Footwear Product Designer - Specialized 5 [AQ-23561]

Aquent; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent, partnering with a global leader in consumer products, seeks a seasoned innovator for footwear product design. You will drive research, development, and prototyping from concept to market, shaping future consumer goods and influencing product roadmaps globally.

You will lead multi‑disciplinary teams, define rigorous testing, and translate insights into tangible products. Expect to advance design techniques, collaborate with external vendors, and guide projects to successful market

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 10+ years in product design or related field.
• Experience as a business or process leader, or recognized expert in product development.
• Collaborative, cross‑functional team-driven mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead ideation, conceptualization, and execution for next-gen performance products.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to engineer functional prototypes.
• Define testing protocols and validate new concepts to ensure product integrity and performance.
• Translate insights into innovative product concepts using cutting‑edge technologies.
• Develop proof of concept by prototyping new product visions.
• Identify critical elements of product construction and build functional prototypes for evaluation.
• Lead innovation projects with product creation, manufacturing, and external vendors.
• Address design and engineering challenges with creative, feasible solutions.
• Document findings to inform internal stakeholders on new innovations.
• Communicate knowledge and best practices to support the product development cycle.
• Coordinate with color teams, developers, merchandisers, and PMs across product categories.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

People management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

PhD

Master’s degree

Associate’s degree

High School diploma

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Aquent is proud to partner with a globally recognized leader in consumer products, a company celebrated for its relentless pursuit of innovation and unwavering commitment to excellence. This organization consistently redefines its industry by transforming imaginative ideas into tangible realities, setting new benchmarks for quality and performance. If you are a visionary designer ready to shape the future of consumer goods, this is your opportunity to make a monumental impact, drive groundbreaking product development, and contribute directly to a legacy of innovation that touches lives globally.

About Our Partner

Our client is a titan in the consumer products industry, known for its bold vision and ability to consistently deliver groundbreaking innovations that capture the imagination of millions. They are a force in defining market trends, driven by a mission to inspire and equip consumers with products that elevate performance and experience. Joining this team means stepping into an environment where creativity, cutting‑edge technology, and a passion for excellence converge to create the future.

About the Role: Innovator in Footwear Product Design

We are seeking an exceptionally talented and visionary individual to step into a pivotal role, driving the research and development of groundbreaking products from concept to market. This is an extraordinary opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation, transforming imaginative ideas into tangible realities that will shape the future of consumer goods. Your expertise will directly contribute to a legacy of excellence, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in product design and making a significant impact on global product lines. You will be instrumental in bringing revolutionary ideas to life, directly influencing product roadmaps and consumer experiences worldwide.

What You Will Do

In this transformative position, you will be the driving force behind the next generation of performance-based products. You’ll engage in a dynamic process of ideation, conceptualization, and execution, working within multi‑disciplinary teams to engineer functional prototypes and define rigorous testing protocols. Your ability to synthesize complex insights into innovative solutions will be crucial in guiding stakeholders and ensuring the seamless integration of new technologies into product lines. This role offers the chance to lead, innovate, and collaborate across various functions, directly contributing to products that not only meet but exceed consumer expectations and reinforce market leadership.

• Generate new and innovative ideas for performance-based products, identifying significant growth opportunities and competitive advantages.
• Collaborate closely with product creation teams to develop novel product concepts that align with the brand’s overarching vision.
• Define comprehensive testing protocols and establish the scope required to rigorously validate new concepts, ensuring paramount product integrity and performance.
• Translate complex consumer insights, business objectives, and performance data into advanced product concepts utilizing cutting‑edge technologies and construction processes.
• Deliver compelling proof of concept by meticulously developing and prototyping new product visions, bringing them from abstract ideas to tangible realities.
• Identify critical elements of product construction materials and processes, and expertly engineer functional prototypes for evaluation.
• Lead impactful innovation projects, collaborating with diverse multi‑disciplinary teams including product creation, manufacturing, and external vendors.
• Address complex design and engineering challenges with imaginative, state‑of‑the‑art, and highly feasible solutions.
• Create comprehensive reports and detailed documentation to inform and educate internal stakeholders on new innovations and their potential.
• Communicate specialized knowledge and best practices effectively to facilitate the seamless transition of technology into the broader product development cycle.
• Work closely with color teams, developers, merchandisers, and project managers across all relevant product categories to ensure cohesive design and execution.

What You Bring

We are looking for a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of product design and a passion for innovation. Your expertise will be critical in driving forward ambitious projects and delivering market‑leading products.

• Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 10 years of directly relevant experience, with a strong preference for 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 or process leader, or recognized as an industry expert within product development.
• Demonstrated collaborative nature, with a proven ability to work effectively and drive results within cross‑functional teams.
• Expert‑level proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong product creation knowledge, including a deep understanding of construction techniques and build processes.
• A solution‑oriented mindset with a proven track record of successful problem‑solving in complex scenarios.
• Experience in people management, fostering growth and leading teams to achieve ambitious goals.

Skills That Will Make You Stand Out

While the above qualifications are essential, these skills will further distinguish you as an exceptional candidate ready to make an immediate and significant impact.

• Proficiency in 3D rendering skills, enabling advanced visualization and communication of design concepts.
• Prior experience with a leading brand in the consumer products industry or similar experience with a direct competitor.
• Strong consumer and market acumen, with the ability to anticipate trends and understand user needs deeply.