Footwear Characterization & Innovation Engineer

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

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.