We are seeking a Lead Footwear Materials Designer to join a highly innovative product creation team focused on performance-driven outdoor footwear. This role plays a key part in shaping the future of functional, durable, and visually compelling material solutions. Ideal candidates are creative problem solvers with deep material knowledge, a passion for the outdoors, and the ability to balance performance, aesthetics, and sustainability in design.
This role works cross-functionally with product designers, material teams, color and graphics, development, engineering, innovation, and various design disciplines. The designer will collaborate with approximately 10 team members and report directly to the Footwear Materials Design Manager.
Who We're Looking For:
We are searching for a materials expert who can elevate outdoor footwear through innovative, performance driven design. The ideal teammate is curious, collaborative, open minded, and eager to push the boundaries of what materials can achieve. They excel at translating consumer insights into compelling storytelling, crafting materials that connect emotionally while meeting technical demands.
What You'll Work On:
As a Lead Footwear Materials Designer, you will:
-Drive the material design process from concept to commercialization.
-Develop materials that enhance performance, durability, sustainability, and aesthetic impact.
-Explore new technologies, techniques, and material innovations.
-Ensure materials align with the brand's philosophy of functionality and durability in outdoor environments.
-Collaborate with cross functional teams such as engineering, development, research / innovation, testing, costing, marketing, and other design disciplines.
-Build 3D samples, create mockups, and support the visualization of material concepts.
-Contribute to seasonal storytelling, consumer insights, and narrative -driven product design.
-Maintain strong alignment with sustainability goals and eco-friendly material practices.
Education
Experience:
-3-5 years of relevant materials, textile, or footwear design experience.
-Proven ability to drive material innovation and push design boundaries.
-Strong understanding of outdoor performance requirements and environmental challenges.
-Ability to translate consumer insights into compelling material narratives and executions.
-Knowledge of manufacturing processes, including eco friendly and weatherized material sourcing.
-Experience creating 3D samples and hand built mockups.
-Strong understanding of color, form, human factors, and how materials influence consumer experience.
-High proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).
-Ability to present concepts clearly and confidently.
-Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
Top Must Haves
- Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite
- Deep knowledge of textiles (wovens, leather, knits)
-Strong collaboration skills
-Minimum of 3 - 5 years materials design experience (5 + preferred)
Nice to Haves
-Experience with footwear materials specifically
-Experience with knitwear
-Background in outdoor focused products or performance apparel
In this position, you may have access to client or customer systems, confidential and/or proprietary information or data. This position is onsite and requires you to work closely with other individuals in a collaborative team environment.
Benefits
Creative Circle's Freelance Employee benefits package includes eligibility for Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) medical plan, dental/vision/term life package, discount prescription program, critical illness, accident, tele-behavioral health, and 401(k) plan. Sick leave is provided to Candidates whose assignment work location is in a state or city subject to sick leave laws. A Minimum Value (MV) PPO medical plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, and paid holiday eligibility are based on length and dates of service. Email Your Resume In Word To...support and a clear opportunity to grow over time. No prior experience is required. We provide training, guidance, and a structured process... ...exploring options related to health insurance services. The work is professional, consistent, and approachable. If you are...
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