Footwear Product Designer - Specialized 5

Aquent; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent seeks a visionary Footwear Product Designer to lead R&D from concept to market, driving innovation and setting new industry standards.

You will guide teams to engineer prototypes, define testing protocols, and deliver proof of concept for advanced product ideas, collaborating across product creation, manufacturing, and external vendors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in design or related field with extensive experience.
• Minimum 10 years of directly relevant design experience preferred.
• PhD with 8 years, Master’s with 9 years, Associate’s with 11 years, or HS diploma with 12 years will be considered.
• Experience as a business/process leader or industry expert.

Responsibilities

• Generate new and innovative ideas for performance-based products.
• Collaborate with product creation teams to develop new concepts aligned with brand vision.
• Define testing protocols to validate new concepts and ensure product integrity.
• Translate insights into advanced product concepts using new technologies.
• Deliver proof of concept by developing and prototyping new visions.
• Lead multi-disciplinary innovation projects across teams and vendors.
• Communicate knowledge to stakeholders for seamless technology transitions.

Skills

Product design leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

3D rendering

Prototyping

Build processes

Problem solving

People management

Market insights

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

PhD

Associate’s Degree

High School Diploma

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

We are seeking a visionary, highly skilled Footwear Product Designer to lead research and development of groundbreaking products from concept to market. In this role, you will be at the forefront of innovation, transforming imaginative ideas into tangible realities that set new industry standards. You will collaborate with diverse teams, applying your expertise to engineer prototypes, define testing protocols, and deliver proof of concept for advanced product concepts. Your ability to synthesize complex information and communicate innovative solutions will be crucial in guiding stakeholders and ensuring the successful transition of new technologies into product lines. This is a chance to make a significant impact, contributing to a legacy of excellence and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in product design.

What You’ll Do

• Generate new and innovative ideas for performance-based products, identifying growth opportunities and competitive advantages.
• Collaborate with product creation teams to develop new product concepts aligned with the brand’s vision.
• Define testing protocols and establish the scope required to validate new concepts, ensuring product integrity and performance.
• Translate consumer, business, and performance insights into advanced product concepts utilizing new technologies and construction processes.
• Deliver proof of concept by bringing new product visions to life through detailed development and prototyping.
• Identify key elements of product construction materials and processes, and engineer functional prototypes.
• Lead innovation projects, working with multi-disciplinary teams including product creation, manufacturing, and external vendors.
• Address complex challenges with imaginative, state-of-the-art, and feasible solutions.
• Create comprehensive reports and documentation to inform and educate internal stakeholders on new innovations.
• Communicate knowledge and best practices effectively to facilitate the seamless transition of technology into product development.
• Work closely with color teams, developers, merchandisers, and project managers on all product categories.

Must-Have Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 10 years of directly relevant experience, with a strong preference for experience in product design. Alternatively, a PhD with 8 years, a Master’s with 9 years, an Associate’s degree with 11 years, or a High School diploma with 12 years of relevant experience will be considered.
• Comprehensive experience as a business/process leader or industry expert.
• Demonstrated collaborative nature, with the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong product creation knowledge, including understanding of construction and build processes.
• Solution-oriented mindset with a proven track record of problem-solving.
• Experience in people management.

Skills That Will Make You Stand Out

• Proficiency in 3D rendering skills.
• Prior experience with a leading global brand or similar experience with a competitor.
• Strong consumer and market acumen.