Product Developer

Description

At Vibram, we push boundaries, challenge convention, and turn bold ideas into innovative products. We value curiosity, creativity, collaboration, and a drive to make things better.

We’re seeking a hands-on, technically proficient Product Developer to join our Inline Product Development team. This role will manage the end-to-end development of inline footwear, from design handoff through prototyping, validation, and production readiness.

Working closely with Design, Sales, Brand Partners, and Asia-based manufacturing teams, you’ll bring innovative, commercially viable products to market while balancing performance, quality, cost, and timelines.

The ideal candidate is a creative problem solver and strong project manager who can manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, work independently, meet deadlines, and maintain exceptional attention to detail.

Join us to help shape the future of footwear with global brand partners.

Requirements

• Own the end-to-end development of inline footwear products - from initial brief and design handoff through prototyping, testing, final samples, and production readiness.
• Bring technical expertise to the table, leveraging a strong understanding of tooling, mold development, footwear components, materials, construction, and manufacturing processes.
• Turn concepts into production-ready products by ensuring blueprints, 3D files, cost sheets, technical packages, and other critical information are accurate, complete, and delivered on time.
• Anticipate and solve problems before they become problems by analyzing technical drawings, patterns, components, lasts, lab results, fit, wear, construction, and cost considerations.
• Be the technical connector across teams, partnering with Design, Sales, China Development, overseas factories, and global brand partners to keep projects moving forward.
• Drive cross-functional collaboration through Vibram's Product Creation Triad, bringing together the right teams and expertise to make smart, timely decisions.
• Challenge, troubleshoot, and innovate - identify issues early, present creative solutions, and help the team find the best path forward.
• Own development timelines and keep multiple projects on track, from exclusive and open soling to other Vibram footwear products.
• Strengthen tech packages before development begins, identifying potential construction, material, fit, wear, and cost concerns while ensuring Vibram Best Practices are followed.
• Continuously improve how we develop and make products, identifying opportunities to streamline processes, improve quality, and elevate execution.
• Build global relationships and experience firsthand manufacturing environments, including travel to overseas factories as needed.
• China-based factory experience is preferred.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; technical education, engineering, or applied sciences preferred.
• 3–5 years of footwear product development experience, ideally with hands-on experience in molding, tooling, and manufacturing.
• Strong technical expertise in mold development and manufacturing processes, with the ability to troubleshoot and drive solutions throughout the product development cycle.
• Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints, 2D/3D files, technical manuals, and material specifications; CAD experience is a plus.
• In-depth knowledge of footwear materials, construction, lasts, molds, compounds, and foot anatomy, with an understanding of how these elements work together to create high-performing products.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to anticipate potential issues and proactively develop solutions.
• Ability to navigate a complex, global organization, effectively balancing competing priorities, deadlines, and stakeholder needs.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to clearly communicate technical information and confidently engage with colleagues, leadership, and global partners.
• Highly self-motivated, proactive, and driven to excel, with a positive, solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and PLM/product development systems.

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.