Performance Testing & Validation Intern

KEEN Footwear•Portland, OR

1d•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 building and refining seasonal processes and workflows for product testing and validation. The role includes hands-on participation in wear-test logistics, feedback organization and analysis, and preparation of materials to help the product team evaluate and improve performance footwear. This is a 10-week, onsite internship running from June 14 through August 20. The intern is expected to work 40 hours per week during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and may take no more than four total vacation days during the program. Compensation is $22 per hour. KEEN describes its intern program as offering meaningful project work, collaboration with teammates and other interns, networking opportunities with industry experts and mentors, product discounts, a subsidized cafeteria, and an inspiring workspace. Interns can also experience Portland’s outdoor activities and community.

Requirements

Be a junior, senior, or graduate student enrolled in an accredited college or university, or have recently graduated from one.
Be pursuing or have recently completed a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, Biomechanics, Exercise Science, Sports Science, Product Management, or a related field.
Be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
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.
Be available to work onsite in the office five days per week.
Plan no more than four total vacation days 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.
Show strong attention to detail, including in preparing presentations, reports, and other materials.
Have strong organization skills and the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and timelines.
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

Demonstrated interest in product testing, performance research, or footwear and apparel innovation.
Familiarity with organizing and synthesizing data or feedback; experience with spreadsheets, surveys, or research tools is a plus.
Passion for outdoor activities, sustainability, footwear trends, or innovation.
Creativity, a proactive attitude, curiosity, and eagerness to learn.

Responsibilities

Support the development and documentation of seasonal wear-test processes and workflows.
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 for the seasonal validation calendar and testing pipeline.
Compile and organize qualitative and quantitative wear-tester feedback into structured summaries for the product team.
Help prepare materials and recaps for seasonal testing reviews by formatting insights, organizing data, and supporting presentation development.
Support coordination with external testing partners, including field testers and labs, through 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.