Designer 2 – Footwear (Performance)

ARC'TERYX•Portland, OR

1d•$82,000 - $108,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Designer 2 – Footwear designs innovative, resolved performance footwear in alignment with Arc’teryx’s design vision and the evolving needs of mountain athletes and guests. The role contributes to seasonal footwear creation and execution, helping establish a distinct footwear design identity across form, fit, function, materials, and brand expression. The designer imagines, prototypes, and refines solutions that balance technical performance, user needs, and commercial opportunity, working collaboratively across teams and with athletes and industry partners. The position is based at the Portland office and is expected to be performed on location. The Footwear team develops technical products for mountain athletes through research, observation, testing, and validation, with a focus on solving real functional challenges.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Footwear Design, or equivalent industry experience.
At least 5 years of hands-on experience designing footwear or technically advanced products.
Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, fit, components, tooling, and manufacturing processes.
Ability to create sketches, renderings, mockups, prototypes, technical drawings, and product documentation.
Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and other design tools used to communicate footwear concepts and specifications.
Strong attention to detail and ability to contribute to a cohesive footwear collection.
Ability to take direction, work independently, and collaborate across functions as a team player.
Strong planning, organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Proactive approach to identifying root causes and finding appropriate solutions, with a commitment to doing what is right.
Flexibility and adaptability in ambiguous situations.
Ability to balance autonomy and collaboration while contributing to breakthrough thinking and continuous improvement.
Passion for outdoor activities and getting outside.
Strong knowledge of Arc’teryx products and the activities they are designed for.
Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.

Responsibilities

Create and execute assigned performance footwear designs within seasonal timelines, complementing existing collections and supporting future product opportunities.
Contribute to a clear footwear design identity across form, fit, function, materials, and brand expression.
Support stage gates, internal reviews, seasonal handoffs, and product meetings with visual storytelling and resolved design work.
Partner with PLM, Development, Materials, Merchandising, and Commercial teams to understand product opportunities and establish key product drivers.
Use research, observation, athlete input, and iterative user-centered design to address mountain athlete and guest needs.
Create and communicate concepts, sketches, renderings, mockups, prototypes, and technical details to explore and validate footwear ideas.
Provide Product Development with product initiations and tech pack information, including specification drawings, patterns, fit direction, materials, colour, and construction details.
Collaborate with Development and factory partners to resolve fit, construction, material, and manufacturing challenges.
Coordinate with the Raw Materials team to source, develop, test, and apply materials for performance and commercial needs.
Develop and maintain knowledge of footwear materials, components, tooling, construction methods, and manufacturing techniques.
Collaborate with designers on improved toolbox solutions, including technologies, constructions, features, and materials.
Monitor footwear, outdoor, materials, and industry trends to help address evolving athlete and guest needs.
Assist with current product design changes and in-line production needs as required.
Contribute to a new footwear chapter for Arc’teryx across product, process, team, and guest experience.
Help develop pinnacle footwear concepts and commercial product drivers that establish a distinct market identity.
Work with development teams and innovation partners to evolve the process of moving footwear ideas from concept to production.
Collaborate with Arc’teryx athletes and industry representatives to gather insights and propose solutions for future footwear needs.

Benefits

Extended health coverage, including mental health support and fertility benefits, and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program.
Dental insurance.
Vision coverage.
Immediately vested 401(k) retirement savings plan matching.
Eligibility for the Arc’teryx Annual Incentive Plan.
Access to an Employee Stock Purchase Program, where applicable.
Paid time off.
No Wasted Day program with dedicated paid days to get outside and explore.
Parental leave for birthing and non-birthing parents, including an option to ease the transition back to work.
Professional development opportunities.
Arc’teryx Academies and outdoor skill-building events.
Employee Belonging Councils.
Employee discounts and Pro Deals on gear. Eligibility for certain programs may vary by role.