SITKA Footwear Developer

About the Role
We arelooking for aFootwear Developer with deep, hands-onexpertisein technical footwear development andaperformancefootwear materialsbackground to join our SITKA team. In this role, you will focuson product development, and maintain an elevated understanding of materialsdevelopment for footwear; including uppers, linings, membranes, trims, and reinforcements, and how they integrate with lasts, constructions, and bottom unitsto achieve price and performance for each model. Most importantly, you know how to keep things moving—ensuring every decision pushes the product, the process, and the team forward.

TheFootwear Developershouldbring confidence when presenting solutions, curiosity when exploringnew technologies, and becollaborativewhen working across internal teams and external partners. Thedeveloperwill own the work end-to-end, from concept through commercialization, partnering closely with design, engineering, sourcing, and vendor partners to deliverfull spectrum offootwear built for hunting, fishing, and rugged outdoor environments.

This role is located in Bozeman, Montana with the possiblility of a hybrid work arrangement. Relocation may be available for this role.

Responsibilities

Guide footwear projectdevelopment from concept through commercialization, ensuring performance, fit, durability, and manufacturability

Ability to analyze designtechpacks and prepare for factory deliverables

Create,manageandmaintainfootwear BOM database foraccurateand up to dateproduct material accuracy

Track and guide prototypes and samples, driving solutions tomaterialrelatedchallenges

Drivefootwear-specificmaterials development across uppers, linings, membranes, trims, and components, including seasonal material direction and palettes

Work together withDesign, Engineering,andProductMarketing to specify materials and components to meet performance, cost, margin, and sustainability targets

Ownfootwear costing in partnership with sourcingand production manager, including cost modeling, negotiations, and margin trade-offs

Manage vendor relationships across materials suppliers and factories; evaluate, onboard, andoptimizethe supply base

Partner with planning and supply chain to ensure material readiness, capacity alignment, and on-time delivery

Work in cooperation with Footwear Development Leadand Gore Engineers fortesting of waterproof and weather-protective systems (e.g., GORE-TEX, membranes, seam sealing, coatings)

Interpret lab and field-testing results and translate insights into material and construction decisions

Manage timelines, risks, and cross-functional communication to deliver projects on schedule

Ability to work independently and provide guidance to team through explanation of facts and timelines

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Materials, Engineering, Chemistry, or related field OR an additional 3 years of experience in footwear and/or materials development

Minimum 5years of experience in footwear and/or materials development

Strong understanding of footwear manufacturing, material processes, and waterproof constructions

Proven experience in materials costing, vendor management, and supply planning

Strong project management, problem-solving, and cross-functional leadership skills

Comfortable working directly with overseas suppliers and factories

Passion for outdoor, hunting, and fishing footwear performance

Willingness to travel up to15%

Desired Qualifications

Experience working withGORE-TEX or similar waterproof/breathable systems

Experience working in Centric or similar product management software in daily operations

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