Footwear Designer

Job Title: Footwear Materials Designer – Global Basketball / Signature Footwear
Duration: 3-Month Contract
Overview:
We are seeking an experienced Footwear Materials Designer to support a high-visibility Global Basketball and Signature Athlete Footwear team. This role will partner closely with footwear designers, developers, and cross-functional teams to drive innovative material concepts and executions across premium performance footwear projects.

The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in footwear materials design and innovation, with the ability to confidently make material decisions based on performance, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost considerations. Candidates from adjacent industries such as automotive, consumer electronics, or performance apparel textiles are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities:

Drive materials design and innovation for signature athlete and basketball footwear projects

Research, develop, and execute material concepts aligned with product vision and performance goals

Create compelling material stories, palettes, finishes, and textile applications

Partner with design, development, and manufacturing teams to ensure material feasibility and execution

Present concepts and explain rationale behind material decisions and innovation approaches

Translate trend research and inspiration into unique, elevated material solutions

Balance creativity with manufacturing capabilities, timelines, and cost constraints

Communicate effectively with internal and external partners in a fast-paced collaborative environment

Contribute to project storytelling through strong process documentation and portfolio-quality presentations

Required Qualifications:

5+ years of experience in footwear materials design or related materials-focused industries

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Strong understanding of textile and decorative materials, synthetics, polyurethanes, and TPU applications

Ability to confidently evaluate material performance and make informed design decisions

Strong ideation and innovation process with the ability to articulate design thinking clearly

Experience working cross-functionally in collaborative product creation environments

Excellent communication and presentation skills

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