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3D Footwear Jobs in Irvine, CA (NOW HIRING)

Numeric Footwear Design Apprentice

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

This role focuses on our Numeric Footwear, our skateboarding focused category. You will experience ... Experience in 3D a plus, you will be required to bring a strong desire to learn. * Strong ...

Associate Industrial Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... footwear. This role contributes to the full product creation process-from concept generation and ... Develop and refine 3D CAD models to explore form, function, ergonomics, and manufacturability.

Associate Industrial Designer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... footwear. This role contributes to the full product creation process-from concept generation and ... Develop and refine 3D CAD models to explore form, function, ergonomics, and manufacturability.

Mold Tech III

Foothill Ranch, CA · On-site

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... footwear, and accessories. Every day at Oakley is a chance to grow, go further and achieve more ... Experience with 3D Modeling Pay Range: 33.75 - $49.83 This posting is for an existing vacancy ...

Mold Tech III

Foothill Ranch, CA

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... footwear, and accessories. Every day at Oakley is a chance to grow, go further and achieve more ... Experience with 3D Modeling Pay Range: 33.75 - $49.83 This posting is for an existing vacancy ...

Mold Tech III

Foothill Ranch, CA

$20.75 - $26.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... footwear, and accessories. Every day at Oakley is a chance to grow, go further and achieve more ... Experience with 3D Modeling Pay Range: 33.75 - $49.83 This posting is for an existing vacancy ...

Oakley - Quality Sr Engineer (APQP)

Foothill Ranch, CA

$109K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... footwear, and accessories. Every day at Oakley is a chance to grow, go further and achieve more ... Mold Flow Analysis software knowledge * CAD and 3D modeling software knowledge * Experience with ...

3D Footwear information

See Irvine, CA salary details

$42.4K

$84.2K

$133.6K

How much do 3d footwear jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for 3d footwear in Irvine, CA is $84,231.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,800.00 and $105,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a 3D footwear designer?

3D Footwear designers are professionals who use digital modeling and rendering tools to create virtual prototypes of shoes. They leverage 3D design software to visualize, test, and refine footwear concepts before physical production. This process helps streamline development, reduce costs, and enables faster iterations. 3D Footwear designers often work closely with product developers, engineers, and marketing teams to bring innovative shoe designs to market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 3D footwear designer?

To excel as a 3D Footwear Designer, you need a strong background in industrial or fashion design, proficiency in 3D modeling, and a solid understanding of footwear construction principles. Mastery of tools like Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, Blender, or similar 3D software, along with experience in rapid prototyping or 3D printing, is highly valued. Creativity, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are essential soft skills for producing innovative and market-ready designs. These skills ensure that footwear concepts are both functional and aesthetically appealing, meeting consumer demands and industry standards.

How does a 3D footwear designer typically collaborate with product development and manufacturing teams?

A 3D Footwear Designer regularly works alongside product development and manufacturing teams to translate creative concepts into production-ready models. This collaboration often involves sharing and refining 3D prototypes, addressing feedback on fit, function, and manufacturability, and ensuring design feasibility within technical constraints. Effective communication and the ability to quickly iterate on digital samples are essential, as designers help bridge the gap between initial design vision and mass production. Team meetings, digital asset sharing, and collaborative problem-solving are common parts of the workflow.

What is the difference between 3D Footwear vs 3D Shoe Designer?

Aspect3D Footwear3D Shoe Designer
CredentialsDesign software proficiency, footwear industry knowledgeDesign software proficiency, footwear industry knowledge
Work EnvironmentManufacturing, prototyping, 3D modelingDesign studios, CAD environments
Industry UsageProduct development, manufacturingConcept creation, design development

Both roles require skills in 3D modeling software and footwear industry understanding. 3D Footwear focuses on creating physical prototypes and manufacturing-ready models, while 3D Shoe Designers primarily develop conceptual designs and visualizations. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in their focus on production versus design development.

What are popular job titles related to 3D Footwear jobs in Irvine, CA?

For 3D Footwear jobs in Irvine, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching 3D Footwear jobs in Irvine, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for 3D Footwear jobs in Irvine, CA are:

What cities near Irvine, CA are hiring for 3D Footwear jobs?

Cities near Irvine, CA with the most 3D Footwear job openings:

Infographic showing various 3D Footwear job openings in Irvine, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,231 per year, or $40.5 per hour.

Numeric Footwear Design Apprentice

New Balance

Long Beach, CA • On-site

$33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago


New Balance rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 104 rated fashion retailers


Job description

Who We Are:
Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.
The New Balance design team is a closely connected global community united by a common pursuit of setting the standard for product quality, this our legacy to uphold through a balance of innovation and craftsmanship. The NB Apprenticeship serves as a talent pipeline, with a mission to provide the future of our industry with firsthand industry experiences and an environment to develop professionally while honing their craft.
The Role.
You will be an instrumental part of the global design community and your category team. This role focuses on our Numeric Footwear, our skateboarding focused category. You will experience, learn and contribute to all aspects of our culture and the design process (including but not limited to research, ideation, designing and assisting design, presentations, gathering feedback, tech packs, reviews, revising and refining projects). You will be part of the apprentice community attending learning capsules, expanding your technical and soft skills and creating a personal project that will showcase your skills.
Key Partners.
Global Design and Category Product (Design, Product Management, Development) and Apprentice team.
Requirements for Success:
  • Understanding of skateboarding culture, footwear, and overall style.
  • Well-rounded color and material perspective with skate-focused needs.
  • Collaborative individual that seeks out, navigates and actions feedback with ease.
  • Action oriented with ability to track key dates and deliverables.
  • Team player that takes on any task no matter how big or small.
  • Obsesses product details that meet brand quality standards and consider environmental impact. • High level of taste with ability creating original concepts that exude NB quality and craftsmanship. • Awareness of the trend, culture and design landscape.
  • Brings curiosity and a commitment to continually learning, growing and refining skill set.
  • Ability to prepare and deliver compelling presentations to different audiences.
  • Motivated self-starter with entrepreneurial spirit.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, is mandatory; you are required to learn prior to start date.
  • Experience in 3D a plus, you will be required to bring a strong desire to learn.
  • Strong Communication and Storytelling skills (visual and verbal)
  • BA or BS degree in Industrial Design or Product Design
  • A portfolio link or attachment included in your application

Requirements: Office
• This is a hybrid position - we are in office three days a week, Tues Wed and Thursday.
Long Beach, CA Only Pay Range: $33.00 - $33.00 - $33.00 Hourly (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)
Regular Associate Benefits
Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks - opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs - that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You'll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword - it's part of our culture.
Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.
Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.
Flexible Work Schedule
For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced "Work from Anywhere" (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.
Equal Opportunity Employer
New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.

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