Footwear Innovation Product Developer

Vibram Corporation; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Vibram Corporation in Boston area seeks an Innovation Product Developer to drive next-gen concepts from ideation through prototypes. You will work with global teams to translate ideas into tangible footwear solutions, balancing rapid prototyping with longer-term innovation goals.

The role requires a strong background in outsole development, CAD tooling, and hands-on making. You will partner with design, development, and sales to push performance materials and manufacturing methods forward.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Applied Sciences, Product Development, or related field.
• 2 to 6+ years of footwear product development or related innovation experience.
• Strong understanding of outsole development, molds, tooling, and soling components.
• Ability to interpret 2D/3D blueprints, technical documentation, and material specs.
• Proficiency in CAD and digital product development tools.
• Working knowledge of footwear construction, materials, lasts, molds, compounds, and basic foot anatomy.
• Hands-on maker mindset; prototyping experience highly valued.
• Ability to thrive in a global organization with multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; presentation skills.
• Experience with Asia-based manufacturing partners is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovation projects from concept to prototyping and sample creation.
• Support insight-led innovation programs aligned to milestone roadmaps.
• Collaborate with design, development, insight marketing, and sales teams.
• Analyze technical drawings, lab tests, patterns, components, and lasts to identify issues.
• Coordinate creation, delivery, and approval of 2D/3D files, blueprints, and cost sheets.
• Use maker space and factory equipment to create prototypes and solutions.
• Create prototypes using traditional and modern methods.
• Balance near-term deliverables with longer-range innovation initiatives.
• Travel for customer visits and collaboration with global factories.

Skills

Prototyping

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Applied Sciences/Product Development

Tools

CAD software

Rhino

Grasshopper

Gravity Sketch

KeyShot

Formlabs 3D printers

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Vibram Corporation in Boston area seeks an Innovation Product Developer to drive next-gen concepts from ideation through prototypes. You will work with global teams to translate ideas into tangible footwear solutions, balancing rapid prototyping with longer-term innovation goals.

The role requires a strong background in outsole development, CAD tooling, and hands-on making. You will partner with design, development, and sales to push performance materials and manufacturing methods forward.