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Footwear Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AKIRA

Footwear Product Developer

Chicago, IL

Footwear Product Developer Brand: AZALEA WANG Reports to: Head of Product & Design for Wholesale, Azalea Wang The Role We're looking for a Footwear Product Developer who lives at the intersection of ...

Deckers

Sr. Product Developer - UGG Footwear

Goleta, CA · Hybrid

$87K - $118K/yr

Job Title: Sr. Product Developer - UGG Footwear Reports to: Sr. Director, Product Development & Engineering - UGG Footwear Location: Goleta, CA - Hybrid The Role As Senior Product Developer - UGG ...

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How much do footwear developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for footwear developer in the United States is $60.02, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.57 and $71.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Footwear Developer?

As a Footwear Developer, your daily responsibilities often include collaborating with design teams to translate concepts into technical drawings, selecting appropriate materials, creating prototypes, and working closely with manufacturers to address production issues. You'll regularly review and refine footwear samples, ensuring they meet both design intent and quality standards, while adhering to cost and timeline constraints. The role also involves communicating cross-functionally with departments such as marketing, merchandising, and supply chain to ensure product feasibility and commercial success. This hands-on and collaborative work environment requires adaptability and a proactive approach to problem solving.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Footwear Developer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Footwear Developer, you need a strong background in footwear design, material science, and product development, typically gained through a degree in industrial or fashion design and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and prototyping techniques, along with knowledge of footwear manufacturing processes, is frequently required. Creativity, attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration skills help set candidates apart. These skills ensure that innovative, functional, and market-ready footwear products are developed efficiently in sync with design, engineering, and production teams.

What is a Footwear Developer job?

A Footwear Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the production of footwear products. They collaborate with designers, material suppliers, and manufacturers to ensure shoes meet performance, aesthetic, and cost requirements. The role involves prototyping, testing, and refining footwear designs to improve comfort, durability, and functionality. Footwear Developers also stay updated on industry trends and innovations to create market-ready products.

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Footwear Developer jobs near you
Footwear Product Developer

Footwear Product Developer

AKIRA

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago

Akira rating

5.7

Company rating: 5.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Company: AKIRA

About AKIRA & Azalea Wang
AKIRA is a fast-fashion powerhouse fueled by speed, creativity, and hustle. At Azalea Wang, we move fast, think big, and work collaboratively. Everyone has a voice here, ideas are encouraged, and self-starters thrive. We’re a tight-knit, high-energy team that shows up every day ready to push product forward together.
Footwear Product Developer
Brand: AZALEA WANG
Reports to: Head of Product & Design for Wholesale, Azalea Wang

The Role
We’re looking for a Footwear Product Developer who lives at the intersection of design, development, and execution. This role is critical to bringing bold Azalea Wang footwear and accessories from concept to line sample, on time and on margin. You’ll partner closely with Design, Product, Buyers/Sales, and external manufacturing partners to ensure product is executed with speed, accuracy, and quality in a true fast-fashion environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Partner with the Product Assistant to manage and maintain the footwear and accessories material library, organized for self-service across product and cross-functional teams.

  • Collaborate with Design at concept stage to identify and source new materials and constructions.

  • Manage the full product lifecycle from concept submission through final line sample delivery, following critical path deadlines and communicating closely with Design, Sales, and cross-functional partners.

  • Create and submit detailed, accurate tech packs to external manufacturing partners to ensure clear execution aligned with design intent.

  • Own seasonal assortment tools by vendor across all product categories.

  • Manage all design and development deliverables, ensuring internal deadlines are met to support on-time external execution.

  • Assist the Merchandising Manager with product and material cost negotiations to achieve target LDP margins.

  • Own the fit and development process, partnering with Product to identify and recommend improvements in aesthetics, fit, and quality.

  • Run fit sessions with the Product team, taking detailed notes and photos and clearly communicating required changes to vendors.

  • Identify second proto needs and required wear testing for high-risk styles and new constructions, ensuring clear communication with factories.

  • Partner with Design to own and maintain accurate, up-to-date linesheets.

  • Ensure a clean and thorough handoff of all pending development to the Production team upon PO placement to streamline communication by function.

  • Proactively identify and solve development bottlenecks, material issues, and costing challenges.

  • Support system and data management, including PLM updates and ad hoc reporting as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

  • 3–5 years of experience in footwear product development.

  • Deep understanding of footwear construction, materials, components, and manufacturing processes.

  • Familiarity with footwear and accessory materials and material performance standards.

  • Strong project management and exceptional organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.

  • Highly detail-oriented with a proven ability to meet tight deadlines and cost targets.

  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, both internally and with external partners.

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly across broader teams.

  • Experience working in PLM systems (Centric preferred).

  • Proficiency in Adobe Suite and Google Suite.

  • Self-starter mentality with a collaborative, team-first attitude.

Why You’ll Love It Here

  • Fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where ideas move quickly into product.

  • Collaborative culture where everyone’s voice matters.

  • High visibility role with real ownership and impact.

  • Opportunity to build bold, fashion-forward footwear at scale.

If you thrive in a high-energy environment, love problem-solving, and are passionate about footwear development, Azalea Wang at AKIRA is the place to hustle, grow, and make your mark.