What are the responsibilities and job description for the Material Development Intern - HOKA Footwear position at HOKA?
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: Material Development Intern - HOKA Footwear
Reports to: Sr. Manager, Materials Development - HOKA Footwear
Location: Portland, Oregon Hybrid
The Role
As a Materials Development Intern for HOKA Footwear, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting the material development team throughout the product creation process. You’ll work closely with both material development and design teams, assisting with material organization, supplier coordination, sample tracking, and material studio management. This is a unique opportunity to learn about footwear construction, supplier partnerships, and the journey from concept to commercialization—all while contributing to the performance and sustainability goals of HOKA.
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
Assist the material development team with daily operational tasks supporting seasonal footwear material development.
Coordinate with suppliers to order, track, and receive material samples for development projects.
Organize and maintain the HOKA Material Studio, including swatching, labeling, cataloging, and archiving materials.
Track sample deliveries to ensure materials arrive on time for development gates and sample rounds.
Help maintain accurate material records in internal systems such as PLM.
Compile and organize foundational palettes aligned with performance, sustainability, and aesthetic goals.
Support seasonal material research by gathering samples, competitive benchmarks, and trend references.
Provide general administrative and operational support to the material development team.
Who You Are
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Textile Science/Development, Textile Engineering, Product Development, or a related field.
0-2 years relevant work experience, which may include footwear product creation, material development, engineering, or science.
Basic understanding or strong interest in footwear materials and construction, including textiles, synthetics, and manufacturing methods.
Familiarity with tools such as Excel, Adobe Illustrator, PowerPoint, or similar platforms for organizing data and communicating ideas.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to follow through on assigned tasks.
Collaborative mindset—comfortable working with cross-functional teams and taking direction from more experienced team members.
Eagerness to learn how to interpret design intent and apply materials to footwear performance needs.
Interest in growing technical knowledge around testing, sustainability, footwear development, and material performance.
Awareness of insights and trends for the footwear industry or comparable industries.
What We'll Give You –
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.
Job Title: Material Development Intern - HOKA Footwear
Reports to: Sr. Manager, Materials Development - HOKA Footwear
Location: Portland, Oregon Hybrid
The Role
As a Materials Development Intern for HOKA Footwear, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting the material development team throughout the product creation process. You’ll work closely with both material development and design teams, assisting with material organization, supplier coordination, sample tracking, and material studio management. This is a unique opportunity to learn about footwear construction, supplier partnerships, and the journey from concept to commercialization—all while contributing to the performance and sustainability goals of HOKA.
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
Assist the material development team with daily operational tasks supporting seasonal footwear material development.
Coordinate with suppliers to order, track, and receive material samples for development projects.
Organize and maintain the HOKA Material Studio, including swatching, labeling, cataloging, and archiving materials.
Track sample deliveries to ensure materials arrive on time for development gates and sample rounds.
Help maintain accurate material records in internal systems such as PLM.
Compile and organize foundational palettes aligned with performance, sustainability, and aesthetic goals.
Support seasonal material research by gathering samples, competitive benchmarks, and trend references.
Provide general administrative and operational support to the material development team.
Who You Are
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Textile Science/Development, Textile Engineering, Product Development, or a related field.
0-2 years relevant work experience, which may include footwear product creation, material development, engineering, or science.
Basic understanding or strong interest in footwear materials and construction, including textiles, synthetics, and manufacturing methods.
Familiarity with tools such as Excel, Adobe Illustrator, PowerPoint, or similar platforms for organizing data and communicating ideas.
Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to follow through on assigned tasks.
Collaborative mindset—comfortable working with cross-functional teams and taking direction from more experienced team members.
Eagerness to learn how to interpret design intent and apply materials to footwear performance needs.
Interest in growing technical knowledge around testing, sustainability, footwear development, and material performance.
Awareness of insights and trends for the footwear industry or comparable industries.
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.
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.
Salary : $18 - $22