Footwear Developer II

Footwear Developer II – Brooks Running

At Brooks, we believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. That’s why we’re driven to create gear and experiences that take people to the place that makes them feel more alive — whether it’s a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line.

Everyone who works at Brooks is propelled by a company culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation.

Our brand values help bond us together and drive our success:

• Runner First

We act in the best interest of the runner

• Word is Bond

We do what we say we’ll do

• Champion Heart

We give our all in everything we do

• There is no “I” in Run

We stay generous with our humanity

• Keep Moving

We find ways to move every day, because joy is kinetic!

The Footwear Developer II utilizes advanced, technical product and process knowledge, to work with a cross-functional product creation team from the collection of insights through commercialization to deliver technical running footwear that exceeds consumer expectations. Hands‑on experience and knowledge of the total footwear construction process including outsole/midsole technical 2D/3D, pattern engineering, material construction and properties, and costing is required for your success in this role.

Other critical responsibilities include understanding manufacturing capabilities, anticipating issues, problem solving, and timely resolution. Your ideas around engineering principles that enhance product performance, product value, and your ability to communicate them across the product teams is a must for this role.

• Own leading execution of New Upper, New Tooling Projects including leading projects from creation to final confirmation with T1.
• Oversee and manage multiple projects from Insights gathering to Brief Stage, through Design, Development, Costing, and into Commercialization.
• Deliver on Brooks Fit, Feel, Ride principles and goals via an unwavering dedication to always deliver excellence.
• Plan and execute project development according to the seasonal critical dates that lead to on‑time delivery of sales samples and production confirmation.
• Partner with and influence vendors and factories in the manufacturing process with the ability to steer the process to advance and achieve new manufacturing techniques which enhance the overall performance of product.
• Partner with and guide Design and Development teams to ensure that designs are manufacturable and meet cost and quality objectives for each product.
• Critique, adjust and evaluate technical blueprints (outsole/ midsole/ upper), upper patterns and materials from a performance, manufacturing, and functional perspective.
• Recommend and specify to Product team the material, component, and construction options to meet pricing targets and product’s functional goals, as well as ensure product performance integrity through product testing (physical and field testing).
• Mentor more junior team members.
• Initiate and lead meetings with product teams during various phases of development to review, evaluate, update, and drive the decision‑making process that leads to on‑time production confirmation and margin goals.
• Collaborate with our Research, Design and Development, Marketing and Costing teams and Color Designers to show sample materials that meet the criteria for the category based on material performance data.
• Create and build a knowledge base and stay informed about vendor capabilities and performance, factory relationships, quality issues, materials pricing, and lead times.
• Keep abreast of market trends, new technologies and consumer needs to ensure that products incorporate the functional needs our consumers’ demand.
• Participate in Asia development trips, 3 - 4 per year, to work with manufacturers and suppliers on existing and current development projects.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Biomechanics, Engineering, Kinesiology, Design or other applicable technical degrees or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ successful years’ experience leading the development of high performance, technical running footwear projects.
• Expertise in technical running footwear…