Materials Designer

Overview Placement Type: Temporary Salary: $45-50 Hourly up to $50.00/hr Start Date: May 27, 2026 Materials Designer (Contract) Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid - 4 days onsite, 1 day remote) Duration: ~6 months with potential for extension Schedule: Standard business hours About the Role We are looking for an experienced Materials Designer to help drive innovative material solutions for performance footwear and outdoor-inspired products. This role sits within a highly creative and technical team focused on developing new concepts and pushing the boundaries of material design for all-conditions environments. You will play a key role in shaping the look, feel, and performance of footwear by exploring advanced materials, collaborating cross-functionally, and contributing to products designed for durability, weather resistance, and comfort. What You'll Do Design and develop innovative material concepts for performance and outdoor footwear Partner closely with product designers, developers, and cross-functional teams to bring concepts to life Research and apply new material technologies, finishes, and construction techniques Create and present material narratives aligned to product and seasonal direction Support the material design process from ideation through prototyping and commercialization Contribute to products designed for diverse weather conditions (e.g., breathable, water-resistant, durable) Ensure design intent is executed accurately through development and production What You Bring 5-7 years of experience in materials design, footwear, textiles, or a related field Strong understanding of materials, including wovens, knits, and performance textiles Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) Experience working on technical or performance products Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities Preferred Qualifications Footwear design or materials experience strongly preferred Experience with outdoor or performance-focused products 3D design or rendering experience (e.g., CLO or similar tools) Hands-on prototyping or sample-making experience Passion for outdoor activities, sport, or performance design Experience working with well-known footwear or apparel brands Who You Are A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment A creative problem solver with a strong eye for detail and innovation Curious, adaptable, and motivated to push design boundaries Passionate about blending performance, aesthetics, and functionality #J-18808-Ljbffr Skill