Sr. Materials Developer - HOKA Footwear

Deckers • Portland, OR

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us. The Role As a Sr. Material Developer for HOKA Footwear, you will be a key driver in the creation of industry-leading performance materials. Your expertise will shape the future of athletic footwear, advancing sustainability and innovation while collaborating with cross-functional teams and global suppliers. You’ll proactively solve material challenges, deliver solutions, and ensure our products meet rigorous standards for performance, aesthetics, and timelines. We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.

Requirements

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in Textile Science/Development, Textile Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree is a plus)
• Bring 4+ years of relevant work experience in footwear product creation, material development, engineering, or science
• Have extensive experience working with global supplier partners and product teams including innovation, sourcing, design, manufacturing, and development
• Possess a deep understanding of footwear product creation and material manufacturing processes
• Demonstrate intermediate to advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite (Excel, Illustrator, Office, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Knowledgeable in footwear materials and processes such as knits, wovens, non-wovens, leather, synthetics, manufacturing, test methods, and post processing
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated with active follow-through
• Excellent team player with strong interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
• Able to handle competing priorities and tight deadlines
• Skilled at interpreting design intent and conceptual briefing to provide material recommendations
• Capable of interpreting material test results for end-use application in performance footwear
• Aware of insights and trends in the footwear industry or comparable industries
• Willing and able to travel up to 20% of the time, both domestically and internationally

Responsibilities

• Provide technical material advice throughout the product creation cycle, including prototyping, product briefing, design reviews, and development sample gates
• Partner with material design to advance key seasonal material strategies through concepting, research, development, and vendor technologies
• Collaborate with product design, development, engineering, innovation, and product management to identify appropriate materials for manufacturing
• Anticipate and resolve material manufacturing challenges, offering alternatives and solutions to mitigate product risk
• Lead vendor communication and maintain deep understanding of supplier capabilities and expertise
• Execute and drive material development deadlines to support seasonal product calendars, ensuring timely testing and commercialization
• Advance opportunities for new and approved materials that meet performance, aesthetics, sustainability, cost, and sourcing needs
• Create and update material data in product lifecycle management systems for timely CAD handoffs
• Partner with sourcing and procurement teams to ensure visibility to concerns or issues during the product creation cycle

Benefits

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.
• Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
• Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees’ needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
• Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras
• Growth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That’s why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Health and Wellness - There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees