Lead Advanced Technologies Engineer - HOKA Innovation

HOKA; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 108,700 - 146,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Financial planning

Time off

Employee discounts

Growth opportunities

Health & wellness

Job summary

Deckers Brands in Portland, OR is seeking a Lead Advanced Technologies Engineer for the HOKA Innovation team. You will drive execution of the innovation pipeline, develop underfoot material systems, translate direction into actionable engineering work, and manage multiple projects with autonomy.

The role emphasizes collaboration with global partners, structured experimentation, and sustainable material choices, with a hybrid schedule in the office three days per week.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in mechanical or materials engineering or equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects with global partners.
• Strong analytical modelling and process development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of next-generation underfoot systems from concept to prototypes.
• Build experimentation plans and testing strategies for foam systems and geometries.
• Select engineering approaches based on data and project needs.
• Design studies to validate performance targets for underfoot systems.
• Provide day-to-day technical guidance to junior engineers and collaborators.

Skills

Materials science

Mechanical engineering

Project management

Data analysis

Education

Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Equivalent technical work experience

Job description

At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us.

Job Title: Lead Advanced Technologies Engineer - HOKA Innovation

Reports to: Senior Manager, Advanced Technologies - HOKA Innovation

Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid)

Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday.

The Role

As Lead Advanced Technologies Engineer – HOKA Innovation, you will drive the execution of HOKA’s innovation pipeline by developing next-generation underfoot material systems and engineering solutions. You’ll translate innovation direction into actionable engineering work, establish technical approaches, and create scalable processes that elevate team capability and product performance. Operating with autonomy, you’ll manage multiple projects, apply advanced analytical problem solving, and help shape the future of HOKA’s product innovation.

We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.

Your Impact

• Lead development of next-generation underfoot systems from concept through validated prototypes, applying materials science, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing expertise.
• Build structured experimentation plans, sample matrices, and testing strategies to optimize foam systems, plate integrations, and geometries.
• Independently determine engineering approaches based on testing, data, and project requirements, integrating foam chemistry, geometry tuning, and plate interactions for optimal performance.
• Design and execute structured engineering studies to validate underfoot systems against defined performance targets.
• Develop and refine mechanical testing methodologies, lab setups, and validation frameworks, analyzing technical drawings, lab data, and prototype learnings to inform design improvements.
• Manage multiple assignments and workstreams concurrently, building clear project plans, timelines, deliverables, and success criteria aligned to functional goals.
• Provide day-to-day technical guidance, training, and direction to junior engineers and project contributors.
• Create and implement new procedures and processes to drive desired engineering results across material evaluation, prototyping, and validation.
• Standardize workflows to improve repeatability, scalability, decision quality, and team efficiency.
• Incorporate sustainability considerations into engineering decisions, material selection, and concept development, supporting evaluation and integration of lower-impact materials and processes.

Who You Are

• Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field; without a Master’s, equivalent technical work experience required.
• 6+ years in advanced materials or engineering systems, with experience managing projects and global partners.
• Deep knowledge of underfoot systems, foam creation processes, and how foam–plate systems relate to athlete performance.
• Strong analytical modeling, project management, and process development skills.

What We’ll Give You –

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.
• Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
• Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees’ needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
• Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras
• Growth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That’s why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Health and Wellness - There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.

$108,700.00 - $146,700.00

The salary range posted reflects the estimated minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in:

Portland, Oregon

Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.