Lead Advanced Technologies Engineer - HOKA Innovation

Lead Advanced Technologies Engineer – HOKA Innovation

Location:

Portland, OR (Hybrid) – Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday.

Reports to:

Senior Manager, Advanced Technologies – HOKA Innovation.

As Lead Advanced Technologies Engineer – HOKA Innovation, you will drive the execution of HOKA’s innovation pipeline by developing next‑generation underfoot material systems and engineering solutions. You’ll translate innovation direction into actionable engineering work, establish technical approaches, and create scalable processes that elevate team capability and product performance. Operating with autonomy, you’ll manage multiple projects, apply advanced analytical problem‑solving, and help shape the future of HOKA’s product innovation.

• Lead development of next‑generation underfoot systems from concept through validated prototypes, applying materials science, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing expertise.
• Build structured experimentation plans, sample matrices, and testing strategies to optimize foam systems, plate integrations, and geometries.
• Determine engineering approaches based on testing, data, and project requirements, integrating foam chemistry, geometry tuning, and plate interactions for optimal performance.
• Design and execute structured engineering studies to validate underfoot systems against defined performance targets.
• Develop and refine mechanical testing methodologies, lab setups, and validation frameworks, analyze technical drawings, lab data, and prototype learnings to inform design improvements.
• Manage multiple assignments and work streams concurrently, building clear project plans, timelines, deliverables, and success criteria aligned to functional goals.
• Provide day‑to‑day technical guidance, training, and direction to junior engineers and project contributors.
• Create and implement new procedures and processes to drive desired engineering results across material evaluation, prototyping, and validation.
• Standardize workflows to improve repeatability, scalability, decision quality, and team efficiency.
• Incorporate sustainability considerations into engineering decisions, material selection, and concept development, supporting evaluation and integration of lower‑impact materials and processes.

• Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field; or equivalent technical work experience if no Master’s.
• 6+ years in advanced materials or engineering systems, with experience managing projects and global partners.
• Deep knowledge of underfoot systems, foam creation processes, and how foam–plate systems relate to athlete performance.
• Strong analytical modeling, project management, and process development skills.

Salary range: $ – $. Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

• Competitive pay and bonuses.
• Financial planning and wellbeing support.
• Paid time off and flexible schedule.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employee discounts and community‑based programs.
• Growth and development opportunities.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programs.

Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.