Performance Testing & Validation Intern

KEEN Footwear • Portland, OR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Performance Testing & Validation Intern will join KEEN’s Performance Innovation & Validation team at the company’s Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon. The intern will support the Sr. Performance Innovation & Validation Manager in developing and refining seasonal processes and workflows for product testing and validation. The role provides hands-on experience in footwear innovation and product testing, contributing to how KEEN evaluates and improves its performance footwear.

The 10-week internship runs from June 14 through August 20. The intern must work 40 hours per week during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and work onsite at the Portland office five days per week. Compensation is $22 per hour.

Requirements

• 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 pursuing or have recently completed a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Science, Sports Science, Product Management, or a related field.
• Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Must commit to the 10-week program from June 14 through August 20 and work 40 hours per week during the standard Monday–Friday work week, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
• Must be available to work onsite at the Portland headquarters office five days per week.
• Must plan no more than four total vacation days during the internship.
• Demonstrated interest in product testing, performance research, or footwear/apparel innovation.
• Familiarity with organizing and synthesizing data or feedback; experience with spreadsheets, surveys, or research tools is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly to new software and tools.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks and timelines simultaneously, including preparing presentations, reports, and other materials.
• Comfort working in a cross-functional environment and communicating with a variety of stakeholders; strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proactive, organized self-starter who can take initiative and prioritize work.
• Ability to work independently as well as 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

• Experience with spreadsheets, surveys, or research tools.
• Passion for outdoor activities, sustainability, footwear trends, or innovation.
• Creative problem-solving and interest in bringing fresh ideas to life.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and documentation of seasonal wear-test processes and workflows to promote consistency across testing rounds.
• Assist with seasonal field-testing logistics, including sample tracking, tester communications, and feedback collection.
• Build and maintain organizational tools such as trackers, calendars, and templates that support the seasonal validation calendar and testing pipeline.
• Compile and organize qualitative and quantitative feedback from wear testers into clear, structured summaries for the product team.
• Assist in preparing materials and recaps for seasonal testing reviews, including formatting insights, organizing data, and supporting presentation development.
• Support coordination with external testing partners, including field testers and labs, by helping manage scheduling, sample-intake documentation, and follow-up communications.
• Contribute to research and development of feedback tools and testing protocols for gathering athlete and consumer insights.
• Assist with logistics planning and preparation for team testing events and roundtables.

Benefits

• Product discounts.
• Subsidized cafeteria.
• Collaborative work environment and participation in a group project with other interns.
• Networking opportunities with industry experts and mentors.
• Inspiring workspace.

What This Job Offers

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