Footwear Developer

Footwear Developer

Specialized seeks an experienced Footwear Developer with over 5 years of hands‑on footwear development to partner with Product, Design and Manufacturing teams, delivering footwear that meets performance, fit, durability, cost, and sustainability targets.

• Lead new projects through the full development lifecycle from design handoff to production confirmation.
• Manage development calendars, track milestones, and ensure on‑time sample delivery.
• Support fit validation, wear testing, and lab testing to ensure footwear meets functional requirements.
• Serve as a lead voice in materials exploration and execution, partnering with Industrial Design, CMF and Asia‑based development teams.
• Facilitate cost‑engineering throughout design and commercialization phases.
• Identify and implement process optimization opportunities to improve design and development processes.

• 5+ years in footwear development, with experience in midsole and outsole tooling, geometry refinement, draft, parting lines, sidewall detailing, groove design, and mold feasibility.
• Deep understanding of injected materials, rubber compounds, advanced tooling, plastics, composites, textiles, and construction techniques.
• Proven ability to manage tooling development, revisions, and commercialization in a factory environment.
• Strong cross‑functional communication skills and the ability to give clear direction and expectations.
• Experience in cost‑engineering, negotiations, and driving projects to meet delivery, cost, and innovation targets.
• Ability to work fluidly with factories and vendors, communicating forecasts clearly and accurately.
• Willingness to travel internationally 3–4 times per year.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Passionate cyclist desired.

Morgan Hill, CA (office) – 3 days in office (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Base pay range: $80,000–$120,000. Additional compensation and benefits are available as described.

We want to increase representation of all races, genders, and body types in the cycling industry and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where all people thrive. We encourage everyone—especially those from marginalized groups—to apply.