Assistant Designer, Keds

Designer Brands • Burlington, MA

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Designer joins the Keds Design team to help develop seasonal footwear collections, partnering with the Senior Designer and Design Director through the design process from concept to production. The role supports product creation, trend research, cross-functional collaboration, design documentation, and seasonal milestones. This is a hybrid position based in Burlington, Massachusetts. Team members typically work onsite one day per week, with occasional requirements of up to three onsite days per week based on business needs, collaboration, product reviews, and design and development milestones.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of footwear design experience.
• Strong Adobe Illustrator skills.
• Ability to interpret feedback and apply it to design work.
• Understanding of footwear design principles, materials, and construction.
• Strong interest in women's and children's footwear trends.
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and time-management skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, in Footwear Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.
• A portfolio demonstrating proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, design thinking, color and material application, and understanding of the footwear design process is required.
• A portfolio showcasing 2D CAD sketches and footwear design work is required.

Nice To Haves

• Photoshop proficiency.
• Experience in women's fashion footwear and women's sneakers.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of seasonal Keds footwear collections.
• Create and update 2D CADs using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Develop colorways, material applications, and design updates for new and existing styles.
• Assist in translating concepts into production-ready designs.
• Research footwear, fashion, and consumer trends to inspire product development.
• Participate in concept reviews and design meetings.
• Partner with Product Development, Product Management, and Marketing teams throughout the design process.
• Maintain CAD files, tech packs, and design documentation.
• Assist with organizing the material library and seasonal design assets.
• Support key milestones and seasonal calendar deadlines.

Benefits

• Free virtual health care.
• Family and fertility benefits.
• 401(k) with match.
• Hybrid and remote work opportunities.
• Training programs, professional development, and education assistance.
• 30% discount at DSW and DSW.com, plus discounts across the company's family of brands.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level