Senior Footwear Project Designer, Design Accelerator

Major Accountabilities

• Sketch Refinement: Create quick sketches as may be needed to elaborate on the initial concept. Collaborate with designer and product manager to gain alignment on initial proto direction.
• Vizcom Materialization or Gravity Sketch Study Models: Bring added realism through Vizcom materialization or Gravity Sketch study models.
• Upper Quick-Spec: Upper spec creation is a key component of design communication to the factory and central to this role. Collaborate closely with materials design team. Have a central understanding of appropriate materials selection to achieve design intent, cost targets, durability and sustainability requirements. Create initial shell pattern when required. 'Owns' the techpack creation and revision throughout initial first prototype phase. Assists in the transition of that techpack to the inline design team after first proto.
• Sole Model Creation: Creates initial sketches of outsole design, when needed. Communicates to 3D designer base form intent, last selection, and key section details. Works with 3D designer and product designer to refine 3D models before prints are created.
• Collaboration & Problem Solving: Act as a liaison between Design Development and PM ensuring alignment and smooth communication. Able to navigate ambiguity with confidence, using resourcefulness to solve problems to clarify design intent. Work with a high level of urgency and ownership to meet deadlines and maintain project momentum.

Requirements for Success

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or other footwear-related design field (product, graphics, or fashion)
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite tools a must. 3D experience with Gravity Sketch, Rhino, etc. and AI experience such as Vizcom or Midjourney are a bonus
• 5+ years of footwear design experience, preferably working in the Lifestyle category
• Strong project management skills and team collaboration
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously

Pay

Pay Range: $117,400.00 - $152,000.00 - $186,600.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)

Benefits

• Regular Associate Benefits: Includes a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. More nontraditional perks include online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs.
• Lifestyle Reimbursement: A yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement.
• Vacations & Holidays: 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays.
• Parental Leave: Generous parental leave.

Flexible Work Schedule

New Balance currently works in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To enhance our culture while maintaining flexibility, we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.