Senior Footwear Project Designer, Design Accelerator

Senior Footwear Project Designer, Design Accelerator

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

Job Mission:

At New Balance Footwear Design, our mission is to unlock the full potential of our team’s creativity. The Senior Footwear Project Designer, Design Accelerator will support the rapid creation of footwear prototypes as part of our Design Accelerator function. Working with other footwear designers, the role takes initial sketch work and refines it into factory‑ready concepts, leveraging knowledge of factory processes, sole specification standards, and upper constructions to expedite the first prototype.

The designer serves as a liaison among product designer, 3D designer, materials designer and product developer, and mentors the wider design organization on footwear design best practices.

• Create quick sketches to elaborate on the initial concept.
• Collaborate with designer and product manager to gain alignment on initial prototype direction.
• Bring added realism through Vizcom materialization or Gravity Sketch study models.

• Upper spec creation is a key component of design communication to the factory.
• Collaborate closely with materials design team and maintain a central understanding of appropriate materials selection to achieve design intent, cost targets, durability and sustainability requirements.
• Create initial shell pattern when required.
• Own the techpack creation and revision throughout the initial first prototype phase.
• Assist in the transition of that techpack to the inline design team after the first prototype.

• Creates initial sketches of outsole design when needed.
• Communicates with 3D designer the base form intent, last selection and key section details.
• Works with 3D designer and product designer to refine 3D models before prints are created.

• Act as a liaison between Design Development and PM to ensure alignment and smooth communication.
• Able to navigate ambiguity with confidence, using resourcefulness to solve problems and clarify design intent.
• Work with a high level of urgency and ownership to meet deadlines and maintain project momentum.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or other footwear‑related design field (product, graphics or fashion).
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite tools a must. 3D experience with Gravity Sketch, Rhino, etc., and AI experience such as Vizcom or Midjourney are a bonus.
• 5+ years of footwear design experience, preferably in the Lifestyle category.
• Strong project management skills and team collaboration.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Location: Boston, MA (Headquarters)

Pay Range: $ – $ – $ Annual (actual base pay varies based on experience, role, internal equity, geographic location and more).

Benefits: New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance and 401(K). Additional non‑traditional perks include online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student‑loan support, mentorship programs, a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacation, 12 holidays and generous parental leave.

Temporary associates: provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part‑time associates: provided 401(k), short‑term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible

Work Schedule:

New Balance’s North American hybrid model encourages rich in‑person experiences with a three‑day per week office schedule (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and “Work from Anywhere” for four weeks per calendar year.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as a veteran.