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Entry Level Footwear Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caleres

Specialist, Product Development

New York, NY · On-site

$66K - $70K/yr

Join our dynamic and thriving footwear company as a Product Development Specialist in New York City where you'll have the opportunity to make an impact and shape the future of our renowned brands. If ...

caleres

Specialist, Product Development

New York, NY · On-site

Join our dynamic and thriving footwear company as a Product Development Specialist in New York City where you'll have the opportunity to make an impact and shape the future of our renowned brands. If ...

Kith

Assistant, Product Development

New York, NY · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Working closely with Product Development, Design, Production, and cross-functional teams, this role ... and footwear through a distinct lens of personal storytelling. Kith embodies a multi-faceted ...

Kith

Assistant, Product Development

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Working closely with Product Development, Design, Production, and cross-functional teams, this role ... and footwear through a distinct lens of personal storytelling. Kith embodies a multi-faceted ...

Tapestry, Inc.

Coordinator, Product Development

New York, NY · On-site

$26.25 - $32.75/hr

... footwear, home décor, and more. Known for its rich heritage and unique brand DNA, Kate Spade New ... Primary Purpose The Coordinator of Product Development supports the development process ...

Tapestry, Inc.

Coordinator, Product Development

New York, NY · On-site

$26.25 - $32.75/hr

... footwear, home decor, and more. Known for its rich heritage and unique brand DNA, Kate Spade New ... Primary Purpose The Coordinator of Product Development supports the development process ...

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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 Jun 12, 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 professionals in footwear product development, 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, and why are they important?

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:
Entry Level Footwear Product Development jobs near you
Associate Technical Designer - Footwear

Associate Technical Designer - Footwear

Weissman

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Description
ABOUT US
At Weissman, located in St. Louis, Missouri, we've been the heartbeat of the dance community for 60 incredible years. As a privately held, medium-sized company, we're not just another manufacturer - we're the driving force behind the dance industry's most stunning costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house, infusing passion and expertise into every creation.
What drives us? Our extraordinary team! We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly investing in our people, products, and technology to stay ahead.
Why join us? Because here, you're not just an employee - you're a valued member of a passionate community dedicated to making dreams a reality. We're not just creating costumes and dancewear; we're empowering performances, sparking creativity, and celebrating the artistry of dance.
If you're ready to unleash your creativity, be part of something bigger, and make an impact in an exciting, dynamic industry, Weissman is the place for you. Come, let's dance towards a future where dreams take center stage.
JOB TITLE
Associate Technical Designer - Footwear
LOCATION
St. Louis, Missouri (Hybrid)
HYBRID POLICY
70% On-Site
30% Work-from-Home
JOB SUMMARY
Do you love the intersection of product craftsmanship, technical precision, and performance design? Weissman is looking for an Associate Technical Designer - Footwear to help bring high-quality dance and performance footwear to life for performers around the world.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys digging into the details of footwear construction, fit, and development while working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. From technical package creation and fit sessions to vendor communication and sample management, you'll play an important role in ensuring our footwear products meet Weissman's standards for fit, functionality, quality, and performance. If you're highly organized, technically curious, and excited about the product development process from concept through commercialization, we'd love to meet you.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Initiate and maintain daily communication with vendors regarding technical specifications, construction details, materials, and required updates
  • Create and maintain technical packages using technical sketches, specifications, construction details, POMs, and Weissman fitting standards
  • Update technical packages throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring all comments, revisions, and updates remain accurate and organized
  • Request, track, and manage prototypes, fit samples, confirmation samples, pre-production samples, and additional development samples
  • Coordinate testing and material analysis requests to verify product functionality, performance, and adherence to Weissman quality standards
  • Continually identify and maintain children's and adult fit models by visiting studios, measuring feet, and documenting sizing information
  • Maintain development tracking systems and timelines to support accessible, reportable product development information
  • Organize and manage model fit sessions, scheduling, and associated billing documentation
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and offshore vendors to support timely product development and launches
  • Manage multiple priorities while adhering to development calendars, deadlines, and product launch timelines

QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, or a related field, or equivalent experience
Experience
  • 1 to 3 years of experience in technical footwear design or footwear product development
  • Experience supporting shoe development and production processes from concept through commercialization
  • Preferred experience working with PDM/PLM or other software-based specification systems

Knowledge, Skills + Abilities
  • Knowledge of shoe development and production processes, including spec revisions, technical sketching, measuring, fitting, and multiple shoe constructions
  • Understanding of footwear testing, prototyping, manufacturing principles, and the basics of product costing
  • Ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively with offshore vendors and internal partners
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and AI tools/models
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent written communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills
  • Self-motivated with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and unique situations
  • Dance experience is a plus

WHAT DO WE OFFER?
At Weissman, we take care of our people. Full-time salaried employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision (100% employer-paid), dental, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). We offer a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, as well as Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Time away from work is important too-we provide generous Paid Time Off (PTO), four floating holidays annually, and nine company-observed holidays. Our benefits also include paid parental and adoption leave, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential support resources, and access to wellness and mental health services. Benefits begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

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