Innovative Computational Footwear Designer

Brooks Running; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 104,217 - 156,324; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401K matching

Paid time off

Annual bonus

Product discounts

Job summary

Brooks Running in Seattle is seeking a seasoned Computational Designer II to push the future of running footwear. You’ll translate athlete-driven needs into geometry, form, and product ideas, collaborating with cross-functional teams to move early concepts toward production.

You'll apply Crafted Beauty – Performance Expressions, work with elite athletes, and contribute to both innovation and the footwear pipeline while delivering design solutions that balance performance and aesthetics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Architecture, Product Design, 3D Design, or related field (or equivalent experience); Master’s degree preferred.
• 5+ years of professional experience in computational design and advanced geometry creation.
• High level of proficiency in utilizing algorithmic/computational modeling tools (Grasshopper, Houdini, Blender Geometry Nodes, TouchDesigner, etc.).
• Experience with programming and scripting to expand the capabilities of native 3D software.
• Deep knowledge of computational geometry and the underlying mathematics behind geometry creation.
• Proficiency in Rhino 3D and other directed modeling tools (Blender, Alias, Maya, etc.).
• Demonstrates high-level systems thinking as well as deep technical understanding of computational methods.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Deep empathy for athletes and their needs.
• Embraces and lives the Brooks values.

Responsibilities

• Leverage computational tools across a variety of product domains and goals, applying algorithmic logic to footwear domains.
• Contribute novel design solutions to problems utilizing advanced and performance-driven geometries.
• Scale your workflow dynamically—move fluidly from quick, iterative explorations to high-fidelity, production-ready geometry based on project needs and timelines.
• Generate production tooling geometry using Rhino 3D or other surface modeling environments, ensuring designs can be prototyped and tested with elite athletes.
• Demonstrate strong conceptual thinking sensibilities by communicating computational solutions to other team members and project leadership.
• Perform a variety of computational tasks leveraging Grasshopper, Houdini, Blender Geometry Nodes, TouchDesigner, and other computational tools.
• Demonstrate proficiency in programming using C# / Python / Vex / Java, or other programming languages.
• Leverage temporal and spatial data to create performance-driven geometries.
• Integrate emerging technologies into workflows, including generative AI for concepting, code generation, ideation, or other uses.
• Demonstrate 3D fluency across multiple paradigms and work confidently with NURBs, mesh, and other geometry typologies to solve complex design challenges.
• Navigate 3D interoperability with expertise, moving seamlessly between formats and software platforms based on project requirements.
• Partner directly with Innovation Footwear Design, Engineering, and Run Research team members to create breakthrough footwear concepts that advance performance.
• Interface regularly with Run Research, Product Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering to ensure designs are grounded in performance science and manufacturing reality.
• Present concepts and designs with clarity and conviction, inspiring cross-functional teams to embrace bold ideas.
• Disseminate computational knowledge across teams and advocate for technological innovation.
• Own your deadlines and deliver with excellence: establish and manage timelines and autonomously ensure accurate completion of projects.
• Travel as needed (approximately 10%) to Asia, Europe, trade shows, races, factory sites, or other locations that advance the work.
• Continue developing advanced computational skills and adding to your digital toolkit and workflows.
• Advance integration of computational tools at all scales across product categories.
• Continue exploration of novel and bleeding-edge technologies, including generative AI, proceduralism, automation, and more.
• Deepen your understanding of performance footwear construction, runner biomechanics, manufacturing processes, and design philosophy.
• Conduct factory and supplier visits to gain firsthand insights into manufacturing processes and build relationships that inform better design decisions.

Skills

Computational design

Advanced geometry

Grasshopper

Algorithmic modeling

Systems thinking

Communication

Collaboration

Athlete empathy

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Grasshopper

Houdini

Blender Geometry Nodes

TouchDesigner

Rhino 3D

Job description

Brooks Running in Seattle is seeking a seasoned Computational Designer II to push the future of running footwear. You’ll translate athlete-driven needs into geometry, form, and product ideas, collaborating with cross-functional teams to move early concepts toward production.

You'll apply Crafted Beauty – Performance Expressions, work with elite athletes, and contribute to both innovation and the footwear pipeline while delivering design solutions that balance performance and aesthetics.