HOKA · 2 days ago
Materials Developer I - HOKA Footwear
Portland, OR
Full-time
Hybrid
New Grad, Entry Level
0+ years expHOKA is a brand under Deckers Brands focused on performance footwear, and they are seeking a Materials Developer I to support the product creation process. The role involves executing seasonal material developments, collaborating with design and development teams, and ensuring quality and consistency across projects.
E-CommerceFashionWellnessSportsApparelFitnessShoesSporting Goods
Responsibilities
Support technical material development for HOKA performance footwear throughout the product creation cycle, including prototyping, product briefing, design reviews, and development sample gates
Assist the material design team in advancing key seasonal material strategies through concepting, research, development, and vendor technologies
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure clear communication of material selections, timelines, and testing needs
Capture and relay feedback between teams and suppliers to drive continuous improvement
Coordinate with vendors to track samples, maintain and organize the material studio, and support testing and commercialization of materials
Learn and grow technical knowledge of material types, testing standards, and supplier capabilities to take on more ownership within seasonal development cycles
Gather and organize material options that align with product goals for performance, aesthetics, sustainability, cost, and regional sourcing
Prepare materials for team reviews and key milestones, maintaining accurate records in product lifecycle management systems
Work alongside sourcing and procurement teams to log vendor updates, track open issues, and escalate concerns to ensure alignment during the product creation process
Analyze, research, and communicate with international suppliers to identify new technologies and supplier expertise
Interpret, translate, and analyze material test results to ensure performance durability metrics are met
Advance and incorporate new technologies, machines, yarns, and sustainability initiatives into the seasonal calendar
Qualification
Required
Hold a Bachelor's degree in Textile Science/Development, Textile Engineering, or a related field; a Master's degree is a plus
Bring 0-2 years of relevant work experience, which may include footwear product creation, material development, engineering, or science
Have a basic understanding or strong interest in footwear materials and construction, including textiles, synthetics, and manufacturing methods
Are familiar with tools such as Excel, Adobe Illustrator, PowerPoint, or similar platforms for organizing data and communicating ideas
Demonstrate strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to follow through on assigned tasks
Possess a collaborative mindset and are comfortable working with cross-functional teams and taking direction from more experienced team members
Eager to learn how to interpret design intent and apply materials to footwear performance needs
Interested in growing technical knowledge around testing, sustainability, footwear development, and material performance
Have key awareness of insights and trends for the footwear industry or comparable industries
Able to travel up to 10% of the time, both domestically and internationally
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.
Company
HOKA
HOKA manufactures and provides footwear and apparel for gym and fitness.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Jean-Luc Diard
Co Founder / President Hoka Europe / VP Advanced Product development
Nicolas Mermoud
Founder
Recent News
2026-02-12
Media OutReach Newswire
2026-01-24
Footwear News
2025-12-02
Company data provided by crunchbase