Footwear Designer II

New Balance; Lawrence (MA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K

Job summary

New Balance in Lawrence, MA is seeking a Performance Footwear Designer II to balance function, aesthetics, and engineering in concept development. You will collaborate with Product Management and Development to drive fit and performance, while aligning footwear with apparel teams.

The role requires 4+ years in performance footwear design and a degree in Industrial or Fashion Design. Proficiency in Illustrator, Photoshop, and 3D tools is essential, with occasional travel expected.

Qualifications

• 4+ years’ experience in performance footwear design.
• Proficiency with Illustrator, Photoshop, Sketchbook Pro; Rhino/3D a plus.
• Strong understanding of shoe construction, process, and costing.
• Ability to visualize and draw 2D/3D by hand or computer.
• Occasional travel.

Responsibilities

• Research project needs, generate multiple concept solutions, and communicate ideas via illustrations and boards.
• Collaborate with Product Management and Development to ensure fit and functionality.
• Maintain consistency across footwear and apparel with lead designers.
• Manage multiple projects across seasons and meet deadlines.
• Contribute to off-site creative vision and design events.
• Partner with Apparel Design to create storytelling platforms.

Skills

Footwear design

2D/3D drawing

Concept ideation

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Industrial/Fashion Design

Tools

Illustrator

Photoshop

Sketchbook Pro

Rhino/3D

Job description

Who We Are

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

Who We Are

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION

Our designers are artists and dreamers – people inspired by the world around them to reimagine the world of tomorrow. They operate at the intersection of sport and fashion, combining material, color, style, and new technologies to continually deliver innovative products. Their deep understanding of market trends and manufacturability is vital as they collaborate across teams to drive the aesthetic direction of our brand. As a Performance Footwear Designer II your goal will be to balance functionality, aesthetics, and engineering in the conceptual development of performance footwear.

Major Accountabilities

• Research project needs, generate multiple concept solutions, and communicate your ideas through illustrations, concept boards, and computer sketches
• Work cross-functionally with Product Management and Development teams to ensure product execution, fit, and functionality
• Work with lead designers/design managers to ensure consistency across footwear and apparel
• Juggle multiple projects across several seasons, assisting others to ensure that your team is delivering against deadlines
• Participate in creative vision during off sites and other design events
• Partner with Apparel Design to create in-depth story telling platforms

Requirements For Success

• 4+ years’ experience in performance footwear design
• B.A. or Master’s degree in Industrial Design, Fashion Design, or related field
• Proficiency with Illustrator, Photoshop, Sketchbook Pro; Rhino/3D a plus
• Strong understanding of shoe construction, process, and costing
• Ability to visualize and draw 2D/3D by hand or computer
• Occasional travel

Lawrence, MA Corp Only Pay Range: $99,700.00 - $129,000.00 - $158,300.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)

Regular Associate Benefits

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You’ll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.