Developer 2, Footwear Innovation

Under Armour; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Volunteer days

UA merchandise discounts

Competitive 401(k) plan matching

Maternity and parental leave

Health & fitness benefits

Job summary

Under Armour is seeking a Footwear Developer II to advance future footwear technologies. You will develop proof-of-concept components, research new manufacturing processes, and partner with commercial teams to bring concepts to market. You will act as a liaison between design and factories within a robust Innovation group.

Role requires collaboration with global teams, travel for athlete visits, and close alignment with development managers. Hybrid work with in-office presence from Portland, OR.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of footwear/apparel/accessory construction, mold engineering and molding processes.
• Textile manufacturing, costing and pattern making, lasts.
• 3D software to view and analyze model information; proficiency in Rhino and Adobe Illustrator.

Responsibilities

• Own development and engineering aspects of footwear prototyping projects.
• Work with design and factories to drive concept generation and validation.
• Collaborate with HQ, innovation, engineering and marketing teams to bring concepts to market.
• Document IP considerations and project parameters from origination through completion.
• Coordinate fit and wear test processes and translate results into design changes.

Skills

Footwear construction

Mold engineering

Molding processes

Textile manufacturing

Pattern making

3D software

Adobe Illustrator

Rhino

Product design systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field

Job description

Values & Innovation

At Under Armour, we are committed to empowering those who strive for more, and the company's values - Act Sustainably, Celebrate the Wins, Fight on Together, Love Athletes and Stand for Equality - serve as both a roadmap for our teams and the qualities expected of every teammate.

Values & Innovation

At Under Armour, we are committed to empowering those who strive for more, and the company's values - Act Sustainably, Celebrate the Wins, Fight on Together, Love Athletes and Stand for Equality - serve as both a roadmap for our teams and the qualities expected of every teammate.

Our Values define and unite us, the beliefs that are the red thread that connects everyone at Under Armour. Our values are rallying cries, reminding us why we're here, and fueling everything we do.

Our pursuit of better begins with innovation and with our team's mission of being the best. With us, you get the freedom to go further - no matter your role. That means developing, delivering, and selling the state-of-the-art products and digital tools that make top performers even better.

This role is eligible for our Footwear Talent Sprint referral program.

Purpose of Role

Under Armour’s Innovation team is looking for a Footwear Developer II who will be responsible for collaboratively developing and engineering UA’s future footwear technologies. Primary workload will include developing proof of concept footwear components and prototypes, researching new processes for manufacturing and product creation, and partnering with the commercial teams to bring these concepts to market. This position is part of a robust Innovation team and will be required to tap into and partner with the broader group to create and validate game‑changing footwear. The Developer II will function as the business and technical resource for the Development Managers and act as a liaison between design and factories.

Your Impact

• Responsible for all development and engineering aspects of projects in footwear prototyping phase. Elevates athlete‑centered problem solving and troubleshooting, invests time and energy into novel solutions to meaningful problems. Crafting elite level product solutions.
• Build technology acumen through collaborative tech package generation, precise communication and innovative problem solving. Work closely with HQ and global innovation, engineering and design counterparts to drive concept generation and prototyping. Clearly and concisely document possible IP and project parameters and specifications from origination through completion.
• Understand both product and brand vision, product strategy, innovation strategy, and evergreens to inform and prioritize workload. Clearly define business critical project features to be resolved before commercialization (i.e. performance criteria, costs, durability, scale up etc)
• Study and expand understanding of traditional and novel footwear manufacturing processes. Use this knowledge to iterate new component and engineering concepts.
• Work with Innovation Operations to uphold the Innovation pipeline process from ideation thru transfer to the commercial teams. Maintain accountability for on‑time prototype, testing analysis (in partnership with the wear testing and lab teams), and commercialization documentation deliverables to the supply chain team.
• Coordinate and support fit and wear test process with test managers. Skillfully assess test report data, translates testing feedback into actionable changes to materials, construction or product build.
• Maintain an open line of communication with production, marketing, engineering and sourcing functions, to resolve performance and construction issues through commercialization gates. Track and understands prototype issues for future planning.
• Actively seek out for new technologies related to both product and process.
• Present athlete needs and product solutions features for each concept.
• Active participation remotely and travel in person for frequent meetings with Asia based teammates. Sensitive to all partner cultural standards and ways of working.
• Travel to meet and interview athletes, travel to UA HQ in Baltimore.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of footwear/apparel/accessory construction, mold engineering and molding processes, material construction and properties, textile manufacturing, costing, pattern making, , lasts, 3D software to view and analyze model information, fluency in Adobe Illustrator, Design Experience or Product Systems Experience, Rhino proficiency a plus.

Education And/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Design or a related field.
• At least 5 years of footwear or athletic equipment industry experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience in the athletic footwear industry required.

Workplace Location

• Location: This individual must reside within commuting distance from our Portland, OR office.
• Work Schedule: This role follows a hybrid work schedule, requiring 4 days in‑office per week.

Sponsorship Eligibility: (US ONLY) UA does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment‑based work authorization for this position at this time.

Relocation

• No relocation provided

Base Compensation

$90,000.00 - $120,000.00 USD Most new hires fall within this range and have the opportunity to earn more over time. Initial placement within the salary range, however, is based on an individual's relevant knowledge, skills and experience for the position. UA is committed to helping our teammates succeed and advance in their careers. Base salary is only one component of our competitive Total Rewards package.

Benefits & Perks

• Paid "UA Give Back" Volunteer Days: Work alongside your team to support initiatives in your local community
• Under Armour Merchandise Discounts
• Competitive 401(k) plan matching
• Maternity and Parental Leave for eligible and FMLA-eligible teammates
• Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources- We offer teammates across the country programs to promote physical activity and overall well‑being

Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity

At Under Armour, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, family or paternal status and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Under Armour seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people representing a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact our Human Resources team via [e-mail].