Developer 2, Footwear Innovation

Under Armour•Portland, OR

7d•$90,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Under Armour’s Innovation team is looking for a Footwear Developer II who will be responsible for collaboratively developing and engineering UA’s future footwear technologies. Primary workload will include developing proof of concept footwear components and prototypes, researching new processes for manufacturing and product creation, and partnering with the commercial teams to bring these concepts to market. This position is part of a robust Innovation team and will be required to tap into and partner with the broader group to create and validate game-changing footwear. The Developer II will function as the business and technical resource for the Development Managers and act as a liaison between design and factories.

Requirements

Knowledge of footwear/apparel/accessory construction, mold engineering and molding processes, material construction and properties, textile manufacturing, costing, pattern making, lasts, 3D software to view and analyze model information, fluency in Adobe Illustrator, Design Experience or Product Systems Experience, Rhino proficiency a plus.
Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Design or a related field.
At least 5 years of footwear or athletic equipment industry experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Experience in the athletic footwear industry required.

Nice To Haves

Rhino proficiency a plus.

Responsibilities

Responsible for all development and engineering aspects of projects in footwear prototyping phase. Elevates athlete-centered problem solving and troubleshooting, invests time and energy into novel solutions to meaningful problems. Crafting elite level product solutions.
Build technology acumen through collaborative tech package generation, precise communication and innovative problem solving. Work closely with HQ and global innovation, engineering and design counterparts to drive concept generation and prototyping. Clearly and concisely document possible IP and project parameters and specifications from origination through completion.
Understand both product and brand vision, product strategy, innovation strategy, and evergreens to inform and prioritize workload. Clearly define business critical project features to be resolved before commercialization (i.e. performance criteria, costs, durability, scale up etc)
Study and expand understanding of traditional and novel footwear manufacturing processes. Use this knowledge to iterate new component and engineering concepts.
Work with Innovation Operations to uphold the Innovation pipeline process from ideation thru transfer to the commercial teams. Maintain accountability for on-time prototype, testing analysis (in partnership with the wear testing and lab teams), and commercialization documentation deliverables to the supply chain team.
Coordinate and support fit and wear test process with test managers. Skillfully assess test report data, translates testing feedback into actionable changes to materials, construction or product build.
Maintain an open line of communication with production, marketing, engineering and sourcing functions, to resolve performance and construction issues through commercialization gates. Track and understands prototype issues for future planning.
Actively seek out for new technologies related to both product and process.
Present athlete needs and product solutions features for each concept.
Active participation remotely and travel in person for frequent meetings with Asia based teammates. Sensitive to all partner cultural standards and ways of working.
Travel to meet and interview athletes, travel to UA HQ in Baltimore.