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Entry Level Footwear Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Director, Footwear Development Location: Portland, Oregon Your Opportunity at ARC'TERYX: As our Footwear Developer 2 you will manage highly technical and complex footwear products from design ...

Senior Director, Footwear Development Location: Portland, Oregon Your Opportunity at ARC'TERYX: As our Footwear Developer 2 you will manage highly technical and complex footwear products from design ...

Senior Director, Footwear Development Location: Portland, Oregon Your Opportunity at ARC'TERYX: As our Footwear Developer 2 you will manage highly technical and complex footwear products from design ...

Product Development Analyst

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Product Development Analyst (SMU & Fit/Wear Testing) Position Overview The Product Development ... Plan, coordinate, and execute fit and wear testing protocols across footwear styles. * Evaluate ...

Product Development Analyst

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Product Development Analyst (SMU & Fit/Wear Testing) Position Overview The Product Development ... Plan, coordinate, and execute fit and wear testing protocols across footwear styles. * Evaluate ...

Product Development Analyst

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Product Development Analyst (SMU & Fit/Wear Testing) Position Overview The Product Development ... Plan, coordinate, and execute fit and wear testing protocols across footwear styles. * Evaluate ...

Act as the key point of contact for our Asia teammates and ensure that communication during the product development and manufacturing process is clear and accurate. Lead footwear product excellence ...

Vice President, Product Development & Engineering, Footwear Location: Portland, Oregon Your Opportunity at ARC'TERYX: As our Footwear Materials Manager you will lead our Materials Development team ...

Footwear Materials Manager

Portland, OR · On-site

$107K - $134K/yr

Vice President, Product Development & Engineering, Footwear Location: Portland, Oregon Your Opportunity at ARC'TERYX: As our Footwear Materials Manager you will lead our Materials Development team ...

Vice President, Product Development & Engineering, Footwear Location: Portland, Oregon Your Opportunity at ARC'TERYX: As our Footwear Materials Manager you will lead our Materials Development team ...

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Entry Level Footwear Product Development information

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How much do entry level footwear product development jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level footwear product development in the United States is $24.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is entry level footwear product development?

Entry level footwear product development involves assisting in the creation and improvement of shoes, working under the guidance of more experienced designers and developers. Individuals in this role typically help with tasks such as sourcing materials, creating prototypes, coordinating with manufacturers, and conducting market research. This position is ideal for those starting their careers in the footwear industry and provides foundational experience in design, production, and project management. Strong communication, organization, and an eye for detail are important skills for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level footwear product development professionals, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level footwear product developers often face challenges such as rapidly learning technical terminology, understanding the product lifecycle, and balancing creative ideas with practical manufacturing constraints. Collaborating closely with experienced designers, engineers, and sourcing teams can help new hires bridge knowledge gaps. Proactively seeking feedback, staying organized, and being open to learning from mistakes are effective strategies for overcoming these hurdles and contributing value to the product development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level footwear product development professional?

To thrive in Entry Level Footwear Product Development, you typically need a background in design, textiles, or engineering, along with a solid understanding of product development processes. Familiarity with CAD software, prototyping tools, and knowledge of materials or manufacturing systems is highly valuable. Creativity, strong attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities ensure the development of innovative, high-quality footwear products that meet consumer needs and align with brand objectives.

What is the difference between Entry Level Footwear Product Development vs Entry Level Apparel Product Development?

AspectEntry Level Footwear Product DevelopmentEntry Level Apparel Product Development
Required CredentialsDegree in fashion, design, or related field; knowledge of footwear materials and manufacturingDegree in fashion, design, or related field; understanding of textiles and apparel construction
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, and supplier meetingsDesign studios, production facilities, and supplier interactions
Industry UsagePrimarily in footwear brands and manufacturersPrimarily in clothing and apparel brands and manufacturers

While both roles involve product development and require similar educational backgrounds, Entry Level Footwear Product Development focuses on footwear-specific materials and manufacturing processes, whereas Entry Level Apparel Product Development centers on textiles and clothing construction. The work environments are similar, but the product focus differs based on industry specialization.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Footwear Product Development jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Footwear Product Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Footwear Product Development jobs? The most popular types of Footwear Product Development jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Footwear Product Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Footwear Product Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Footwear Product Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Footwear Product Development jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Footwear Product Development job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,854 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Footwear Product Developer 2

ARC'TERYX

Portland, OR

$82K - $103K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Arc'teryx rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

DepartmentFootwear Supply Chain 

Reports to: Senior Director, Footwear Development 

Location:  Portland, Oregon 

Your Opportunity at ARC'TERYX: 
As our Footwear Developer 2 you will manage highly technical and complex footwear products from design phase through to production readiness. Using your technical development expertise, collaborative working style and solutions-oriented approach you will collaborate with our Design, Product Management, Engineering, Materials Development, and Manufacturing teams to deliver the most innovative products to the mountain athlete.  

This role is based out of our Portland office and is expected to be performed on-location.  

Meet Your Future Team: 

 Our Product Creation team is a dynamic group spread across the globe.  It sits within our Supply Chain organization and is a center of excellence partner with our Footwear Business Unit. The Arc'teryx Footwear team creates innovative, aesthetically striking product that exceeds the core mountain athlete's outdoors needs across climbing, hiking, and trail running categories. We are builders, problem solvers and passionate outdoor enthusiasts. Fueled by curiosity, we take an immersive approach to identifying our athlete's future needs - then, build, test, and validate products that solve for real functional challenges. We are a passionate collective with a focus on collaborative teamwork, and our vision is to redefine the industry. 

If you were in the Footwear Product Developer 2 role now, here are some of the core activities you would be doing:
  • Executing the development of product from the initial design phase through product confirmation.   

  • Closely collaborating with our materials development and engineering teams  

  • Influencing the product creation process to ensure our performance, costing, and manufacturing targets are hit.   

  • Focusing heavily on new materials development (uppers and bottoms) 

  • Working with our Tier 1 and Tier 2 partners to ensure flawless execution of our model-level strategies. 

  • Creating and maintaining accurate documentation of Bill of Material (BOM) and technical specifications  

  • Ensuring adherence to our product creation timelines. 

  • Engaging with functional and extended teams to align with and support engineering best practices to deliver on product performance goals, guest and athlete requirements 

  • Ensuring accurate cost estimates and verifying that price targets are achievable to meet and/or exceed our financial targets. 

  • Communicating opportunities for process improvement with a lean-forward attitude to drive evolution within our footwear product creation processes 

Are you our next Footwear Product Developer 2?
 
  • You have seven years' experience in footwear product development, materials development, engineering or manufacturing. 
  • You have an undergraduate degree in engineering or other technical field OR equivalent industry training, certification, or related business experience 

  • You are familiar with Centric, Plasma, PCX or other footwear materials management systems 

  • You are a proven collaborator and problem solver. 

  • You communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. 

  • You have experience in product costing, cost solutions and negotiation skills 

  • You have a fundamental understanding of pattern engineering, tooling engineering and manufacturing processes. 

  • You are able to interpret technical drawings in 2D and 3D 

  • You demonstrate initiative, agility and commitment 

  • You are proactive in identifying the root cause of issues and developing solutions 

  • You are goal driven with a results-oriented attitude 

  • You effectively balance autonomy and collaboration 

  • You remain highly flexible and adaptable when faced with ambiguity 

  • You inspire breakthrough thinking and continuous improvement 

  • Your passion for your work is paralleled by your passion for getting outside and living it 

  • You thrive in a fast paced, diverse, ever evolving and values led environment 

  • You seek to execute the best (sometimes not the easiest) solutions with an unwavering commitment to do right 

$82,000 - $103,000 a year

A reasonable estimate of the pay range is USD$82,000 - USD$103,000 at the time of this posting. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors such as job-related skills, relevant experience, education and/or training. The upper end of the range is typically reserved for candidates with demonstrated expertise that is above job requirements or who bring exceptional directly transferable experience.

Total Rewards

Most new team members join between the start and midpoint of the range, where you can contribute right away while continuing to grow your craft, your collaborations, and your impact at Arc'teryx. This range reflects market alignment and the scope of the role. Individual pay is determined by your skills, experience, and level of responsibility. 

We're committed to fair, equitable, and competitive pay, reviewed regularly to ensure internal alignment and market relevance. Transparency is part of how we follow through on our commitments and how we honour the value you bring to our team. 

In addition to base pay, Arc'teryx supports people through benefits designed to sustain both work and life: 

  • Health & wellbeing - Extended health, dental, and vision coverage, including mental health support, fertility benefits, and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Financial wellbeing - Immediately vested 401(k) retirement savings plan matching, eligibility for Arc'teryx Annual Incentive Plan and access to Employee Stock Purchase program (ESPP) where applicable.
  • Time & Flexibility - Paid time off and No Wasted Day program (dedicated paid days to get outside & explore).
  • Family support - Parental leave for birthing and on-birthing parents, including an option to ease the transition back to work.
  • Growth, community & gear - Professional development opportunities, Arc'teryx Academies (outdoor skill-building events),Employee Belonging Councils, and access to employee discounts and Pro Deals (exclusive discounted pricing on gear). 

*Eligibility for certain programs may vary by role. 

Equal Opportunity
 
Arc'teryx is committed to actively creating and fostering a culture of inclusivity where voices are heard, people are seen, and values are respected. We care about the uniqueness of our applicants, employees, and guests, and we do so in a safe space fueled by curiosity and acceptance. 
 
Creating an inclusive workplace is connected to our core value Do Right while also having the added benefit of helping make our business better. We believe inclusion helps us to create a healthier, happier workplace, drive creativity and innovation, and reflect the communities where we operate.  
 
All applicants, employees, and guests can expect equality of opportunity and fair treatment in alignment with our values.
 
Leave it Better
 
We believe that the mountains transform us, that how we adventure matters, and that there's always a better way. 
Join us in creating positive change in ourselves, our communities, and the world. 
 
Live it. Get out there - the mountains make us better 
Disruptive evolution. In pursuit of better. Always. 
Commit. We set bold objectives and see them through. 
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