SENIOR FOOTWEAR PRODUCT DEVELOPER

Overview

We're looking for a Sr. Footwear Product Developer to join a fast-paced product team developing premium footwear for athletes. You'll own the full product development lifecycle on complex projects, translating 2D design concepts and project briefs into 3D samples that meet consumer, business, performance, cost, and sustainability targets. This is a hands-on development role (not design) where you'll drive product excellence, manage multiple work streams, and be the critical point of contact between internal teams and overseas partners.

The Role

You'll manage your assigned product development projects from concept through commercialization readiness, navigating cross-functional collaboration across engineering, product testing, materials, design, product management, sourcing, and operations. You're responsible for ensuring projects stay on critical dates, meet design intent and performance goals, and are ready to scale to manufacturing. You'll engage in all phases of the development process, apply cost-effective solutions, and tinker/prototype to explore improvements. A significant portion of your work involves reading technical drawings, 3D digital files, and model views to bring products to life. You'll also facilitate meetings, drive consensus, influence internal and external partners, and communicate clearly with overseas teams.

What You Bring

Must-Have

• 5 years directly relevant footwear development experience
• Project management skills with proven track record of creating project plans and holding teams accountable
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to clearly articulate goals and objectives
• Demonstrated understanding of footwear pattern engineering, tooling, and manufacturing processes
• Ability to prioritize multiple work streams and competing priorities
• Self-starter mentality with demonstrated willingness to learn and grow

Nice-to-Have

• Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Footwear development experience at a performance brand
• 3D CAD and model view reading abilities
• Connection to or passion for basketball (wear testing, athlete engagement, etc.)
• Experience with footwear costing and cost reduction solutions
• Basic knowledge of materials, test methods, and properties

Soft Skills We're Looking For
Ambitious, deadline-oriented, self-starter, confident in influencing teammates, accountable, strong collaborator with ability to build trust

Logistics

• On-site role with 4/1 hybrid schedule (occasional evening calls across geographies)
• Potential for 1-2 work trips (domestic and international) during contract
• 2 rounds of interviews: 1 virtual, 1 on-site
• Team size: ~8 person direct team with heavy cross-functional involvement
• Note: Confidentiality and discretion are critical given signature product work

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**About Aquent Talent:**

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. More information on our awesome benefits!
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.