Materials Designer

Position: Materials Designer 3
Job Title:
Lead Designer, Mens & Womens ACG Footwear Expression Materials Design
Duration: 6 Month Contract

Location:

Beaverton, OR Position Details

• On-site role at WHQ; typical work hours, WFH Fridays (manager stated that some meetings may occur on Fridays that ETWs will need to be in person for, but that only happens once every few months)
• Contract duration is anticipated to last ~5 mos; however, HM stated that there s a potential for this role to turn into an FTE position for the right candidate
• Degree preferred; something in the field of fashion, art, textile, product design, etc. would work well
• 3 - 5 years experience minimum required, but HM will prioritize those with 5+

Top Must-Have Skills

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite
• Deep knowledge of textiles (wovens, leather, knits)
• Collaborative nature

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with footwear specifically is a plus, as well as knitwear knowledge
• Previous experience working with outdoor products/apparel would also stand out

Team & Collaboration

• Candidate will work closely with color and graphics teams, product designers, product developers, and product engineers (all cross functionally)
• Will work with ~10 others on a direct team

Interview Process

• HM anticipates 1-2 rounds of interviews

Suggested Candidate Screening Questions

• Design depth:
  Walk us through a footwear/apparel material project where you balanced performance, durability, and aesthetics."
• If no performance projects:
  Walk us through a footwear/apparel material project where you balanced trend, material, and brand aesthetic."
• Collaboration:
  
  Tell us about a time you solved a material challenge cross-functionally.
• ACG fit & mindset:
  What does performance-driven material design mean in an outdoor context?"

About the Role
The ACG Brand, All Conditions Gear, leads in considered design for outdoor sport. With a focus on distinct innovation, location-based research, and a commitment to sustainability, ACG inspires athletes around the world to chase their dreams on the trail. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of ACG and be part of a leading brand in the outdoor industry.

Who We Are Looking For
As a Lead Footwear Materials Designer, you will not only shape the future of outdoor footwear but also contribute to a commitment to sustainability, creativity, and cutting-edge performance. This position requires a passion for the outdoors, a deep understanding of material science, and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what materials can achieve in extreme conditions.
The ideal teammate will be a highly creative problem solver. This is someone who doesn t settle for anything less than the best design and materials solutions, to meet the needs of the consumer on and off the mountain. They ll be focused on elevating the consumer experience by creating materials that are performance and trend-relevant for a range of products while driving an emotional connection through the use of narrative and storytelling and by pushing the edges of sustainable footwear material design.
As a person you are curious, eager to learn and have a desire to make a difference. What You ll Work On
As part of the ACG material team, you will be contributing to the material design process for ACG footwear, from ideation to commercialization, using the latest digital and technical advancements.
You ll advocate for ACG s design philosophy, ensuring materials align with the brand s mission of creating functional, durable, and visually impactful outdoor gear. Your work will involve exploring new technologies for innovative models, while also enhancing materials for seasonal narratives and iconic products.
Collaboration with cross-functional teams is key as you help bring ACG Footwear s vision to life, driving product excellence and innovation. You ll focus on sustainability, consumer insights, and cultural relevance to create standout designs. The role is dynamic, with wide-ranging and exciting responsibilities. Who You ll Work With
On a day to day basis you will be working hand in hand with a tight team ranging of different professionals (engineers, developers, researchers/innovators, scientists, marketing, testing, concept…