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Manager Footwear Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Footwear Engineering San Francisco, CA At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 225 million single-use ...

Manager, Footwear Engineering San Francisco, CA At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 225 million single-use ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Footwear Engineer II

Baltimore, MD · Hybrid

$90K - $120K/yr

You will lead engineering efforts from concept through commercialization, ensuring product ... Manage low to moderate complexity footwear projects from concept through production * Evaluate and ...

Footwear Engineer II

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

You will lead engineering efforts from concept through commercialization, ensuring product ... Manage low to moderate complexity footwear projects from concept through production * Evaluate and ...

Partner with Footwear Engineering, Footwear Product Testing, and Footwear Material Design and Development. * Engage with Product Design, Product Management, Merchandising, and Sourcing and Operations ...

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Manager Footwear Engineering information

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$46.5K

$146.9K

$174K

How much do manager footwear engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager footwear engineering in the United States is $146,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Manager Footwear Engineering vs Footwear Design Manager?

AspectManager Footwear EngineeringFootwear Design Manager
Primary FocusProduct development, manufacturing processes, technical specificationsDesign concepts, aesthetic appeal, creative direction
Required SkillsEngineering knowledge, technical skills, project managementDesign expertise, creativity, trend awareness
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, R&D labs, technical teamsDesign studios, creative teams, marketing departments
Common CertificationsEngineering degrees, product development certificationsDesign degrees, fashion or product design certifications

While both roles are essential in footwear companies, Manager Footwear Engineering focuses on technical development and manufacturing processes, whereas Footwear Design Manager emphasizes creative design and aesthetic direction. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus within the footwear industry.

What is a footwear engineer?

A footwear engineer designs, develops, and tests shoes and related products, focusing on comfort, durability, and performance. They often use CAD software and materials science knowledge to create prototypes and improve manufacturing processes.

What are popular job titles related to Manager Footwear Engineering jobs?

For Manager Footwear Engineering jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Manager Footwear Engineering job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $146,868 per year, or $70.6 per hour.

Manager, Footwear Engineering

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Rothy's
Apparel and Accessories Stores • 1 - 5K employees

$122K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Rothy's rating

6.0

Company rating: 6.0 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Manager, Footwear Engineering
San Francisco, CA
At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 225 million single-use plastic bottles and 715,000 pounds of ocean-bound marine plastic have been transformed into our signature thread, creating wardrobe staples that look just as good as they feel.
Striving for zero waste, we combine 3D knitting technology and handcrafted assembly to create machine washable styles that don't compromise on comfort. From classic shoes to carry-everywhere bags, we create essentials for wherever you go.
At Rothy's, building a sustainable future is at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive environment at our HQ, retail stores and wholly-owned factory, and are growing our community every day.
About the Team:
Our Production team is always one step ahead. While many teams are responsible for responding to moments in the present, this one looks toward the future. From finessing the production of our silhouettes to developing new materials, our production gurus work hand-in-hand with our factory team, sustainability, merchandising and design partners to make sure the wheels of Rothy's keep turning on our quest for a more sustainable future.
About the role:
Rothy's is seeking a Manager, Footwear Engineering to lead the development and application of fit, wear-testing, and consumer insight strategies across our footwear portfolio. This role is both analytical and hands-on, translating consumer feedback, testing data, and technical evaluation into clear product recommendations that improve fit, comfort, performance, and commercialization outcomes.
What you'll do:
  • Create and implement a streamlined, scalable approach for leveraging quantitative and qualitative consumer data to inform product development, fit decisions, and commercialization strategies
  • Synthesize wear test results, lab testing, and consumer feedback into clear, actionable insights that influence product, fit standards, and future development direction
  • Establish and continuously improve best-in-class product testing methodologies for existing styles, new silhouettes, and emerging categories, with a focus on knit footwear
  • Explore and implement alternative testing methods to support an increasing volume of tests each season while maintaining rigor and relevance
  • Partner with Product Development and Design teams to identify opportunities to refine and enhance the existing assortment through fact-based product insights
  • Analyze primary and secondary research to inform fit improvements, material choices, construction updates, and commercialization readiness
  • Prioritize key fit, wear, and performance risks to ensure a smooth and timely transition from development into production
  • Act as a technical partner during commercialization, ensuring product readiness aligns with consumer expectations and brand standards
  • Collaborate closely with Marketing to translate consumer insights, testing results, and product benefits into compelling, authentic product stories
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to understand research needs and define clear wear test objectives, success criteria, timelines, and deliverables
  • Leverage consumer insights, market research, and analytics to identify growth opportunities and support broader brand and product initiatives
  • Strategically recruit, manage, and grow relationships with internal and external wear test participants, including core consumers and target segments
  • Build and maintain connections with key brand advocates and influencers in local and high-growth markets to support testing and insight generation
  • Build, document, and maintain official wear testing protocols for internal and external groups, ensuring consistency, quality, and scalability
  • Establish and maintain regular communication with Asia-based factory partners, sharing key consumer insights, testing outcomes, and product learnings
  • Ensure factory teams are informed and aligned on fit, wear, and performance expectations to support future development and continuous improvement

You are:
  • Highly analytical with a strong ability to translate data into practical product decisions
  • Comfortable operating at the intersection of consumer insight, technical evaluation, and product development
  • A proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment
  • Collaborative and effective at working across technical, creative, and commercial teams
  • Clear, structured, and persuasive in communication, both written and verbal
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational and follow-through skills
  • Curious, consumer-obsessed, and motivated to improve product experiences
  • Establishes proactive and consistent communication and feedback with their team
  • Provides continuous feedback to team and individual development, and holds everyone accountable for meeting these expectations
  • Willing and able to travel domestically (1-3 times per year) and internationally (as needed)

You have:
  • 6-8 years of experience in footwear technical engineering, fit & wear testing, product research, or commercialization; knit footwear experience strongly preferred
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, biomechanics, kinesiology, product development, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
  • Strong understanding of knit footwear construction, materials, fit systems, and performance testing
  • Experience designing and managing wear testing programs and interpreting lab and consumer data
  • Proven ability to synthesize research findings into clear product and business recommendations
  • Experience partnering with Asia-based factories or vendors
  • Strong systems and tools proficiency, including PLM and Google Sheets/Docs/Slides; data visualization or analytics tools a plus

Our benefits:
  • Generous paid time off
  • 401k matching
  • Comprehensive health plans for you and your family
  • Supplemental mental health benefits
  • Monthly wellness reimbursement
  • Dog friendly offices
  • Employee Discount Program!

Pay range:
$122,000 - $156,000 annually
Base pay is one part of the total rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. This role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, as well as a comprehensive benefits package.
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