstrate:

• Strong storytelling ability.
• Clear design process from concept to final execution.
• Decision-making and problem-solving approach.
• Specific contributions and ownership within projects.
• Consumer-focused material design solutions.

• Location:
  
  PHK (Open to relocation if candidate can move within 2 weeks of start date)
• Reason for Opening:
  Covering for a sabbatical and business growth
• Expected Contract Length: 6 Months
• Experience working within footwear, apparel, or consumer goods industries is highly preferred.