Altra: Senior Footwear Designer, Inline

Position:
Sr. Concept Footwear Designer, Innovation

Altra is on a never‑ending journey to unlock potential in ourselves and others while creating a more diverse and inclusive running community. Join a team that pushes performance boundaries and shapes the future of running footwear.

• Define the next generation of performance running shoes by independently creating compelling, industry‑leading designs that blend art and science.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with developers, materials experts, color designers, product managers, engineers, and testing specialists to bring concepts to life.
• Lead the design process from early ideation and experimentation through prototyping, testing, and commercialization, shepherding breakthrough ideas into athlete‑ready products.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with Innovation Design, Product Development, and Product Management to ensure alignment and successful delivery.
• Pitch and sell product concepts at key milestones to internal and external leaders.
• Provide leadership within the team, mentoring emerging designers and raising the level of those around you.
• Coordinate closely with Asia manufacturing partners and athletes in the field to refine designs and production.
• Work hands‑on in cobbling and prototyping as needed (a plus).

• 5–7 years of experience designing and developing cutting‑edge performance footwear (and associated products).
• Proven track record of independently creating functionally and aesthetically innovative footwear.
• Strong personal accountability, problem‑solving mindset, and curiosity.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects, shift priorities quickly, and excel in a fast‑paced environment.
• Passion for technical performance footwear, running, biomechanics, and human performance.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, sometimes for extended periods.
• Flexibility to work extended hours when needed to meet key milestones.
• Comfort mentoring and supporting emerging designers.
• Expert knowledge of performance footwear materials and manufacturing processes.
• Hands‑on cobbling and prototyping skills are a plus.
• Experience with 3D design tools and creating detailed 2D tech packs in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, etc.) is a plus.

• Create brand‑new concepts that expand what Altra can be and translate them into footwear aligned with seasonal vision and brand DNA.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with all cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment and successful delivery.
• Utilize presentation tools such as Keynote, PowerPoint, and Acrobat to deliver design concepts to senior leaders.
• Possess the ability to work with overseas factories and development teams (preferred).

• Salary range: $96,768.00 – $ USD annually.
• Eligible for additional compensation awards, including an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential.
• Benefits overview available at  (medical plans, retirement, paid time off, etc.).

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and 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.