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Materials Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aquent

Materials Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$45 - $50/hr

May 27, 2026 Materials Designer (Contract) Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid - 4 days onsite, 1 day remote) Duration: ~6 months with potential for extension Schedule: Standard business hours About the ...

Deckers

Lead Materials Designer - HOKA

Portland, OR · On-site

$96K - $130K/yr

Lead Materials Designer - HOKA Reports to: Sr. Materials Design Manager - HOKA Footwear Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid) The Role As a Lead Materials Designer, you will focus on elevating the consumer ...

Aquent

Senior Designer, Footwear Materials

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$38.40 - $42.67/hr

Jun 4, 2026 Senior Designer, Materials (Footwear) Location: Greater Portland Area Duration: 6-month contract About the Role We're looking for a highly creative and consumer-obsessed Senior Materials ...

SSI People

Footwear Material designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

Materials Designer Location: Beaverton, OR (On-site) Job Summary: We seek creative and driven professionals to join our team designing next-generation materials for iconic lifestyle footwear models.

DCS Corporation

Materials Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA

We are seeking a motivated Materials Engineer to work with senior engineers in a fast-paced program ... Develops and executes simple to complex test plans and designs of experiments and analyzes the ...

DCS Corp

Materials Engineer

Fort Belvoir, VA · On-site

We are seeking a motivated Materials Engineer to work with senior engineers in a fast-paced program ... Develops and executes simple to complex test plans and designs of experiments and analyzes the ...

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Materials Designer information

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How much do materials designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for materials designer in the United States is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are materials designers?

Materials designers are professionals who create and develop new materials or improve existing ones to meet specific performance, sustainability, or aesthetic requirements. They use scientific knowledge of chemistry, physics, and engineering, often leveraging advanced technologies such as computer modeling and laboratory analysis. Materials designers work in industries such as fashion, automotive, aerospace, and electronics to develop materials like textiles, polymers, metals, and composites. Their goal is to innovate materials that offer better functionality, durability, or environmental benefits. They often collaborate with engineers, manufacturers, and product designers throughout the development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Materials Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Materials Designer, you need expertise in material science, design principles, and a relevant degree in engineering, chemistry, or industrial design. Familiarity with CAD software, materials simulation tools, and knowledge of manufacturing processes are typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong problem-solving abilities are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for developing innovative materials that meet technical, aesthetic, and sustainability requirements in various industries.

What are some common challenges Materials Designers face when developing new materials for products?

Materials Designers often encounter challenges such as balancing material performance with cost-effectiveness, ensuring compatibility with manufacturing processes, and meeting strict environmental or regulatory standards. Collaborating closely with engineers, product designers, and suppliers is vital to address these challenges and ensure the new material meets all technical and aesthetic requirements. Staying updated on emerging materials and sustainability trends is also crucial for success in this role.

What is the difference between Materials Designer vs Materials Engineer?

AspectMaterials DesignerMaterials Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Design, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, R&D labs, product development teamsManufacturing plants, R&D labs, quality control departments
Industry UsageProduct design, innovation, material selection for new productsMaterial testing, process optimization, structural analysis
Common Search/ComparisonDesign focus, creative roles, material selectionTechnical analysis, process improvement, engineering solutions

Materials Designers focus on creating and selecting materials for new products, emphasizing aesthetics and functionality. Materials Engineers analyze material properties and optimize manufacturing processes. While both roles require a background in materials science, Designers are more involved in the creative and conceptual aspects, whereas Engineers focus on technical performance and production efficiency.

More about Materials Designer jobs
What job categories do people searching Materials Designer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Materials Designer jobs are:
Materials Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Materials Designer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,320 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Materials Designer

Materials Designer

Aquent

Beaverton, OR • On-site

$45 - $50/hr

Temporary

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Placement Type:
N/A
Salary:
$45-50 Hourly
up to $50.00/hr
Start Date:
May 27, 2026
Materials Designer (Contract)
Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid - 4 days onsite, 1 day remote)
Duration: ~6 months with potential for extension
Schedule: Standard business hours
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Materials Designer to help drive innovative material solutions for performance footwear and outdoor-inspired products. This role sits within a highly creative and technical team focused on developing new concepts and pushing the boundaries of material design for all-conditions environments.
You will play a key role in shaping the look, feel, and performance of footwear by exploring advanced materials, collaborating cross-functionally, and contributing to products designed for durability, weather resistance, and comfort.
What You'll Do
  • Design and develop innovative material concepts for performance and outdoor footwear
  • Partner closely with product designers, developers, and cross-functional teams to bring concepts to life
  • Research and apply new material technologies, finishes, and construction techniques
  • Create and present material narratives aligned to product and seasonal direction
  • Support the material design process from ideation through prototyping and commercialization
  • Contribute to products designed for diverse weather conditions (e.g., breathable, water-resistant, durable)
  • Ensure design intent is executed accurately through development and production
What You Bring
  • 5-7 years of experience in materials design, footwear, textiles, or a related field
  • Strong understanding of materials, including wovens, knits, and performance textiles
  • Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign)
  • Experience working on technical or performance products
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities
Preferred Qualifications
  • Footwear design or materials experience strongly preferred
  • Experience with outdoor or performance-focused products
  • 3D design or rendering experience (e.g., CLO or similar tools)
  • Hands-on prototyping or sample-making experience
  • Passion for outdoor activities, sport, or performance design
  • Experience working with well-known footwear or apparel brands
Who You Are
  • A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
  • A creative problem solver with a strong eye for detail and innovation
  • Curious, adaptable, and motivated to push design boundaries
  • Passionate about blending performance, aesthetics, and functionality
    #LI-MM3

Client Description
Global leader in athletic footwear, apparel, and equipment. Our client focuses on innovation, performance, and marketing, partnering with top athletes and teams. The company emphasizes sustainability and digital advancements to enhance the sports experience.

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