Innovation Intern

KEEN Footwear • Portland, OR

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Innovation Intern will work on-site at KEEN’s Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon, for a 10-week program from June 14 through August 20. The intern will gain hands-on experience with footwear innovation, working alongside the Innovation team and contributing to projects from early concept through soft prototype development. They may lead design exploration and concept development, track project milestones and samples, provide status updates, assist with day-to-day team tasks, and contribute research and ideas for new footwear opportunities. The role also includes concept visualization, prototype review support, sample coordination, and keeping project materials and shared spaces organized.

The internship requires 40 hours per week during normal weekday working hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with five days per week in the office. Applicants must be junior, senior, or graduate students pursuing a degree in Industrial Design or a related field, or recent graduates. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship and may take 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.
• Be enrolled at an accredited college or university at the junior, senior, or graduate level, or have recently graduated from an accredited college or university.
• Be able to work 40 hours per week during the internship during standard Monday–Friday working hours.
• Be available to work in the office five days per week.
• Have working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, Fusion, Procreate, or similar applications.
• Have experience with physical prototyping.
• Be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Commit to the 10-week program from mid-June through mid-August.
• Plan no more than four total days of vacation during the internship.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Be able to learn and adapt quickly to new software and tools.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills and attention to detail in preparing presentations, reports, and materials.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Be able to work independently and collaborate with a team.
• Be able 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.
• Passion for creativity, sustainability, the outdoors, footwear trends, and innovation.
• A creative, detail-oriented approach and interest in problem-solving.
• Strong communication skills and eagerness to learn and take initiative.

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

• Product discounts.
• Subsidized cafeteria.
• Inspiring workspace.
• Hands-on experience on meaningful projects at a globally recognized brand.
• Collaboration with talented teammates and participation in a group project with other interns.
• Networking opportunities with industry experts and mentors.

What This Job Offers

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