Footwear Designer – Tennis

Footwear Materials Designer – Tennis (Special Projects)

? Beaverton, OR – Onsite Hybrid (4:1 schedule)

We are seeking a creative and technically skilled Footwear Materials Designer to support the Tennis footwear category through specialized design projects. This role blends artistry with deep material understanding to create innovative, trend-forward, and functional material solutions. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and curate materials that elevate product performance, storytelling, and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative material palettes, finishes, and concepts for tennis-specific footwear projects.

• Style and curate existing materials to support visual storytelling and product functionality.

• Translate trend, performance, and consumer insights into compelling material solutions.

• Present materials stories, concepts, and mood boards to key stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.

• Develop detailed CADs, tech packs, and supporting documentation for factory and supplier communication.

• Collaborate with design, development, product, and sustainability teams to ensure cohesive execution.

• Create hand samples and prototypes using maker tools including sewing machines, heat presses, and screen printing equipment, to visualize and test material concepts.

• Recommend sustainable and environmentally responsible materials that align with project and brand goals.

• Stay informed on new materials, innovations, and construction techniques across the industry.

• Embrace and explore AI-based design tools to enhance creative workflows (training will be provided as needed).

Qualifications

• 2–4+ years of experience in footwear, apparel, or industrial design with a focus on materials.

• Previous footwear industry experience required; tennis-specific experience is a plus.

• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator; advanced knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite is a strong plus.

• Strong trend awareness and knowledge of various material types and applications.

• Understanding of form, function, and manufacturing processes in the design workflow.

• Passion for sustainability and innovation in material development.

• Hands-on approach to concept testing through physical prototyping.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Interest in learning and applying emerging AI tools for design exploration.