Materials Development

Footwear Materials Developer

We are seeking an experienced Footwear Materials Developer to join a Product Creation team supporting the development and execution of innovative footwear materials. This role will collaborate closely with Product Development, Design, Engineering, Materials Planning, Supply Chain, and external material vendors to drive material development from concept through commercialization. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in footwear or product materials development, excellent cross-functional collaboration skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects while ensuring timely delivery, quality, cost, performance, and sustainability objectives.

• Manage the end-to-end materials development process for assigned projects.
• Collaborate with product creation teams, design, engineering, and supply chain partners to ensure material readiness and project execution.
• Interface directly with material vendors and manufacturing partners to support development activities.
• Communicate material direction, specifications, and development requirements to global suppliers, including partners in Asia.
• Drive material sourcing, development, costing, quality, and sustainability initiatives.
• Ensure projects meet critical timelines, design intent, performance requirements, and commercialization readiness.
• Evaluate vendor capabilities and align material solutions with product objectives.
• Partner with Material Design teams to support seasonal material palettes and innovation initiatives.
• Identify risks, troubleshoot issues, and develop effective solutions throughout the development process.
• Support product commercialization and manufacturing readiness activities.

• Bachelor's degree in Materials, Chemistry, Product Development, Product Engineering, or a related field (highly preferred).
• Minimum 6 years of experience in:
  • Materials Development
  • Product Development
  • Materials Design
  • Product Design
  • Related product creation functions
• Experience with footwear product creation processes preferred; apparel experience may also be considered.
• Strong understanding of material manufacturing processes.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and meet aggressive timelines.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and organizational abilities.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently and drive projects forward.

• Materials and product creation process experience.
• Footwear materials development experience preferred.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently.
• Ability to manage deadlines, milestones, and project timelines.

• Previous experience working for a material manufacturer or supplier.
• Footwear product development experience.
• Experience supporting running or performance footwear categories.
• Lab testing experience and ability to interpret test results.
• Knowledge of sustainable materials and product development practices.

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Outlook
• Product Development Systems and Processes
• Materials Development and Sourcing

• Hybrid schedule: 4 days onsite, 1 day remote.
• Typical business hours.
• Contract supporting maternity leave coverage.
• Potential for limited domestic travel.
• Interview Process: 1–2 rounds.
• Candidates must be able to work onsite in Beaverton, OR.