Senior Specialist Component Prototyping - Footwear

PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANISATION

This role contributes to adidas' mission to be the best sports company in the world by independently supporting and helping determine the technical execution and process approach for physical prototypes and component creation from 2D/3D files and tech packs. The position plays a key role in mold making and prototyping, applying judgment, discretion, and problem-solving to help determine appropriate methods, materials, and workflows.

Working with a degree of autonomy, this role helps guide prototyping approaches from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with design intent, manufacturability, and performance requirements. The role also suppports with process improvements and contributes to establishing best practices within the prototyping function to improve speed, quality, and scalability of outputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Help determine and execute mold making activities including preparation, casting, finishing, and lifecycle management of molds for prototype components
• Support the implemenation of appropriate prototyping methods (casting, 3D modeling, 3D printing, hybrid processes) based on design requirements, timelines, and material constraints
• Evaluate and modify 3D files, ensuring manufacturability, structural integrity, and alignment with design intent
• Translate design concepts into technical approaches, identifying gaps and recommending solutions
• Help determine process parameters, material selection, and machine setups across prototyping equipment (3D printers, casting systems, modeling tools)
• Perform pre- and post-processing of produced parts, applying judgment to meet quality and finishing standards
  
  

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Internal inline development teams, Design and creative functions, prototyping and technical teams
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Strong hands-on experience in mold making (silicone, urethane, epoxy processes preferred)
• Strong understanding of 3D printing processes, file preparation, and manufacturing constraints
• Ability to work with solvents, chemicals, polyurethane, epoxy, silicones and other materials following health and safety regulations
• Strong handcraft skills and attention to detail
• Ability to apply independent judgment in selecting methods, materials, and processes
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address non-routine challenges
• Ability to work in a shop environment and be comfortable with industrial machinery
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple workflows and tasks
• Strong communication and documentation skills
• Knowledge of footwear construction process is a plusMS Office and standard communication tools
• At adidas, employees on the Creative Studios team are expected to work in the office Monday through Friday, five days per week
  
  

Requisite Education And Experience / Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Sculpture, or a related hands-on fabrication field, or technical vocational training/equivalent experience in mold making, prototyping, or related craftsmanship.
• 2 years of relevant work experience in prototyping, mold making, or fabrication
• Experience with 3D modeling (Rhino preferred) is a plus
• Experience with 3D printing equipment is a plus
• adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• adidas offers robust and progressive medical, including HSA (Health Savings Account) with employer funding or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) options, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, adoption, with surrogate and fertility support, short and long-term disability, and basic life and AD&D insurance, which can be supplemented with employee-paid coverage. Employees are able to enroll in adidas’ 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match. Full-time employees are eligible for education assistance and generous Leave policies including 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on both company and personal performance. Employees accrue prorated flexible time off in the amount .4388 hours per day that increases with years of service, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.
• This position requires a high degree of in-person collaboration, in-office attendance is required Monday through Friday. The working location of this position is Portland, Oregon.
• Though our teammates hail from all corners of the world, our working language is English.
  
  

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an equal opportunity employer.