Footwear Designer 2

ABOUT R.A.D®
R.A.D® is a performance footwear company that uses innovation and creativity to unlock the euphoria of sport. We blend cutting-edge performance with a distinctive aesthetic rooted in lifestyle subcultures. As an underdog in a field dominated by giants, we focus on authentic, credible brand-building that challenges the status quo, crafting products that are Tuned For The Future.
R.A.D® is one of the most disruptive premium athletic brands in the footwear industry. Our mission is to make a lasting impact on the footwear market by consistently delivering a unique consumer proposition through cutting-edge designs that seamlessly combine performance, style, and comfort. We foster a collaborative and creative work environment where talent thrives, and the best of style and functionality are at the forefront of our collective experiences.
THE ROLE
If you are a highly skilled and passionate Footwear Designer with outstanding visual communication skills and the desire to have a direct impact on one of the fastest-growing brands in the market, this role is for you. As a Footwear Designer 2 you will be a core part of the R.A.D® design team. Working directly with the Head of Design, senior designers, product development, and marketing to bring footwear collections from concept to shelf. Reports to Head of Design. Based in our Portland studio, full-time, on-site.
WHO YOU ARE
You are not just a stylist. You are a builder of iconic footwear.
You work at the intersection of performance engineering and cultural relevance. Athletic DNA informs your thinking. Style drives your decisions. You understand how footwear, the body, and the environment interact, and you translate that into silhouettes that are elevated, considered, and brand-right
Your sketches are strong. Your tech packs are precise. Construction, layering, tooling logic, and material intent are communicated with clarity. When you present, the room immediately understands the vision
You monitor performance trends, street adoption, material innovation, and digital evolution. Adobe is second nature. Rhino and Substance are tools, not obstacles. You experiment with generative and AI workflows to speed up ideation, not replace craft
You welcome critique. You refine without ego. You deliver under pressure and take personal responsibility for design intent from concept through to commercialization
Most importantly, you care deeply about the product. You obsess over every line, stitch, geometry, and proportion. You believe that performance footwear should be considered from collar to sole, and you take personal responsibility for clearly communicating that vision with a multi-disciplinary team
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Collaborate with the design team to develop innovative and stylish footwear designs that align with our brand identity and market demand
Research trends, performance insights, and emerging technology, then translate findings into design solutions
Create sketches, renderings, and 3D models that communicate your vision
Develop and deliver highly detailed concept presentations with confidence
Assist in selecting materials, color palettes, and hardware
Produce precise tech packs and technical drawings with precise instructions for construction processes and the methods of manufacturing
Demonstrate an attitude of proactivity by seamlessly collaborating with the extended product team to ensure our design execution exceeds industry standards
Collaborate with product development to ensure designs are performance progressive, visually relevant, technically feasible, and emotionally compelling for the consumer
Work with the Head of Design to develop style guides and design standards that maintain brand consistency
Requirements
WHAT YOU BRING
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Fashion Design, or a related field
At least 3–5 years of proven experience as an athletic footwear designer, with a strong portfolio showcasing your creative skills and technical expertise
Strong sketching and design thinking skills
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment, meet tight deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities
Deep knowledge of materials, construction, and manufacturing processes for premium athletic footwear
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, and Substance
Comfort with generative and AI design tools
Excellent communication skills and the ability to give and receive feedback directly
A passion for fashion, footwear, and the sneaker biz, with a keen eye for the details that drive it
Collaborative mindset and willingness to openly share ideas and support those of team members
Personal dedication to staying current on industry advancements, performance knowledge, and style trends
Willingness to travel quarterly, domestically and internationally
Experience in running, training, and lifestyle categories is a plus
Benefits
WHAT WE OFFER
Collaborative global culture that values performance, innovation, and sustainability
Dynamic, performance-driven work environment with direct impact on global products
Competitive salary and performance bonus
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
401k with company match
Generous employee discount
20 days paid time off
Quarterly Power of Movement allowance—put it toward a gym membership, race entry, or whatever keeps you moving
A small team building serious product. An underdog with something to prove.