Footwear Developer I

About the role

As a Footwear Developer I, you’ll play a hands-on role in supporting the creation and execution of seasonal inline and SMU (special make-up) products. You’ll work closely with senior developers, engineers, designers, and global partners to bring footwear projects to life from concept and material updates to fit validation and sample tracking. This is a growth-focused role ideal for someone early in their development career who’s eager to learn, highly collaborative, and detail-oriented. You’ll gain exposure to all aspects of the product creation process while making a tangible impact on product quality, cost, and performance.

Responsibilities

• Product Creation
  • Lead the execution of new uppers, SMUs, and color/material updates in partnership with senior team members and Asia-based developers.
  • Manage the full sample process for your projects; track, receive, distribute, review, and communicate across teams to ensure accuracy and alignment.
  • Collaborate with Product Line Management, Design, Asia Development, and Engineering to ensure your products deliver on our brand promise of Fit, Feel, and Ride.
• Engineering & Commercialization
  • Participate in development of new tooling projects alongside more senior developers and engineers, gaining exposure to mold and outsole engineering.
  • Maintain technical packages, including BOMs, blueprints, and upper patterns, ensuring accuracy and clarity for factory partners.
  • Own testing, validation, and feedback loops for your designated projects to ensure product quality and performance integrity throughout the creation cycle.
• Drive Process & Communication
  • Lead multiple small- to mid-size projects with accountability for timelines, costing targets, and production readiness.
  • Communicate product specifications and changes clearly to global teams to ensure alignment on performance and manufacturability.
  • Identify process improvements and implement best practices in data accuracy, sample management, and cross-functional coordination.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Participate in Asia development trips (2–4 times annually) to collaborate directly with factories and suppliers on construction, quality, and sampling.
  • Continuously evolve your knowledge of vendor capabilities, lead times, material behavior, and manufacturing processes.
  • Stay informed on market trends, consumer needs, and sustainability opportunities that influence future product creation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Biomechanics, Design, Kinesiology, or another technical field; equivalent experience also considered.
• 3+ years’ experience in footwear, apparel, or consumer goods; 1+ years in athletic footwear development preferred.
• Curiosity and drive to learn the craft of footwear creation from fit and function to construction and costing.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with teammates across disciplines and time zones.
• Excellent communication skills with an ability to clarify complex details.
• High level of organization, follow-through, and accountability.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, Illustrator, and PLM systems (FlexPLM experience a plus).
• Detail-obsessed but able to connect the dots across the product lifecycle.
• Enthusiastic about performance product, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Willingness to travel internationally to factory locations as needed.
• A passion for movement and empathy for the runner, no matter your pace or background.

Pay

The pay range for this position, based out of the Brooks Seattle HQ, is $80,175 – $120,315 per year. Base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance
• HSA and employer contribution, FSA
• Family & fertility assistance
• 401K Savings Plan and match
• Employee assistance program
• Transportation assistance
• Five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, and paid sick and parental leave
• Annual bonus based on company performance
• Product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, volunteer and donation benefits

Schedule

You will spend 4 days per week in our Seattle offices.