Footwear Developer I

Brooks Running • Seattle, WA

1d • $80,175 - $120,315 • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Footwear Developer I, you’ll play a hands-on role in supporting the creation and execution of seasonal inline and SMU (special make-up) products. You’ll work closely with senior developers, engineers, designers, and global partners to bring footwear projects to life from concept and material updates to fit validation and sample tracking. This is a growth-focused role ideal for someone early in their development career who’s eager to learn, highly collaborative, and detail-oriented. You’ll gain exposure to all aspects of the product creation process while making a tangible impact on product quality, cost, and performance. Brooks offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in performance product development by working with industry experts, within a culture that values growth, curiosity, and collaboration. You'll receive competitive compensation and global exposure, allowing you to make a significant impact as a creative thinker and trusted contributor in the world of footwear creation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Biomechanics, Design, Kinesiology, or another technical field; equivalent experience also considered.
• 3+ years’ experience in footwear, apparel, or consumer goods; 1+ years in athletic footwear development preferred.
• Curiosity and drive to learn the craft of footwear creation from fit and function to construction and costing.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with teammates across disciplines and time zones.
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to clarify complex details.
• High level of organization, follow-through, and accountability
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, Illustrator, and PLM systems (FlexPLM experience a plus)
• Detail-obsessed but able to connect the dots across the product lifecycle.
• Enthusiastic about performance product, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Willingness to travel internationally to factory locations as needed.
• A passion for movement and empathy for the runner, no matter your pace or background

Nice To Haves

• FlexPLM experience

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of new uppers, SMUs, and color/material updates in partnership with senior team members and Asia-based developers.
• Manage the full sample process for your projects; track, receive, distribute, review, and communicate across teams to ensure accuracy and alignment.
• Collaborate with Product Line Management, Design, Asia Development, and Engineering to ensure your products deliver on our brand promise of Fit, Feel, and Ride.
• Participate in development of new tooling projects alongside more senior developers and engineers, gaining exposure to mold and outsole engineering.
• Maintain technical packages, including BOMs, blueprints, and upper patterns, ensuring accuracy and clarity for factory partners.
• Own testing, validation, and feedback loops for your designated projects to ensure product quality and performance integrity throughout the creation cycle.
• Lead multiple small- to mid-size projects with accountability for timelines, costing targets, and production readiness.
• Communicate product specifications and changes clearly to global teams to ensure alignment on performance and manufacturability.
• Identify process improvements and implement best practices in data accuracy, sample management, and cross-functional coordination.
• Participate in Asia development trips (2–4 times annually) to collaborate directly with factories and suppliers on construction, quality, and sampling.
• Continuously evolve your knowledge of vendor capabilities, lead times, material behavior, and manufacturing processes.
• Stay informed on market trends, consumer needs, and sustainability opportunities that influence future product creation.

Benefits

• medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401K Savings Plan and match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.
• generous time off, including five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, and paid sick and parental leave.
• annual bonus based on company performance.
• product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, volunteer and donation benefits.

What This Job Offers

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