ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Footwear Engineer 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 ...

Nike

Lead Footwear Materials Developer, Energy

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$61.50 - $80.50/hr

The Lead Materials Developer works cross-functionally across Energy Footwear, collaborates directly with external material vendors, and mentors junior materials developers while reporting into senior ...

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 ...

New Balance

Senior Footwear Product Engineer

Lawrence, MA · On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

As a Senior Footwear Product Engineer in the Inline Engineering team, you will lead product engineering efforts and develop new products with the Product Creation team across all categories. You will ...

New Balance

Senior Footwear Product Engineer

Lawrence, MA · On-site

$99K - $129K/yr

As a Senior Footwear Product Engineer in the Inline Engineering team, you will lead product engineering efforts and develop new products with the Product Creation team across all categories. You will ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFootwear Engineer Jobs

Footwear Engineer information

See salary details

$24K

$108K

$172K

How much do footwear engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for footwear engineer in the United States is $107,956.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $133,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Footwear Engineer job?

A Footwear Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing footwear to ensure performance, comfort, durability, and manufacturability. They work with materials, biomechanics, and production processes to create innovative and functional footwear. Their role involves collaborating with designers, researchers, and manufacturers to optimize designs based on consumer needs and industry trends.

What does a typical day look like for a Footwear Engineer?

As a Footwear Engineer, your day could involve collaborating with designers to refine product concepts, selecting appropriate materials, and using CAD software to develop prototypes. You may also participate in meetings with production teams to address manufacturing challenges, run tests on new materials, and analyze prototypes for durability and comfort. Regular communication with cross-functional teams—such as marketing, supply chain, and quality assurance—is common to ensure that final products meet both functional and aesthetic standards. This dynamic environment offers variety and the chance to see your ideas go from concept to finished product.

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

To thrive as a Footwear Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, materials science, and product design, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, and knowledge of manufacturing processes and industry standards is essential. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These qualifications enable Footwear Engineers to design innovative, functional, and marketable footwear while meeting quality and production requirements.

More about Footwear Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Footwear Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Footwear Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Footwear Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Footwear Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Footwear Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Footwear Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Footwear Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Footwear Engineer jobs are:
Footwear Engineer jobs near you
Footwear Product Developer

Footwear Product Developer

AKIRA

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Posted yesterday

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.