Product Developer, Innovation

Vibram Corporation•Boston, MA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

At Vibram, the Product Developer, Innovation helps bring next-generation technologies and product concepts to life at the intersection of innovation, product development, materials research, and footwear performance. The position supports both the Sport & Outdoor and Work & Industrial business units, developing insight-driven innovations from concept ideation and proof of concept through prototype creation and validation. The role is based in Boston, Massachusetts, primarily at the Vibram Innovation Lab, and requires weekly collaboration at Vibram’s manufacturing facility in North Brookfield, Massachusetts. It involves working with global design and development teams across Asia, Italy, and North America, and traveling as needed for customer visits, market exploration, and collaboration with global factories.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Applied Sciences, Product Development, or a related technical field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
2 to 6+ years of experience in footwear product development or a related product innovation environment.
Strong technical understanding of outsole development, molds, tooling, and soling components.
Ability to interpret and analyze complex blueprints, 2D and 3D files, technical documentation, and material specifications.
Proficiency in CAD software and digital product development tools.
Working knowledge of footwear construction, materials, lasts, molds, compounds, and basic foot anatomy.
Ability to balance multiple projects, stakeholders, priorities, and deadlines in a global organization.
Strong presentation and communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to cross-functional teams and leadership.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and product development management systems.
Positive attitude, collaborative approach, enthusiasm for innovation and continuous learning, self-direction, strong problem-solving capabilities, and a drive for excellence.

Nice To Haves

Prototyping experience and a hands-on maker mindset; willingness to build, test, and bring concepts to life.
Experience with Rhino, Grasshopper, Gravity Sketch, KeyShot, or similar digital design and visualization tools.
Experience using Bambu and/or Formlabs 3D printers.
Makerspace, prototyping, fabrication, or rapid-iteration experience; willingness to learn is also valued.
Experience working with Asia-based manufacturing partners or factories.

Responsibilities

Develop innovation projects as part of the Vibram US-based Innovation team, focusing on near-term innovations with a 3–5 year go-to-market horizon.
Support insight-led innovation programs aligned to milestone-based roadmaps developed with Innovation, Marketing, and Sales for the Global Outdoor and Work Industrial business units.
Manage innovation product development projects from brief and design through final prototyping and sample creation.
Apply technical knowledge of footwear sole blueprints and mold development.
Use knowledge of manufacturing processes and product lifecycle stages to inform development decisions.
Collaborate with design, development, insight marketing, and key stakeholders through the Product Creation Triad communication process to solve problems and advance projects.
Analyze technical drawings, lab tests, patterns, components, and lasts to identify issues and drive timely resolutions.
Coordinate timely creation, delivery, and approval of technical information, including 2D and 3D files, blueprints, and cost sheets.
Use makerspace and factory-floor R&D equipment, where applicable, to create prototypes, concepts, and solutions supporting Vibram’s innovation roadmap.
Create prototypes using traditional and current model-making methods.
Balance time-sensitive in-line development deliverables with longer-range, stage-gate innovation initiatives.
Travel as needed for customer visits, market exploration, and collaboration with global factories in North America, Asia-Pacific, and Italy.