Junior Material Developer Intern

keenfootwear; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Product discounts

Subsidized cafeteria

Inspiring workspace

Job summary

KEEN is offering a Junior Material Developer Intern position at its Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon. This onsite internship runs 10 weeks, Monday through Friday, with a 40-hour workweek, and provides hands-on experience in footwear materials development.

You will collaborate with industry experts and contribute to shaping KEEN's future products. The role emphasizes creativity, sustainability, and strong communication.

Qualifications

• Degree in Textile Design, Textile Engineering, Fashion Design, or related field.
• Must be enrolled in a college or university at the Junior, Senior, or Graduate level, or have recently graduated.
• Must be able to work 40 hours/week during the internship program (Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and be onsite in Portland, OR.
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Research trends and create material mood boards.
• Maintain and organize material library.
• Translate design ideas into technical specifications.
• Document season material specification.

Skills

Strong communicator

Creative thinking

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree in Textile Design or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Position

Junior Material Developer Intern

Location

KEEN's Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon (on-site)

Duration

10 weeks

Compensation

$22/hour

Program Duration

Monday, June 14th - Friday, August 20th

What You'll Do

As an Intern at KEEN (KEENtern), you'll dive into the exciting world of footwear, innovation, and community! You'll get hands‑on experience working alongside industry experts and contribute to shaping the future of KEEN.

Essential Responsibilities

• Research trends and create material mood boards.
• Maintain and organize material library.
• Translate design ideas into technical specifications.
• Document season material specification.

Minimum Qualifications

Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's degree in Textile Design, Textile Engineering, Fashion Design, or a related field.

Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university at the Junior, Senior, or Graduate level. You will also be considered if you have recently graduated from an accredited college or university.

Must be able to work 40 hours/week during the internship program during normal working hours (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and be available to work in the office 5 days/week.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking someone who embodies our passion for creativity, sustainability, and the great outdoors. Our ideal KEENtern is:

• Passionate: Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, committed to sustainability, or fascinated by footwear trends and innovation, you're excited to engage with the world around you.
• Creatively Minded: You're detail-oriented, love bringing fresh ideas to life, and have a knack for solving problems.
• A Strong Communicator: Whether it's collaborating with a team or presenting ideas, you know how to express yourself clearly and effectively.
• Proactive & Eager to Learn: You're curious, ready to ask questions, take initiative, and dive into new challenges with enthusiasm.

Why Intern with Us

Being a KEENtern means you're not just an intern-you're a valued part of our KEEN community. Here's what you can look forward to:

• Meaningful Work: Tackle real-world projects that make an impact, gaining valuable hands‑on experience at a globally recognized brand.
• Collaborative Environment: Partner with talented teammates and work on a group project with other KEENterns.
• Networking Opportunities: Build connections with industry experts and mentors who can help shape your career.
• Perks & Benefits: Enjoy product discounts, a subsidized cafeteria, and an inspiring workspace.
• Outdoor Adventures: Immerse yourself in Portland - a vibrant city nestled between the mountains and the coast - a hub for all things outdoors, such as hiking, biking, rafting, camping, and climbing.

Program Requirements

• Be a Junior, Senior, or Graduate student working toward a degree in Textile Design, Textile Engineering, Fashion Design, or a related field.
• Be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Commit to a 10-week program from mid-June through mid-August.
• Dedicate 40 hours per week during standard M-F work week.
• This is an onsite role located at our beautiful headquarters office in Portland, OR.
• Plan no more than four total days of vacation during the internship.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Able to learn and adapt quickly to new software and tools.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, strong attention to detail in preparation of presentations, reports, and materials.
• Demonstrate strong organization skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaborate with a team.
• Able to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including using a computer for extended periods.
• Travel: Occasional travel in and around the larger Portland area to support activations.

Other Requirements

Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and acti