Characterization Innovation Engineer, Footwear

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Bonuses

Benefits

Job summary

Deckers Brands in Goleta, California, is seeking a Characterization Innovation Engineer for footwear. You will quantify material properties, develop new testing methods, and translate results into product improvements across Deckers brands.

The role combines hands-on testing in a state‑of‑the‑art lab with data analysis in Matlab or Python, collaboration with the Applied Research Center, and cross‑functional communication with design and development teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 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.

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 and insights to key stakeholders.
• Innovate testing paradigms and devices for evaluating product properties.
• Build lab testing capabilities and collaborate with D-ARC and Central Innovation teams.
• Integrate product properties with biomechanical and perceptual outcomes.

Skills

Data processing in Matlab or Python

Knowledge of footwear testing

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Kinesiology, Sports Science, or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Instron

Satra

Exeter Research

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

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.