Characterization Innovation Engineer, Footwear

Deckers Brands; Goleta (CA); Hybrid; USD 88,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Financial planning and wellbeing

Paid time off

Discounts & perks

Career development

Wellness programs

Job summary

Deckers Brands seeks a Footwear Characterization Innovation Engineer at the Deckers Applied Research Center in Goleta, CA. This role focuses on quantifying footwear/material properties, developing testing methods, and delivering insights to improve products.

You’ll leverage advanced equipment and collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation while supporting an inclusive, diverse workplace. Hybrid presence is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical/biomedical related field required or equivalent.
• Experience in footwear, sports equipment, or human performance research (3–5 years).
• Knowledge of footwear and apparel testing procedures.
• Familiarity with materials testing equipment such as Instron, Satra, or Exeter.
• Proven ability to process data with Matlab or Python.
• Project management skills and ability to communicate findings.

Responsibilities

• Develop and run footwear and material tests using materials testing machines.
• Assess footwear constructions with CT X-ray scanner.
• Conduct benchtop and in-field product property tests.
• Analyze mechanical data and develop custom data analysis scripts.
• Communicate findings to key stakeholders.
• Innovate new testing paradigms and devices for product evaluation.
• Build lab testing capabilities and collaborate with teams.
• Integrate product properties with biomechanical and perceptual outcomes.

Skills

Data processing (Matlab/Python)

Project management

Product testing knowledge

Lab testing procedures

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Instron

Satra

Exeter

Job description

At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us.

Job Title: Characterization Innovation Engineer, Footwear Reports to: Sr. Director, Deckers Applied Research Center Location: Goleta, CA (Hybrid) Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday - Thursday

The Role

The Role As the Footwear Characterization Innovation Engineer at Deckers Applied Research Center (D-ARC), you'll leverage our state-of-the-art facility to quantify footwear and apparel material properties with high accuracy. You'll develop new testing methods, share science-based insights, and drive product improvement for all Deckers Brands. We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.

Your Impact

• Develop and run footwear and material tests using materials testing machines
• Assess footwear constructions with CT X-ray scanner
• Conduct benchtop and in-field product property tests
• Analyze mechanical data and develop custom data analysis scripts
• Communicate findings and insights to key stakeholders
• Innovate new testing paradigms and devices for scientific evaluation of product properties
• Build out lab testing capabilities and collaborate with D-ARC and Central Innovation teams
• Integrate product properties with biomechanical, physiological, and perception outcomes
• Assist with biomechanical, physiological, and perception tests and data analysis

Who You Are

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Kinesiology, Sports Science, or related field; Master's degree preferred
• 3-5 years of experience in footwear, sports equipment, or human performance research
• Knowledge of footwear and apparel product testing procedures
• Familiarity with materials testing equipment such as Instron, Satra, or Exeter
• Research Experience with data processing in Matlab or Python
• Proven project management skills

What We'll Give You

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We've created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they're valued.
• Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
• Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees' needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
• Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras.
• Growth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That's why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Health and Wellness - There's nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.

$87,900.00 - $118,600.00 The salary range posted reflects the estimated minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in: Goleta, California Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.

More than Just a Footwear Company From our corporate offices to our global retail stores, there's a curious, independent spirit that's distinctively Deckers Brands. We're about giving people the freedom to pursue their passions. And we're committed to helping them succeed; to become their best selves. That's why we're about more than work, the 9 to 5 or daily grind. We're about opportunity - opportunity to create, to grow and to have an impact. As we work to become better at everything we do, how we better the world matters, too. Our products and brands are loved, no doubt about it. But the difference we make in people's lives begins with our people, right here at Deckers Brands. We're adventurous, spirited, unafraid of new challenges and willing to take chances. We are always ready to rally around a cause. Put simply, we want all of our people to thrive - to reach their full potential and have fun while doing it. Because in the end, Deckers thrives when our people thrive.