Designer 2 - Footwear Innovation

About the role

As a Designer 2 – Footwear Innovation, you contribute to the exploration, creation, and validation of future footwear solutions that advance Arc’teryx’s product vision. In this role, you will help identify athlete needs, develop experimental concepts, build prototypes, test new materials and constructions, and translate insight into innovation opportunities for the footwear category. You will support the creation of a strong and ownable Arc’teryx footwear DNA by connecting mountain utility, technical problem solving, material innovation, fit, durability, and commercial potential. You are a curious and hands-on problem solver who thrives in ambiguity, learns through making, and works collaboratively to turn emerging ideas into meaningful product possibilities. This role is based out of our Portland office and is expected to be performed on-location.

Meet your future team

The Arc’teryx Footwear team creates innovative, technical product that exceeds the core mountain athlete’s needs in the outdoors. We are builders, problem solvers and passionate outdoor enthusiasts. Fueled by curiosity, we take an immersive approach to identifying our athlete’s needs and build, test, and validate products that solve for real functional challenges. We are a passionate collective with a focus on collaborative teamwork and our vision is to redefine the industry.

Responsibilities

• Supporting the exploration of future footwear innovation opportunities through athlete insight, field observation, product research, trend awareness, and competitive analysis
• Translating research, performance problems, and user needs into early concepts, prototypes, experiments, and product hypotheses
• Helping build and evolve a distinct Arc’teryx footwear innovation DNA across fit, ride, traction, protection, durability, materials, construction, and mountain utility
• Creating sketches, concept boards, mockups, prototypes, test samples, material explorations, and clear visual storytelling to communicate new footwear possibilities
• Translating concepts into detailed tech packs to clearly communicate complex constructions to manufacturing partners
• Building, testing, and iterating footwear prototypes to validate comfort, fit, performance, durability, construction, and usability in real outdoor conditions
• Working with material and development partners to investigate new materials, components, tooling approaches, construction methods, and manufacturing possibilities
• Documenting experiments, learnings, product hypotheses, prototype intent, testing feedback, and next steps to support clear decision making through the innovation process
• Staying current with developments in footwear, biomechanics, materials, manufacturing, outdoor equipment, and adjacent industries to inspire future product solutions
• Contributing to the creation of a future footwear innovation pipeline that supports product, process, athlete experience, and commercial opportunity
• Helping develop signature innovation platforms and product concepts that strengthen a distinct Arc’teryx footwear point of view in the market
• Exploring new approaches to fit, protection, traction, climate comfort, weight reduction, durability, repairability, and adaptable performance systems
• Collaborating with Arc’teryx athletes, field testers, and external innovation partners to gather insight and prototype solutions for future mountain footwear needs

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Footwear Design, Innovation, Engineering, or equivalent industry experience
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in footwear innovation, footwear design, product innovation, technical product development, or a related field
• Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, fit, components, tooling, prototyping methods, and manufacturing processes
• Skilled at turning insights, product problems, and technical questions into experiments, prototypes, and learnings
• Comfortable building concept boards, sketches, mockups, prototypes, test plans, and documentation that clearly communicate innovation intent
• Proficient with Adobe Illustrator and other tools used to communicate footwear concepts, specifications, and prototype direction
• Strong curiosity, hands-on making skills, and a bias toward testing, learning, and iteration
• Excellent team player with the ability to take direction, work independently, and collaborate across functions
• Flexible, adaptable, and energized when working through ambiguity and unknowns
• Balance autonomy and collaboration while contributing to breakthrough thinking and continuous improvement
• Passion for your work paralleled by passion for getting outside and living it
• Strong knowledge of Arc’teryx products and the activities Arc’teryx makes products for
• Ability to travel both nationally and internationally as required for research, development, testing, and partner collaboration

Pay

The salary range for this role is USD$82,000 - USD$108,000. Most new team members join between the start and midpoint of the range, where you can contribute right away while continuing to grow your craft, your collaborations, and your impact at Arc’teryx. Individual pay is determined by your skills, experience, and level of responsibility.

Benefits

• Health & wellbeing: Extended health, dental, and vision coverage, including mental health support, fertility benefits, and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Financial wellbeing: Immediately vested 401(k) retirement savings plan matching, eligibility for Arc'teryx Annual Incentive Plan and access to Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), where applicable
• Time & Flexibility: Paid time off, and No Wasted Day program (dedicated paid days to get outside & explore)
• Family support: Parental leave for birthing and non-birthing parents, including an option to ease the transition back to work
• Growth, community & gear: Professional development opportunities, Arc'teryx Academies (outdoor skill-building events), Employee Belonging Councils, and access to employee discounts and Pro Deals (exclusive discounted pricing on gear)

Eligibility for certain programs may vary by role.