SENIOR FOOTWEAR PRODUCT DEVELOPER

Overview
Placement Type: Temporary

Salary: $52-$57 hourly, up to $57.00

Start Date: Jul 15, 2026

We're looking for a Sr. Footwear Product Developer to join a fast-paced product team developing premium footwear for athletes. You'll own the full product development lifecycle on complex projects, translating 2D design concepts and project briefs into 3D samples that meet consumer, business, performance, cost, and sustainability targets. This is a hands‑on development role (not design) where you'll drive product excellence, manage multiple work streams, and be the critical point of contact between internal teams and overseas partners.

The Role
You'll manage your assigned product development projects from concept through commercialization readiness, navigating cross‑functional collaboration across engineering, product testing, materials, design, product management, sourcing, and operations. You're responsible for ensuring projects stay on critical dates, meet design intent and performance goals, and are ready to scale to manufacturing.

You'll engage in all phases of the development process, apply cost‑effective solutions, and tinker/prototype to explore improvements. A significant portion of your work involves reading technical drawings, 3D digital files, and model views to bring products to life. You'll also facilitate meetings, drive consensus, influence internal and external partners, and communicate clearly with overseas teams.

What You Bring
Must‑Have

5+ years directly relevant footwear development experience

Project management skills with proven track record of creating project plans and holding teams accountable

Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to clearly articulate goals and objectives

Demonstrated understanding of footwear pattern engineering, tooling, and manufacturing processes

Ability to prioritize multiple work streams and competing priorities

Self‑starter mentality with demonstrated willingness to learn and grow

Nice‑to‑Have

Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Footwear development experience at a performance brand

3D CAD and model view reading abilities

Connection to or passion for basketball (wear testing, athlete engagement, etc.)

Experience with footwear costing and cost reduction solutions

Basic knowledge of materials, test methods, and properties

Soft Skills We’re Looking For

Ambitious

Deadline-oriented

Self‑starter

Confident in influencing teammates

Accountable

Strong collaborator with ability to build trust

Logistics

On‑site role with 4/1 hybrid schedule (occasional evening calls across geographies)

Potential for 1–2 work trips (domestic and international) during contract

2 rounds of interviews: 1 virtual, 1 on‑site

Team size: ~8 person direct team with heavy cross‑functional involvement

Note: Confidentiality and discretion are critical given signature product work

Aquent is an equal‑opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

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