VF: Associate Innovation Prototype Designer - Footwear

Vans; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Vans, a VF brand, seeks an Associate Innovation Prototype Designer - Footwear in Denver. Ideal for early-career makers passionate about turning ideas into physical products and growing in a fast-paced prototyping environment.

You'll build and refine footwear prototypes, operate sewing machines and manufacturing tools, learn techniques, and support sample creation through testing and iteration while maintaining an organized, safe workspace.

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn and develop new skills.
• Humility, curiosity, and openness to coaching.
• Passion for making, building, and hands-on work.
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple tasks and tools.
• Comfort with industrial sewing equipment and footwear tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively and take ownership of projects.
• Resilience and adaptability to solve challenges.

Responsibilities

• Build, modify, and refine footwear prototypes with designers and makers.
• Operate and develop proficiency with industrial sewing machines and prototyping tools.
• Learn footwear manufacturing techniques, materials, and construction methods.
• Support sample creation, testing, iteration, and problem-solving.
• Maintain an organized, safe workshop environment.
• Track work, materials, and project progress meticulously.
• Embrace feedback and continuously improve technical skills.

Skills

Learning mindset

Humility

Curiosity

Hands-on skills

Self-motivation

Organization

Collaboration

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Tools

Industrial sewing machines

Footwear construction equipment

Prototyping tools

Job description

At VF, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness, and authenticity. So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture - visit VF Careers or www.vfc.com.

What will you do?

A day in the life of an Associate Innovation Prototype Designer - Footwear at VF looks a little like this. The Associate Innovation Prototype Designer is made for an early-career Associate Maker who is passionate about creating, learning, and developing hands‑on craftsmanship skills. This role is ideal for someone recently out of school who is excited by the process of turning ideas into physical products and motivated to grow within a fast-paced footwear prototyping environment.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Build, modify, and refine footwear prototypes in partnership with designers, developers, and makers.
• Operate and develop proficiency with industrial sewing machines, footwear construction equipment, and other prototyping tools.
• Learn and apply footwear manufacturing techniques, materials, and construction methods.
• Support sample creation, testing, iteration, and problem‑solving throughout the prototyping process.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient workshop environment.
• Track work, materials, and project progress with a high level of organization and attention to detail.
• Embrace feedback and continuously improve technical skills and craftsmanship.

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 0‑2 years of experience and professional achievements.

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

• A strong propensity for learning and developing new skills.
• Humility, curiosity, and a willingness to receive coaching and feedback.
• A genuine passion for making, building, and working with your hands.
• Strong self‑motivation and an intrinsic desire to create and improve.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple tasks, tools, materials, and priorities effectively.
• Comfortable learning and working with industrial sewing equipment, footwear construction tools, and specialized manufacturing machinery.
• Strong attention to detail and pride in quality craftsmanship.
• Ability to work collaboratively while also taking ownership of individual projects.
• Resilience, adaptability, and persistence when solving technical and creative challenges.

You don't need years of experience—we care more about your mindset than your resume.

The ideal candidate is someone who is naturally driven to make things, enjoys learning through experimentation, and is excited about developing expertise in footwear prototyping.

You are organized in your approach, take pride in maintaining an efficient workspace, ask thoughtful questions, seek opportunities to improve, and approach every challenge with curiosity, humility, and a commitment to continuous growth.

Hiring Range: $60,480.00 USD - $75,600.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential.

Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation

You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and by clicking. Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

Equal Employment Opportunity

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees.

All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

VF Corporation habille les consommateurs partout dans le monde grâce à son portefeuille diversifié de marques emblématiques de style de vie, notamment Vans, The North Face et Timberland. Fondée en 1899, VF est l’une des plus importantes entreprises mondiales de vêtements, de chaussures et d’accessoires. Elle exerce ses activités de façon socialement et écologiquement responsable dans de nombreuses régions du monde, catégories de produits et canal de distribution. VF s’engage à offrir des produits novateurs aux consommateurs et à créer une valeur durable pour ses clients et ses actionnaires.

VF Corporation outfits consumers around the world with its diverse portfolio of iconic lifestyle brands, including Vans, The North Face, and Timberland. Founded in 1899, VF is one of the world's largest apparel, footwear and accessories companies with socially and environmentally responsible operations spanning numerous geographies, product categories, and distribution channels.

VF is committed to delivering innovative products to consumers and creating long-term value for its customers and shareholders.

Énoncé de vision de VF en matière de diversité VF s’engage à créer un environnement inclusif qui accueille et valorise les différences parmi tous ses associés, ses clients, ses fournisseurs et les collectivités où nous vivons et exerçons nos activités. Le succès et la croissance continus de VF sont renforcés par des initiatives qui favorisent la diversité à l’échelle mondiale.

VF s’engage à offrir l’égalité des chances en matière d’emploi et à traiter ses associés et ses candidats sans discrimination fondée sur la race, la couleur, le sexe, l’âge, l’origine nationale, la religion, l’orientation sexuelle, l’identité ou l’expression de genre, l’état matrimonial, la citoyenneté, le handicap, le statut d’ancien combattant protégé, le statut VIH/sida ou tout autre motif protégé par la loi.

VF s’engage à répondre aux divers besoins des personnes en situation de handicap dans des délais raisonnables, conformément aux principes d’autonomie, de dignité, d’intégration et d’égalité des chances. Pour ce faire, VF s’efforcera de cerner, de prévenir et d’éliminer les obstacles à l’accessibilité partout où cela est possible, tout en respectant les exigences en matière d’accessibilité prévues par l’ADA, la LAPHO (AODA) et toute autre réglementation provinciale, étatique ou locale applicable.

VF s’engage à assurer l’accessibilité numérique, à se conformer aux Règles pour l’accessibilité des contenus Web (WCAG) 2.1, niveau AA, ainsi qu’à les normes de conception accessible de l’ADA et de la LAPHO (AODA), et à toute autre réglementation applicable.

Si vous avez besoin d’une mesure d’adaptation ou si vous avez des questions concernant cet énoncé, veuillez transmettre votre demande à [e-mail].

VF Diversity Vision Statement VF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the differences among all of our associates, customers, suppliers and the communities in which we live and conduct business. The continued success and growth of VF is enhanced through initiatives that promote diversity throughout VF around the world. VF is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and treating our VF associates and VF applicants without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship, disability, protected veteran status, HIV/AIDS status, or any other legally protected basis. VF is committed to meeting the diverse needs of people with disabilities in a timely manner that is consistent with the principles of independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity, and will do so by striving to identify, prevent and remove barriers to accessibility wherever possible as well as by meeting the accessibility requirements under the ADA, AODA, and other applicable state, local or provincial regulations. VF is committed to digital accessibility, and to conforming to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1, Level A and A. and? Wait says "and" other applicable regulations. This seems cut. If you need an adaptation measure or have any questions regarding this statement, please send the request to [e-mail].