Footwear Prototyping Technician

Vibram Corporation; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Vibram Corporation's Portland Studio is seeking a hands-on prototype maker to join our design-forward team. You will support rapid prototyping, mold making, and tooling creation, operating 3D printers and fabricating components for footwear concepts, collaborating with designers, developers, and testing teams.

You will translate concepts into functional prototypes quickly, maintain a safe workshop, and contribute to new studio processes.

Qualifications

• Experience with 3D printing and additive manufacturing required.
• Familiarity with mold making required. Professional, DIY, independent maker, or amateur experience will all be considered.
• Experience with CAD modeling using Rhino, Fusion 360, or similar software required.
• Experience with Mastercam or other CAM software is a plus.
• Footwear design, development, prototyping, or manufacturing experience preferred.
• Outdoor industry experience is a plus.
• Experience safely operating fabrication and shop equipment.
• Strong hands-on fabrication and mechanical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work quickly while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Self-starter with the ability to identify problems, develop solutions, and move work forward without constant oversight.
• Collaborative approach and willingness to contribute wherever needed.
• Comfortable receiving feedback, sharing ideas, and working iteratively with designers, developers, and other team members.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Curiosity and passion for making, experimentation, and learning new processes.
• Applicants should provide examples of relevant work and be prepared to discuss their individual contribution, process, challenges, and outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Support rapid prototyping and sample creation for footwear soling, product development, testing, and exploratory concepts.
• Operate and maintain 3D printers and support the preparation, printing, finishing, and evaluation of prototype components and tooling.
• Create molds, fixtures, jigs, and other prototype tooling using a combination of digital and hands-on fabrication methods.
• Support small-batch prototype molding and manufacturing processes within the Portland Studio.
• Create and modify CAD models using Rhino, Fusion 360, or similar 3D modeling software.
• Prepare digital files for prototyping, fabrication, and machining.
• Safely operate shop and fabrication equipment including belt sanders, presses, vacuum formers, 3D printers, band saws, lathes, and related equipment.
• Partner closely with designers and developers to translate concepts into functional prototypes quickly and accurately.
• Troubleshoot fabrication, tooling, equipment, and prototype issues with limited oversight.
• Help maintain an organized, safe, efficient, and ready-to-use lab environment.
• Assist with equipment setup, maintenance, materials organization, and development of new studio processes.
• Document prototype processes and share learnings with cross-functional teams.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced development environment.
• Other duties may be assigned

Skills

3D printing

Mold making

CAD modeling

Rhino

Fusion 360

Mastercam

Fabrication

Attention to detail

Self-starter

Collaboration

Tools

3D printers

CAD CAM software

Job description

Vibram Corporation's Portland Studio is seeking a hands-on prototype maker to join our design-forward team. You will support rapid prototyping, mold making, and tooling creation, operating 3D printers and fabricating components for footwear concepts, collaborating with designers, developers, and testing teams.

You will translate concepts into functional prototypes quickly, maintain a safe workshop, and contribute to new studio processes.