Design Director, Equipment & Apparel

About Raide
Raide exists to elevate human-powered movement in the mountains. We design and build the highest-performing and most functional equipment and apparel for ski touring and running.

Boulder, Colorado - In Office
Posted 2026.08.10

About Raide
Raide exists to elevate human-powered movement in the mountains. We design and build the highest-performing and most functional equipment and apparel for ski touring and running.

We are one of the fastest-growing brands in outdoor sports by defying industry norms and holding an uncompromising bar across product, storytelling, and how we operate internally. This is a rare opportunity to help build a generational brand from the ground up - where everything you create directly shapes how athletes experience the mountains.

Role Overview
We are looking for a Design Director, Equipment and Apparel to help Raide build the best running and ski touring equipment and apparel in the world. This role will start at the sourcing and concept phase and drive product through completion. This role will work on apparel, equipment and accessories.

You’ll work closely with Raide’s Founder/CEO who has driven all of the product design to date and with external development partners. This is an amazing opportunity to lead the outdoor industry in innovation and push the limits of what is possible in product.

Responsibilities
Product Vision

Define the long-term design direction across equipment and apparel

Develop a multi-season product roadmap alongside the Founder/CEO

Identify whitespace opportunities and new product categories

Champion simplicity, restraint and performance in every product

Ensure every product feels unmistakably Raide

Product Design & Innovation

Lead concept generation, sketching, prototyping and product design

Drive innovation in materials, construction and user experience

Create technical sketches, tech packs, and design documentation when needed, while establishing standards for others to build from

Collaborate closely with athletes throughout development and wear testing

Partner with Creative Director on colour, print strategy and seasonal storytelling

Develop thoughtful technical solutions to real problems in the mountains

Product Line Management

Own the seasonal product line architecture across apparel and equipment

Develop and maintain multi-season line plans and product roadmaps

Ensure every product has a clear purpose within the Raide assortment

Partner with Sales, Marketing, and Operations to build commercially balanced product lines

Lead seasonal product presentations, line reviews, and merchandising discussions

Balance innovation with disciplined assortment planning

Product Execution

Build relationships with the world's best mills, suppliers and innovation partners

Source materials several seasons ahead and lead custom material and trim developments
Work closely with factories and development partners throughout the product creation process to ensure design intent is maintained

Review prototypes, solve technical challenges, and provide clear product direction through commercialization

Collaborate closely with Product Development to deliver products on time without compromising quality or performance

Travel regularly to Asia to strengthen supplier relationships and support product development

Product Leadership

Build scalable product processes and team to support the company growth

Manage external contractors

Work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing and Operations to ensure product excellence from concept through launch

Who You Are

6 - 10+ years of product design experience, ideally in both performance apparel and equipment

Experience working directly with factories in Asia; willing to travel to factories 2-3 times a year

Experience designing technical apparel, not just lifestyle products

Deep understanding of materials, construction techniques, and manufacturing constraints

Strong instincts for functional design and problem solving

Comfortable working directly with factories and development partners

Strong visual and aesthetic judgment with an appreciation for restraint and clarity in design

Able to operate in a small, fast-moving team environment

Both strategic and hands-on - able to set direction but also execute in the details

Strong communicator and collaborator

Strong understanding of the functional demands of skiing and running, with the ability to participate in product testing and provide design feedback based on real-world use of performance apparel and equipment

What We Offer

Competitive salary ($120k-$170k)

Equity

Free gear

Flexible working hours

Unlimited vacation

Health and dental insurance

Equal Opportunity & Accessibility
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process. If you require an accommodation to participate, please contact us at hr@raideresearch.com and we will work with you to meet your needs.

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