Footwear Developer, Women’s

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.

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.

Rothy’s is looking for a creative and analytical Footwear Developer to support the development of innovative, high-quality footwear that delights customers. This role is hands-on and highly collaborative, partnering closely with Product Design, Merchandising, Production, and our factory teams to bring footwear from concept through commercialization. The Footwear Developer plays a key role in executing development milestones, ensuring technical integrity, cost targets, and timelines are met.

• Collaborate with Product Design, Merchandising, and factory partners to develop footwear from concept through commercialization, supporting alignment to design intent, quality standards, cost targets, and timelines

• Evaluate bottoms, components, upper patterns, knitting, materials, and constructions from fit, performance, durability, costing, and manufacturing feasibility perspectives

• Provide technical input and identify potential risks early in the development process, proposing alternative solutions as needed

• Support resolution of product development issues by partnering cross-functionally to deliver cost-effective and timely solutions

• Analyze cost differences across prototypes and sample stages; review CBDs, yields, and material usage, and support cost negotiations to achieve margin goals

• Partner with integrity and quality teams to support fit consistency, comfort, and performance from development through production

• Evaluate materials and components for physical properties, performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness to ensure appropriate application

• Participate as a key contributor in all sample reviews (prototype, development, fit, confirmation, TOP) to support quality and executional consistency

• Help coordinate and contribute to cross-functional development meetings to review progress, align on decisions, and support on-time delivery

• Maintain clear, proactive communication with factory and vendor partners throughout development and production

• Identify opportunities to improve product integrity, development efficiency, and cost savings, contributing ideas and solutions to the broader team

• Able to interpret design intent and product needs with growing independence and technical confidence

• A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and is comfortable learning on the fly

• Collaborative, solutions-oriented, and eager to partner across teams

• Curious, adaptable, and open to feedback and new ways of working

• A clear and effective communicator with internal and external partners

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and follow-through

• Willing and able to travel domestically (1–3 times per year) and internationally (quarterly)

• 4–6 years of footwear product development and/or production experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Engineering, Industrial Design, or another applicable technical field

• Working knowledge of footwear construction, materials, components, costing, testing, and manufacturing processes

• Experience reviewing and analyzing costing and testing data to support product improvements

• Understanding of the footwear development and commercialization lifecycle

• Experience working with Asia-based factories or vendors

• Strong computer skills, including PLM and Google Sheets/Docs/Slides; Adobe Illustrator experience a plus

• 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!

$98,000 - $118,000 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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