Footwear Materials Designer

Responsibilities
Kforce has a client located in Beaverton, Oregon (OR) who is looking for a Lead Footwear Materials Designer.

Overview
The ideal candidate will be a highly creative problem solver. This is someone who doesn't settle for anything less than the best design and materials solutions, to meet the needs of the consumer on and off the mountain. They will be focused on elevating the consumer experience by creating materials that are performance and trend-relevant for a range of products while driving an emotional connection through the use of narrative and storytelling and by pushing the edges of sustainable footwear material design.

What You Will Work On
As part of the material team, you will be contributing to the material design process for footwear, from ideation to commercialization, using the latest digital and technical advancements.

You will advocate for design philosophy, ensuring materials align with the brand's mission of creating functional, durable, and visually impactful outdoor gear. Your work will involve exploring new technologies for innovative models, while also enhancing materials for seasonal narratives and iconic products. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is to drive product excellence and innovation. You will focus on sustainability, consumer insights, and cultural relevance to create standout designs. The role is dynamic, with wide-ranging and exciting responsibilities.

Who You Will Work With
On a day to day basis you will be working hand in hand with a tight team ranging of different professionals (engineers, developers, researchers/innovators, scientists, marketing, testing, concept creators, costing, etc.), collaborate within the design community (footwear/apparel designers, materials, color, graphics, computational, etc.), and mentor other designers. This role requires someone that has a highly collaborative approach, with excellent communication and visualization skills.

Requirements

Minimum of 6 years of relevant design experience exemplifying the ability to push material design, and/or proven experience in textile design or footwear design

A deep passion for outdoor activities and exploration, with an understanding of the technical demands and environmental challenges athletes face

Ability to translate consumer knowledge and insights into narratives and product executions, while creating concepts and exploring new materials innovations, technologies, and ideas

Solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials, along with experience in technical material practices, including eco-friendly and weatherized sourcing and production processes, is highly desirable

Experience building 3D samples and crafting mockup samples by hand, along with knowledge of form, color, materials, and human factors related to elevating the consumer experience

Highly proficient in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop) and comfortable working within new digital spaces

Confidently communicates and presents design concepts to internal and external audiences

Championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging with a positive, team-oriented mentality and a willingness to collaborate

Top Must-Have Skills

Proficiency in Adobe Suite

Materials knowledge necessary (i.e.; knowledge between wovens and knits); experience with technical/performance gear would be extremely helpful

Desired Soft Skills

Self starter; Ability to work with little oversight

Collaborative nature (will be doing a lot of cross functional work)

Effective communication skills

Skills That Would Make a Candidate Stand Out

Footwear experience highly preferred

3D rendering experience

Hands-on experience with prototyping

Passion for outdoors/sports

Pay Range
The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

Benefits
We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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