Footwear Characterization & Innovation Engineer (Hybrid)

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

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.