ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Footwear Technical Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Macy's

Senior Designer, Footwear

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$94K - $156K/yr

The Senior Designer is a highly skilled footwear designer and category expert who combines strong creative talent with technical product expertise and leadership capabilities. This role partners ...

ARC'TERYX

Footwear Product Developer 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$82K - $103K/yr

Department : Footwear Supply Chain Reports to: Senior Director, Footwear Development Location ... Using your technical development expertise, collaborative working style and solutions-oriented ...

ARC'TERYX

Footwear Product Developer 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$82K - $103K/yr

Department : Footwear Supply Chain Reports to: Senior Director, Footwear Development Location ... Using your technical development expertise, collaborative working style and solutions-oriented ...

Macy's

Senior Designer, Footwear

Manhattan, NY

$94K - $156K/yr

The Senior Designer is a highly skilled footwear designer and category expert who combines strong creative talent with technical product expertise and leadership capabilities. This role partners ...

ARC'TERYX

Footwear Product Developer 2

Portland, OR · On-site

$82K - $103K/yr

Department : Footwear Supply Chain Reports to: Senior Director, Footwear Development Location ... Using your technical development expertise, collaborative working style and solutions-oriented ...

Vfc

Altra: Footwear Designer II

Denver, CO · On-site

Position: Footwear Designer II What will you do? A day in the life of a Footwear Designer II at ... Learn new skills and stay abreast of technical and digital design developments and successfully ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsFootwear Technical Jobs

Footwear Technical information

See salary details

$19K

$44.3K

$76.5K

How much do footwear technical jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for footwear technical in the United States is $44,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $44,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Footwear Technical vs Footwear Designer?

AspectFootwear TechnicalFootwear Designer
Required CredentialsTechnical certifications, engineering or manufacturing backgroundDesign degree, fashion or art background
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, quality control labsDesign studios, creative offices
Employer & Industry UsageFootwear companies, production firmsFashion brands, design houses
Common Search & ComparisonTechnical skills, manufacturing processesDesign process, creative concepts

Footwear Technical professionals focus on the technical aspects of shoe manufacturing, including materials, construction, and quality control. In contrast, Footwear Designers concentrate on the creative and aesthetic aspects, developing new styles and concepts. Both roles are essential in the footwear industry but serve different functions within the product development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a footwear technical specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Footwear Technical Specialist, you need expertise in footwear design, materials science, and manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in industrial design or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, pattern-making tools, and prototyping equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication with cross-functional teams set top performers apart. These skills ensure that footwear products are innovative, functional, and manufacturable to high-quality standards.

What is a footwear technical professional?

Footwear Technical professionals are specialists who ensure that shoes and other footwear products are designed, developed, and manufactured to meet quality, safety, and performance standards. They work closely with designers, product developers, and manufacturers to translate design concepts into functional products, focusing on fit, materials, construction methods, and testing. Their expertise helps to resolve technical issues, improve production processes, and ensure compliance with industry regulations. Ultimately, they play a vital role in bringing high-quality footwear products to market.

What are the typical challenges faced by a footwear technical professional when transitioning designs from concept to production?

Footwear Technical professionals often encounter challenges such as ensuring that the designer’s vision is maintained while making the product manufacturable and cost-effective. They must balance material selection, fit, and durability requirements with factory capabilities and production timelines. Collaborating closely with designers, developers, and manufacturers is essential to address technical issues, resolve fit or comfort concerns, and manage sample revisions before mass production. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are key to overcoming these hurdles and delivering high-quality footwear.
More about Footwear Technical jobs
What cities are hiring for Footwear Technical jobs? Cities with the most Footwear Technical job openings:
What states have the most Footwear Technical jobs? States with the most job openings for Footwear Technical jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Footwear Technical jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Footwear Technical jobs are:
Footwear Technical jobs near you
Infographic showing various Footwear Technical job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,267 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Senior Designer, Footwear

Macy's

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$94K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Macy's rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 857 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 21 rated department stores

Job description


Be Part of An Amazing Story
Macy's is more than just a store. We're a story. One that's captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions...about inspiring stores and irresistible products...about the excitement of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks, and the wonder of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We've been part of memorable moments and milestones for countless customers and colleagues. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work.
Job Overview
Macy's Design Team offers the opportunity to think, dream, and create, and we're looking for visionary leaders to join us. We value original design and create products with intent, fostering a design community that values innovation and teamwork.
The Senior Designer is a highly skilled footwear designer and category expert who combines strong creative talent with technical product expertise and leadership capabilities. This role partners closely with the Senior Director/Director of Design, Product Development, Buyers, and Vendor partners to create innovative, commercially successful footwear collections.
The Senior Designer is responsible for driving the design process from concept through production, translating trend insights into compelling products while ensuring alignment with brand strategy, customer needs, quality standards, and financial objectives. This individual serves as a key creative partner in vendor co-development, leveraging an understanding of footwear construction, materials, fit, and factory capabilities to bring best-in-class product to market.
What You Will Do
Storytelling & Trend Integration
  • Partner with Design Leadership to research and identify emerging fashion, cultural, retail, and consumer trends relevant to the footwear marketplace.
  • Translate trend insights into innovative footwear concepts, silhouettes, materials, color stories, and seasonal assortments.
  • Develop compelling design narratives that connect trend, customer needs, and brand DNA.
  • Conduct competitive shopping, market analysis, and trend reporting to identify opportunities and white space within the category.
  • Create and present concept boards, inspiration materials, design presentations, and seasonal storytelling at key milestone meetings.
  • Source inspiration from runway as well as unique outlets (museums, vintage, tradeshows, etc.)
  • Develop compelling narratives. Craft engaging stories around our footwear collections that resonate with our target audience and enhance brand connection.
  • Infuse trend into core concepts. Strategically incorporate trend elements into both new designs and the evolution of core styles, ensuring relevance and freshness while maintaining brand DNA.
  • Elevate storytelling through cross FOB connection. Drive seamless collaboration with RTW and Accessories Teams to maintain a cohesive and elevated brand aesthetic.

Footwear Design and Development
  • Design and develop footwear collections across multiple classifications including sneakers, sandals, casual, dress casual, and boots.
  • Execute the footwear design process from concept through commercialization, ensuring products meet aesthetic, functional, quality, and cost objectives.
  • Provide feedback on vendors on sketches and product concepts that clearly communicate design intent.
  • Provide expertise in footwear construction, components, materials, fit, comfort, and manufacturing techniques.
  • Participate in prototype reviews, fit sessions, wear-testing evaluations, and sample reviews, providing clear feedback and creative problem-solving.
  • Ensure product execution aligns with original design vision while meeting business requirements and development timelines.
  • Lead day-to-day collaboration with global footwear vendors to co-develop innovative product solutions, materials, constructions, and components.
  • Leverage vendor expertise and factory capabilities to identify opportunities for innovation, value engineering, and product differentiation.
  • Partner with overseas and domestic vendors throughout the development process to ensure alignment on design intent, quality expectations, and execution standards.
  • Evaluate materials, trims, hardware, and components in partnership with vendors to achieve aesthetic, functional, and cost objectives.
  • Troubleshoot development and production challenges by collaborating with Product Development, Technical Design, Sourcing, and factory partners.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of footwear manufacturing processes, factory capabilities, production limitations, and commercialization requirements.

Alignment with Cross-Functional Partners
  • Lead co-collaboration opportunities with vendors to ensure that all partners are aligned on brand DNA as well as expectations of vendor collaboration meetings.
  • Partner closely with Merchandising and Product Development teams to align product vision and assortment strategy.
  • Present designs and seasonal concepts to cross-functional teams and leadership, clearly articulating design rationale, and strategic intent.
  • React to sales performance, customer feedback, and market dynamics to refine future product direction.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining calendar deadlines and milestone deliverables.

Skills You Will Need
  • Advanced footwear design expertise across a variety of constructions and classifications.
  • Strong understanding of footwear materials, components, fit, development, and manufacturing processes.
  • Experience leading vendor co-development initiatives and collaborating with global factory partners.
  • Strong trend forecasting, storytelling, and assortment-building capabilities.
  • Exceptional color sense, material sensitivity, and aesthetic judgment.
  • Excellent sketching, CAD, and presentation skills.
  • Strong communication, influencing, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), PLM systems, Microsoft Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and Canva.

Who You Are
  • A bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or Fine Arts is preferred.
  • You have 6-8 years of relevant industry experience.
  • You have experience serving as a footwear category expert and mentor to junior designers and cross-functional partners.
  • You have the ability to influence design direction through strong product knowledge, trend expertise, and creative vision.
  • You have experience fostering collaborative relationships across teams and with external partners to drive exceptional product outcomes.
  • You operate on the pulse of Newness and have a strong desire to identify trends and react so that our brands are relevant.
  • You demonstrate curiosity, resilience, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

What We Can Offer You
Join a team where work is as rewarding as it is fun! We offer a dynamic, inclusive environment with competitive pay and benefits. Enjoy comprehensive health and wellness coverage and a 401(k) match to invest in your future. Prioritize your well-being with paid time off and eight paid holidays. Grow your career with continuous learning and leadership development. Plus, build community by joining one of our Colleague Resource Groups and make a difference through our volunteer opportunities.
Some additional benefits we offer include:
  • Merchandise discounts
  • Performance-based incentives
  • Annual merit review
  • Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
  • Tuition reimbursement

Access the full menu of benefits offerings here.
About Us
This is a great time to join Macy's! Whether you're helping a customer find the perfect gift, streamlining operations in one of our distribution centers, enhancing our online shopping experience, buying in-style and on-trend merchandise to outfit our customers, or designing a balloon for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, we offer unique opportunities to be part of some of the most memorable moments in people's lives.
Join us and help write the next chapter in our story - apply today!
This job description is not all-inclusive. Macy's, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Macy's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
MERCH00

What Macy's employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Macy's logo

About Macy's

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Macy's is proudly America's Department Store. There's a reason we've been around for 160 years. Customers come to us for fashion, value and celebration. Macy's is also known for giving back to our communities. The magic of Macy's ultimately comes alive in our stores, and our store colleagues are the ones making it happen. They provide outstanding customer service, create a memorable shopping experience, and drive sales results.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

View All Macy's Jobs

Apply