Footwear Materials Designer

ABOUT THE BRAND

Our Client leads the way in considered design for outdoor sport. With a focus on distinct innovation, location-based research, and a commitment to sustainability, it inspires athletes around the world to chase their dreams on the trail. This is your opportunity to help shape the future of the brand and be part of a leading brand in the outdoor industry.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As a Lead Footwear Materials Designer, you will shape the future of outdoor footwear and contribute to a commitment to sustainability, creativity, and cutting-edge performance. This position calls for a passion for the outdoors, a deep understanding of material science, and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what materials can achieve in extreme conditions.

The ideal candidate is a highly creative problem solver who doesn't settle for anything less than the best design and materials solutions. You'll elevate the consumer experience by creating materials that are performance- and trend-relevant across a range of products - driving emotional connection through narrative, storytelling, and sustainable footwear material design.

WHAT YOU'LL WORK ON

As part of the ACG material team, you will contribute to the full material design process for ACG footwear - from ideation to commercialization - using the latest digital and technical advancements. Responsibilities include:

*Advocating for ACG's design philosophy, ensuring materials align with the brand's mission of functional, durable, and visually impactful outdoor gear

*Exploring new technologies for innovative models while enhancing materials for seasonal narratives and iconic products

*Collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring ACG Footwear's vision to life, driving product excellence and innovation

*Focusing on sustainability, consumer insights, and cultural relevance to create standout designs

*Partnering closely with color and graphics teams, product designers, product developers, and product engineers across a direct team of approximately 10

WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH

Day-to-day, you will work hand-in-hand with a tight team of engineers, developers, researchers, innovators, scientists, marketing professionals, testers, concept creators, and costing specialists. You will also collaborate within the broader design community across footwear, apparel, materials, color, graphics, and computational design. This role requires a highly collaborative approach with excellent communication and visualization skills, and reports directly to the Footwear Material Design Manager.

WHAT YOU BRING

Education

Bachelor's degree in design, art, fashion design, product design, industrial design, accessory and footwear design, textile design, or a related field preferred. An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training will be considered.

Experience & Skills

*3-5+ years of relevant design experience with a demonstrated ability to push material design; candidates with 5+ years will be prioritized

*Deep expertise in textiles - including wovens, leather, and knits - and solid knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials

*Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop); comfort in new digital and 3D design spaces

*Experience building 3D samples and hand-crafted mockups; strong command of form, color, materials, and human factors

*Ability to translate consumer knowledge and insights into narratives and product executions while exploring new material innovations, technologies, and ideas

*Knowledge of eco-friendly and weatherized sourcing and production processes is highly desirable

*Footwear design experience is a strong plus; knitwear knowledge is an additional differentiator

*Experience with outdoor products or apparel is highly valued

*A deep passion for outdoor activities and an understanding of the technical demands and environmental challenges athletes face

*Strong communication and presentation skills - able to confidently present design concepts to internal and external audiences

*Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a commitment to championing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

#LI-MM3

**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.