Senior Designer (Footwear)

Description

At Vibram, we’re all about pushing boundaries and unlocking potential. We value curiosity, creativity, imagination, and a strong drive to make things better. We thrive on change, diversity, and bold thinking. We're looking for achievers, innovators, and forward-thinkers ready to make an impact. Bring your unique skills and passion to a dynamic, constantly evolving environment. Join us and help shape what’s next. 

As a Senior Designer at Vibram, you’ll lead the creation of innovative soling concepts and underfoot performance comfort solutions for some of the most iconic brands in the footwear industry. Reporting to the Design Lead, this role is ideal for a creative thinker with strong technical design skills who thrives on shaping products for diverse environments - from rugged outdoor terrain to demanding workplace settings.

You’ll join a passionate, cross-functional team of Designers, Developers, Innovators, and Performance Experts, working with industry-leading rubber and foam compounds to craft bold, functional, and market-defining sole solutions. Based in Vibram’s new Portland office, this position also involves travel to our Boston Connection Lab and North Brookfield, MA Plant Operations, aligned with business needs and product creation timelines.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Develop innovative design concepts for footwear soling and underfoot support systems, aligned with customer briefs and internal initiatives—guided by input from the Design Lead, cross-functional teams, and client feedback.
• Manage projects according to the Product Development calendar, from initial concept through to mold-ready production, ensuring clear communication of design intent and updates across internal teams in North America, China, and Europe.
• Prepare comprehensive technical design documentation to support global mold teams, as well as internal and customer-facing materials.
• Present design concepts and strategic thinking to customers and internal stakeholders, including senior leadership, sales, marketing, and operations teams.
• Collaborate closely with internal design, development, and innovation teams to explore new technologies and anticipate design trends.
• Engage in advanced concept development and hands-on prototyping activities to push the boundaries of performance design.
• Build and nurture relationships with local universities, creative organizations, and industry events in the Portland area to grow Vibram’s presence in the design community.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Industrial Design, Design Engineering, or Fashion Related field required
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant footwear design experience required
• Must have strong interest and insight into footwear. 
• Manual drawing and sketching skills required
• Strong conceptual skills and understanding of form/function
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Professional attitude and respectful approach to dealing with people
• Ability to design in 2D/3D CAD applications and related software
• 3D design, 3D model-making, rapid prototyping, and footwear manufacturing desired
• Ability to apply hands-on making and prototyping skills in our Maker Space a plus
• Experience and empathy in Outdoor Recreational pursuits 
• Curiosity and passion for creativity is a must

Vibram is a dynamic, growth-focused company seeking team members who are ready to grow alongside us. We offer a competitive total rewards package, a relaxed and collaborative work environment, and an energizing culture that supports continuous learning and professional development. 

Vibram is committed to employing a diverse workforce. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.