Footwear Material Designer

Job Title: Materials Designer – Footwear & Performance Materials Location: Beaverton, OR (PHK – Hybrid, 4 Days Onsite / 1 Day Remote) Duration: 6 Months Contract (Potential Extension) Experience Required: 5–7 Years Education: Bachelor’s Degree Preferred (Design, Textile, Product Design, Industrial Design, or related field) About the Role We are seeking an experienced Materials Designer to support innovative outdoor and performance footwear initiatives. This role will focus on developing advanced material concepts for weather-focused footwear products, including breathable, water-resistant, and performance-driven designs. The ideal candidate is highly creative, technically strong, and passionate about material innovation, sustainability, and outdoor performance products. This individual will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams including product design, color, graphics, engineering, and development teams to bring new concepts to life. Key Responsibilities Lead and contribute to the footwear material design process from concept through commercialization Develop innovative material solutions for outdoor and performance footwear Create material narratives aligned with seasonal storytelling and consumer insights Explore new technologies, sustainable materials, and technical performance applications Collaborate cross‑functionally with design, development, engineering, testing, and marketing teams Build and prototype material concepts and mockups Support material selection for functional, durable, and visually impactful products Present design concepts and material strategies to internal stakeholders Ensure materials align with performance, sustainability, and aesthetic goals Required Skills & Qualifications 5–7 years of experience in material design, textile design, footwear design, or related field Strong understanding of material construction including wovens, knits, and technical textiles Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign) Experience with technical/performance materials and weatherized product applications Strong communication and collaboration skills Ability to work independently with minimal oversight Experience translating consumer insights into material concepts and storytelling Knowledge of manufacturing processes and material sourcing Preferred Qualifications Footwear industry experience strongly preferred Experience working with outdoor or sports performance products 3D rendering and visualization experience Hands‑on prototyping and sample‑making experience Passion for outdoor activities and sports culture Experience working with major footwear or athletic brands Soft Skills Self‑starter with strong problem‑solving abilities Collaborative mindset with cross‑functional communication skills Highly creative and detail‑oriented Adaptable and eager to learn in a fast‑paced environment Candidates must submit a relevant portfolio showcasing material, textile, or footwear design work. Portfolio links or PDF attachments should be included with the application. Password access should be provided if applicable. #J-18808-Ljbffr HireTalent - Staffing & Recruiting Firm