Performance Testing & Validation 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 Footwear seeks a Performance Testing & Validation Intern at its Portland, OR headquarters for a 10-week, on-site summer program. You’ll join the Performance Innovation & Validation team to support wear test logistics and data synthesis.

This role offers hands-on exposure to testing workflows, cross-functional collaboration, and practical product validation, with a focus on organized data, clear summaries, and presenting insights to the product team.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Science, or a related field.
• Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university at the Junior, Senior, or Graduate level.
• Must be able to work 40 hours/week during the internship program (Mon-Fri 8:00 AM–5:00 PM) in-office.
• Demonstrated interest in product testing, performance research, or footwear innovation.
• Familiarity with organizing and synthesizing data using spreadsheets or surveys.
• Strong attention to detail with ability to multitask.

Responsibilities

• Support development and documentation of seasonal wear test processes and workflows.
• Coordinate seasonal field testing logistics, sample tracking, tester communications, and feedback collection.
• Build and maintain trackers, calendars, and templates for the validation calendar and testing pipeline.
• Compile qualitative and quantitative tester feedback into clear summaries for the product team.
• Prepare materials and recaps for seasonal testing reviews, including data organization for presentations.
• Assist with scheduling and communications with external testing partners.
• Contribute to tools and protocols for gathering athlete and consumer insights.
• Support logistics for team testing events and roundtables.

Skills

Data organization

Wear testing

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Science, Sports Science, Product Management, or related field

Tools

Spreadsheet software

Survey tools

Job description

Position: Performance Testing & Validation 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'll be embedded within the Performance Innovation & Validation team, supporting the Sr. Performance Innovation & Validation Manager in building and refining the seasonal processes and workflows that power KEEN's product testing and validation engine. From helping organize wear test logistics to synthesizing tester feedback into clear summaries, you'll play a real role in how KEEN evaluates and improves its performance footwear - season by season.

Essential Responsibilities

• Support the development and documentation of seasonal wear test processes and workflows, helping to ensure consistency across each testing round


• Assist in coordinating seasonal field testing logistics, including sample tracking, tester communications, and feedback collection


• Help build and maintain organizational tools (trackers, calendars, templates) that support the seasonal validation calendar and testing pipeline


• Compile and organize qualitative and quantitative feedback from wear testers into clear, structured summaries for the product team


• Assist in preparing materials and recaps for seasonal testing reviews, including formatting insights, organizing data, and supporting presentation development


• Support coordination with external testing partners (e.g., field testers, labs) by helping manage scheduling, sample intake documentation, and follow-up communications


• Contribute to the research and development of feedback tools and testing protocols that support athlete and consumer insights gathering


• Assist with logistics planning and preparation for team testing events and roundtables

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Science, Sports Science, Product Management, 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.


• Demonstrated interest in product testing, performance research, or footwear/apparel innovation.


• Familiarity with organizing and synthesizing data or feedback - experience with spreadsheets, surveys, or research tools is a plus.


• Strong attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines simultaneously.


• Comfortable working in a cross-functional environment and communicating with a variety of stakeholders.


• A self-starter attitude - you're proactive, organized, and don't wait to be told what needs doing.

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.