Footwear Designer

Senior Footwear Project Designer, Design Accelerator

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

At New Balance Footwear Design, our mission is to unlock the full potential of our team’s creativity. The Senior Footwear Project Designer, Design Accelerator will support in the rapid creation of footwear prototypes as a part of our Design Accelerator function. This person will work with other footwear designers, taking selected initial sketch work and refining the designs into fully factory-ready concepts.

Relying on their considerable design experience, they will use their knowledge of factory processes, sole specification standards, and upper constructions to expedite the first prototype. They will serve as the liaison between product design, 3D design, materials designer and product developer. As someone who interacts heavily with the factories and development teams, they will also serve as a mentor on footwear design best practices to the wider design organization.

• Create quick sketches as may be needed to elaborate on the initial concept.
• Collaborate with designer and product manager to gain alignment on initial proto direction/sketch work.
• Bring added realism through Vizcom material exploration or Gravity Sketch study models.

• Upper spec creation is a key component of design communication to the factory and central to this role.
• Collaborate closely with materials design team. Have a central understanding of appropriate materials selection to achieve design intent, cost targets, durability and sustainability requirements.
• Create initial shell pattern when required.
• Owns' the techpack creation and revision throughout initial first prototype phase.
• Assists in the transition of that techpack to the inline design team after first proto.

• Creates initial sketches of outsole design, when needed.
• Communicates to 3D designer base form intent, last selection, and key section details.
• Works with 3D designer and product designer to refine 3D models before prints are created.

• Act as a liaison between Design Development and PM ensuring alignment and smooth communication.
• Able to navigate ambiguity with confidence, using resourcefulness to solve problems to clarify design intent.
• Work with a high level of urgency and ownership to meet deadlines and maintain project momentum.

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or other footwear-related design field (product, graphics, or fashion).
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite tools a must. 3D experience with Gravity Sketch, Rhino, etc. and AI experience such as Vizcom or Midjourney are a bonus.
• 5+ years of footwear design experience, preferably working in the Lifestyle category.
• Strong project management skills and team collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Boston, MA Headquarters - (NB) Only Pay Range: $ - $ - $ Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)