KEEN Maker Lab 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 Maker Lab is seeking an intern to work onsite at KEEN's Global Headquarters in Portland, OR for 10 weeks. You will assist footwear designers, prototype 3D models, and contribute to material studies while gaining hands-on experience in sustainability-focused product development.

The program runs about 40 hours per week, with a chance to collaborate with top designers and learn from industry experts in a dynamic, outdoor-focused brand environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing or completed a bachelor’s in Industrial Design or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Enrolled at Junior/Senior/Graduate level or recently graduated.
• Available to work 40 hours/week on-site in Portland, OR.
• Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite and 3D modeling; familiar with shop tools and pattern making.

Responsibilities

• Print and prepare 3D models for review by product teams.
• Create prototypes and virtual samples using 3D modeling software.
• Learn pattern engineering, footwear construction, and assist the Maker Lab team with organization and procurement.

Skills

3D modeling

Adobe Creative Suite

Prototyping

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D modeling software

Shop tools

Pattern making

CAD

Job description

Are you passionate about sandals, boots, and everything in between? Do you live and breathe sustainability? Do you have a creative eye, a hunger to learn, and a KEEN interest in the outdoor industry? If you said yes to any of the above, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Position: KEEN Maker Lab 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.

You will work directly with some of the best footwear designers in the industry creating footwear prototypes, 3D models, componentry, and innovation studies.

Essential Responsibilities

• Responsibilities include printing out 3D models and preparing them for review by product teams, using 3D modeling software to create prototypes and virtual samples, learning pattern engineering and footwear construction, and assisting the Maker Lab team at Keen with general assistant duties which include material procurement and organization, lab organization, and maker duties as a modeler.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field where prototyping is a central discipline.
• 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.
• Are expert in all Adobe Suite design applications, 3D modeling capability, and have familiarity with shop tools, pattern making theory, material science, and sculpting manually or digitally.

What We're Looking For:

• 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?

• 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:

• To qualify for this internship, you must:
• Be a Junior, Senior, or Graduate student working toward a degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, 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.