Innovation Intern

KEEN Footwear•Portland, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Innovation Intern (KEENtern) will work at KEEN’s Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon, for a 10-week program. The intern will gain hands-on experience in footwear innovation, working with the Innovation team and contributing to projects from initial concept through soft prototype. The role includes opportunities for design exploration and concept development, project tracking, sample coordination, and support for everyday team activities. The position is onsite, five days per week, and requires 40 hours per week during standard Monday–Friday working hours, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. The program runs from June 14 through August 20, with no more than four total vacation days during the internship.

Requirements

Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or a related field.
Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university at the Junior, Senior, or Graduate level, or have recently graduated from an accredited college or university.
Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
Must commit to the 10-week program from mid-June through mid-August and work 40 hours per week during the standard Monday–Friday work week.
Must be available to work onsite in the office five days per week.
Must plan no more than four total vacation days during the internship.
Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, Fusion, Procreate, or similar applications.
Experience with physical prototyping.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
Ability to learn and adapt quickly to new software and tools.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail in preparing presentations, reports, and materials.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the role, with or without reasonable accommodation, including using a computer for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

A background in industrial design, footwear design, product design, or a related creative discipline is preferred.
Passion for creativity, sustainability, the outdoors, footwear trends, and innovation.
Detail-oriented, creative problem-solving, proactive, curious, eager to learn, and able to communicate ideas clearly.

Responsibilities

Support the product-creation process from early idea generation through soft prototype development.
Own assigned innovation projects and tasks and progress them against key milestones.
Maintain project tracking, timelines, and status updates.
Coordinate samples by requesting, receiving, organizing, reviewing, and shipping them.
Keep Innovation materials, samples, and shared spaces organized and accessible.
Participate in team meetings and document decisions, actions, and follow-ups.
Contribute research, concepts, and ideas to identify footwear innovation opportunities.
Support concept visualization and storytelling using sketches, mood boards, Illustrator/Photoshop layouts, or simple 3D studies.
Assist with prototype reviews by documenting feedback, identifying refinement opportunities, and preparing materials for team presentations.
Assist with day-to-day Innovation tasks, including sample coordination, shipping, and maintaining organized project materials.