Footwear Designer

Job Title: Footwear Product Designer/ Developer

Duration: 12+ Months

Location: Hybrid – Beaverton, OR

Type: Contract Full Time

Job Description:

• We are seeking a Senior Footwear Product Developer to support a special project within the Performance Basketball team.
• This role will operate in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment focused on revamping and refreshing existing footwear models tied to key Footwear moments (e.g., All-Star Games, WNBA, seasonal storytelling like “Rhythm of the Game”).
• The individual will take athlete insights and feedback to drive meaningful product improvements, collaborating cross-functionally to bring fresh, uniformed ideas to life.
• This role requires strong technical product development expertise, adaptability to rapid feedback cycles, and the ability to manage complex timelines.
• Lead technical product development efforts for performance basketball footwear projects
• Translate 2D design renderings into 3D samples aligned with athlete needs and business goals
• Incorporate athlete feedback into iterative product improvements
• Revamp and refresh past footwear models to create newness and storytelling moments
• Manage product timelines and ensure adherence to critical development milestones
• Drive product excellence across performance, cost, sustainability, and commercialization readiness
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Design, Engineering, Testing, Materials, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Operations teams
• Partner with overseas manufacturers to ensure clear communication and execution
• Analyze product failures and implement continuous improvement strategies
• Facilitate discussions, provide constructive design feedback, and drive alignment across stakeholders
• Navigate matrixed environments while maintaining development best practices

Must Have:

• Portfolio showcasing footwear product development work
• 3+ years of experience in Technical Product Development for Footwear
• Strong understanding of footwear pattern engineering, tooling, manufacturing, and commercialization
• Experience translating creative concepts into tangible product under tight deadlines
• Ability to create and manage new product timelines as needed
• Experience working in high-pressure, fast-paced product environments
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills
• Ability to read technical drawings, sketches, and/or 3D digital files
• Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Nice to Have:

• Experience acting as liaison with manufacturers and advocating for Designers
• Basketball experience and/or strong interest in the sport
• Experience managing iterative product development cycles and implementing improvements
• Knowledge of footwear costing and cost-effective solutioning
• Familiarity with materials, testing methods, and sustainability considerations
• Experience with new upper creation and tooling development

“Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of – Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans.”