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HOKA · 2 weeks ago

Sr. Materials Developer - HOKA Footwear

Portland, OR

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

8+ years exp

HOKA is a part of Deckers Brands, committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and delivering exceptional business results. The Senior Materials Developer will lead the innovation and development of advanced materials for performance footwear, collaborating with various teams to ensure the highest standards of quality and sustainability are met.

ApparelE-CommerceFitnessShoesSporting Goods

Responsibilities

Lead the development of advanced materials for performance footwear, ensuring alignment with product goals and timelines

Drive in-line innovation by identifying and incorporating new technologies, machines, and sustainable materials

Partner with material design to advance key seasonal material strategies through concepting, research, development, and vendor collaboration

Serve as the go-to expert for materials, providing guidance throughout all stages of product creation

Collaborate cross-functionally with design, development, engineering, innovation, and product management to identify optimal material usage

Lead vendor communication and leverage deep understanding of supplier capabilities

Execute and drive material development deadlines to support seasonal product calendars, ensuring timely commercialization

Anticipate and resolve material-related challenges, providing alternative solutions that maintain product integrity and timelines

Advance opportunities for new and approved materials that meet performance, aesthetic, sustainability, cost, and sourcing needs

Create and update preliminary material data in product lifecycle management systems for on-time CAD handoffs

Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior team members

Partner with sourcing and procurement to ensure visibility to concerns or issues during the product creation cycle

Interpret material test results to ensure materials meet HOKA’s performance, durability, and aesthetic standards

Qualification

Advanced materials developmentFootwear product creationMaterial manufacturing knowledgeMicrosoft Office proficiencyAdobe Creative Suite proficiencyManage prioritiesIndustry insights awarenessProblem-solving skillsCommunication skillsDetail-oriented

Required

Bachelor's degree in Textile Science/Development, Textile Engineering, or related field

8+ years of relevant experience in footwear product creation, material development, engineering, or science

Extensive knowledge of footwear materials and processes, including knits, wovens, non-wovens, leather, synthetics, manufacturing, test methods, and post-processing

Proven experience working with global supplier partners and cross-functional product teams

Deep understanding of footwear product creation and material manufacturing

Track record of developing advanced performance materials and managing material development projects

Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite (Excel, Illustrator, Office, Outlook, PowerPoint)

Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated with strong follow-through

Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to address technical material challenges

Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally

Ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines

Ability to interpret design intent and provide material recommendations

Awareness of industry insights and trends

Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally