Altra: Senior Footwear Designer

Position

Sr. Concept Footwear Designer, Innovation

At Altra, we strive to unlock potential in ourselves and others while building a diverse and inclusive running community. We empower individuals and the broader community, fostering a culture where collaboration and exploration lead to bold performance advances.

• Design innovative footwear concepts in collaboration with cross‑functional teams of developers, materials experts, color designers, product managers, engineers, and testing specialists to create products that do not yet exist.
• Shuttle breakthrough concepts from early ideation and experimentation through prototyping, commercialization, and athlete‑ready product delivery.
• Work closely with the Altra Innovation Design Team and the broader VF Design community to bring deep expertise and interdisciplinary perspectives.
• Lead and mentor emerging designers, raising the skill level of the team.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with Innovation Design, Product Development, and Product Management to ensure alignment and successful delivery.
• Confidently pitch and sell product ideas, presenting design concepts at key milestones to internal and external leaders.
• Bring hands‑on cobbling and prototyping skills (a plus) and, when applicable, 3D design tool proficiency.
• Produce detailed 2D technical packs in Adobe Creative Suite, including illustration, rendering, and rendering.
• Utilize presentation tools such as Keynote, PowerPoint, and Acrobat to convey design intent.

• 5-7 years of experience designing and developing cutting‑edge performance footwear and associated products.
• Proven track record of independently developing industry‑leading technical‑performance footwear designs that stand out for function and aesthetic innovation.
• Self‑driven, problem‑solving mindset with strong personal accountability.
• Deep curiosity and passion for continuously elevating foot‑design craft.
• Comfort mentoring and supporting emerging designers.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects, shift priorities quickly, and excel in a fast‑paced environment.
• Genuine passion for technical performance footwear, running, biomechanics, and human performance, with an appreciation for the intersection of art and science.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, sometimes for extended periods.
• Flexibility to work extended hours when needed to meet key milestones.
• Strong sketching, illustration, rendering skills; competency in producing detailed 2D tech packs in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Expert knowledge of performance footwear materials and manufacturing processes.
• Comfortable with presentation tools such as Keynote, PowerPoint, and Acrobat.
• Experience with 3D design tools (a plus, not required).
• Hands‑on cobbling and prototyping skills (a plus).

We offer a competitive compensation package with a salary range of $96,768.00 USD to $ USD annually, supplemented by incentive potential. The benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) plans, and we are committed to supporting and growing our people through extensive development opportunities.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at  VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.