Hybrid Footwear Design Assistant: CAD & Concepts

Steve Madden; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401K

Paid holidays

Generous paid time-off

Job summary

Steve Madden seeks a creative, detail-oriented Design Assistant to join our NYC footwear Design team. You will help bring seasonal concepts to life from initial direction through samples and final execution, collaborating closely with CAD, colorways, materials, and design reviews.

The Associate Designer will handle CADs, colorways, specs, and development, ensuring projects stay on track in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Footwear Design, Accessories Design, Fashion Design, or a related field.
• 1–2 years of design experience preferred; relevant internships will be considered.
• Strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong CAD and technical design skills.
• Working knowledge of Excel.
• Good understanding of color, materials, proportion, construction, and footwear design.
• Strong visual eye and attention to detail.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to take direction, incorporate feedback, and communicate clearly.
• Collaborative, proactive, and eager to learn.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven fashion environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the Design team throughout the seasonal footwear design and development process, from concept through sample execution.
• Create and update footwear CADs, colorways, and technical specifications based on seasonal direction and design feedback.
• Translate creative concepts into compelling and accurate CADs and design updates.
• Make design revisions based on feedback from Designers and cross-functional partners.
• Assist with color, material, trim, and hardware selections to bring seasonal concepts to life.
• Research and help identify relevant materials, finishes, and design details that support the brand and seasonal direction.
• Organize and maintain samples, materials, swatches, and seasonal development to keep the team efficient and on track.
• Prepare design materials and presentations for design reviews, meetings, and seasonal presentations.
• Assist with development packages, sample tracking, and shipments.
• Partner with team members to follow up on daily development needs and help ensure projects stay on schedule.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Support additional design projects and initiatives as needed.

Skills

CAD skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Footwear Design, Accessories Design, or Fashion Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

Excel

Job description

Steve Madden seeks a creative, detail-oriented Design Assistant to join our NYC footwear Design team. You will help bring seasonal concepts to life from initial direction through samples and final execution, collaborating closely with CAD, colorways, materials, and design reviews.

The Associate Designer will handle CADs, colorways, specs, and development, ensuring projects stay on track in a fast-paced environment.