Job Type
Full-time
Description
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.
Salary Description
$90,000 - $100,000
