Footwear Designer

A bit about us 

Trek is an awesome place to work, with amazing benefits for all employees. We build only products we love, provide incredible hospitality to our customers, and change the world by getting more people on bikes. When you’re on our team, you’re taken care of, encouraged to learn and grow, and given lots of opportunities to do so. Give us your best, and we’ll give it right back. Sound pretty sweet? Then come join us!
 

Job Description

Armed with a keen understanding of the cycling market, the Footwear Designer will be responsible for understanding the customers’ specific needs, crafting, articulating, and executing his or her creative vision and be responsible for delivering compelling, innovative designs that meet specific performance and fit requirements.

As a Footwear Designer, you’ll work alongside Trek’s product development team to provide design and technical direction for cycling shoes. Knowledge of footwear design, construction, and materials is therefore essential. This position will also be responsible for leading customer centric research, defining aspects of style, color, form, fit, and function, as well as meet criteria for product features, cost, manufacturability, and project schedules.

The ideal candidate will possess strong design and visualization skills, excelling at sketching, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop. Skills in 3D CAD would be a big plus. The ideal applicant will have 5+ years of footwear design experience in a consumer product and fashion or trend-oriented market, including working with footwear developers, footwear factories, engineers, graphic designers, product managers, and brand managers.

Portfolio required with application

Responsibilities:

• Lead the team in customer focused research initiatives to translates customer/rider feedback into informed design solutions that customers will love.
• Sets Design Strategy and Design Direction for footwear Line base on user research. 
• Design and define the construction of cycling footwear for men, women, and children.
• Produce high-quality design documentation for internal review, catalog presentation, and production.
• Archive and maintain footwear design files, renderings, and samples. 
• Review and provide feedback on 3D models and 2D footwear drawings from suppliers.
• Review all prototypes samples and sign off on final production confirmation samples meet design intent.
• Provide expertise to internal product development teams, athletes, marketing, and other internal customers.
• Assist team with R&D efforts to generate ideas and discover new areas to explore.
• Work with Trek Factory Racing teams to create footwear that meets their specific needs.
• Willing to travel for research, development, and inspiration.
• Track footwear industry technologies and trends, and make seasonal strategic presentations.

Special Skills and Knowledge:

• Self-motivated and ready to take new ideas and runs with little direction
• Broad range of footwear material & design process knowledge
• Experience creating concept prototypes
• Leads by example with curiosity, constant learning, and open to new ideas from anywhere approach to work. 
• Works well both individually and in highly collaborative environments
• Effectively balances multiple projects, responsibilities, and tasks.

Position Requirements:

• 5 years' footwear design experience in a consumer product and fashion-oriented market, working with footwear developers, footwear factories, engineers, graphic designers, product managers, and brand managers.
• Bachelor's degree/diploma in Industrial Design or Product Design
• Proficient in all phases of product development: research, ideation, sketching, concept refinement.
• Strong sketching and 2D communication skills
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop Software
• Passion for and knowledge of high-performance cycling footwear

Additional desired skills and responsibilities:

• SolidWorks, OnShape, Rhino, Sketchbook Pro skills are a big plus
• Passion for sustainability and interest in working to make our products eco friendly
• Stays informed of footwear trends and technology through contact with suppliers, industry shows, and workshops.
• Experience with bike fit or bicycle rider biomechanics
• Curious and a lifelong learner mentality
• Self-motivated but comfortable asking questions for clarity and raising your hand when you need help
• Maintain positive outlook, even during stressful situations

Trek Benefits:

• Flexible and fun company culture
• Competitive health care
• PPO & HDHP medical plan options, Dental insurance, Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Free life insurance & optional term life insurance
• Competitive vacation package
• 401(k) with match and Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP)
• 12 weeks of maternity leave with 100% pay
• Flexible holiday schedule – 10 company holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement up to $15,000! (Undergraduate & Masters programs)
• Employee discounts on all product
• Deep partner retail discounts

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. Trek strictly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, training, working conditions, transfer, job assignments, benefits, layoff, and termination.

We are an E-Verify employer.

For more information, please click on the following links:
E-Verify Participation Poster: English / Spanish
E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English | Spanish