Product Developer

Vibram Corporation; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Vibram Corporation seeks a hands-on Product Developer to lead inline footwear development from concept through prototyping and production readiness.

You will partner with Design, Sales, and global manufacturing teams to deliver innovative, high-quality products on time while balancing performance, cost, and timelines. Strong project management and detail orientation are essential to succeed in a fast-paced, global environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent with engineering/applied sciences preferred.
• 3–5 years in footwear product development, including molding and manufacturing.
• Ability to read blueprints and 2D/3D files; CAD experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end inline product development from brief to production readiness.
• Collaborate across Design, Sales, China Development, and overseas factories.
• Analyze drawings, patterns, and wear to drive solutions and cost controls.
• Strengthen tech packages and ensure Vibram Best Practices.

Skills

Footwear development

Mold development

Blueprint reading

CAD

Materials knowledge

Project management

Communication skills

PLM systems

MS Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

PLM systems

3D modeling tools

Costing sheets

Job description

Description

At Vibram, we push boundaries, challenge convention, and turn bold ideas into innovative products. We value curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and a drive to make things better.

We’re seeking a hands-on, technically proficient Product Developer to join our Inline Product Development team. This role will manage the end-to-end development of inline footwear, from design handoff through prototyping, validation, and production readiness.

Working closely with Design, Sales, Brand Partners, and Asia-based manufacturing teams, you’ll bring innovative, commercially viable products to market while balancing performance, quality, cost, and timelines.

The ideal candidate is a creative problem solver and strong project manager who can manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, work independently, meet deadlines, and maintain exceptional attention to detail.

Join us to help shape the future of footwear with global brand partners.

Requirements

• Own the end-to-end development of inline footwear products - from initial brief and design handoff through prototyping, testing, final samples, and production readiness.
• Bring technical expertise to the table, leveraging a strong understanding of tooling, mold development, footwear components, materials, construction, and manufacturing processes.
• Turn concepts into production-ready products by ensuring blueprints, 3D files, cost sheets, technical packages, and other critical information are accurate, complete, and delivered on time.
• Anticipate and solve problems before they become problems by analyzing technical drawings, patterns, components, lasts, lab results, fit, wear, construction, and cost considerations.
• Be the technical connector across teams, partnering with Design, Sales, China Development, overseas factories, and global brand partners to keep projects moving forward.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration through Vibram's Product Creation Triad, bringing together the right teams and expertise to make smart, timely decisions.
• Challenge, troubleshoot, and innovate - identify issues early, present creative solutions, and help the team find the best path forward.
• Own development timelines and keep multiple projects on track, from exclusive and open soling to other Vibram footwear products.
• Strengthen tech packages before development begins, identifying potential construction, material, fit, wear, and cost concerns while ensuring Vibram Best Practices are followed.
• Continuously improve how we develop and make products, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, improve quality, and elevate execution.
• Build global relationships and experience firsthand manufacturing environments, including travel to overseas factories as needed.
• China-based factory experience is preferred.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; technical education, engineering, or applied sciences preferred.
• 3-5 years of footwear product development experience, ideally with hands-on experience in molding, tooling, and manufacturing.
• Strong technical expertise in mold development and manufacturing processes, with the ability to troubleshoot and drive solutions throughout the product development cycle.
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, 2D/3D files, technical manuals, and material specifications; CAD experience is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of footwear materials, construction, lasts, molds, compounds, and foot anatomy, with an understanding of how these elements work together to create high-performing products.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to anticipate potential issues and proactively develop solutions.
• Ability to navigate a complex, global organization, effectively balancing competing priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder needs.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical information and confidently engage with colleagues, leadership, and global partners.
• Highly self-motivated, proactive, and driven to excel, with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and PLM/product development systems.

Vibram is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.