Senior Materials Innovator, Footwear

About the role

As the Senior Materials Innovator, Footwear you define and drive the materials innovation strategy for Arc’teryx footwear. You bring deep expertise in performance footwear materials, construction, sourcing and testing to create tangible solutions for mountain athletes moving through complex terrain. You partner closely with Footwear Design, Development, Engineering, Raw Materials, Advanced Concepts, Supply Chain and external partners to translate material opportunities into the next generation of high-performance outdoor footwear. This role is based out of our Portland office and is expected to be performed on location.

The Footwear team creates purpose-built solutions for mountain athletes moving across mountain terrain. Working at the intersection of design, development, biomechanics, materials science and manufacturing, we take an immersive approach to identifying our athlete’s needs to build, test, and validate products that solve for real functional challenges. Fueled by curiosity, we are builders, problem solvers and outdoor enthusiasts who collaborate across Arc’teryx and strategic partners to bring our vision to redefine the industry to life.

Responsibilities

• Creating, driving and maintaining the footwear materials innovation roadmap, including short, mid and long-term opportunities across uppers, textiles, foams, membranes, rubbers, reinforcements, trims and component systems
• Leveraging your footwear materials expertise, supplier network and curiosity to identify, prototype and validate new solutions for mountain athletes
• Managing a portfolio of complex footwear materials projects across seasons and clearly communicating progress, risks and decisions to key stakeholders
• Defining clear briefs, testing plans, budgets and deliverables so footwear material concepts can move effectively from exploration through validation and commercialization
• Collaborating with Footwear Design, Development, Product Line Management, Raw Materials, Advanced Concepts and Supply Chain teams to align innovation priorities with athlete needs, manufacturing realities, sustainability goals and commercialization timelines
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with footwear mills, foam suppliers, rubber partners, component makers, factories, startups and academic collaborators
• Creating strategic footwear materials partnerships with external suppliers, technology partners and researchers to accelerate performance, comfort, durability, protection and sustainability outcomes
• Staying current with innovations in footwear manufacturing, textiles, nonwovens, membranes, coatings, foams, rubbers, reinforcements, bonding methods, waterproof-breathable systems and finishing technologies
• Partnering with testing, lab and field validation teams to define footwear material performance requirements and translate learnings into actionable material improvements
• Supporting proprietary footwear material solutions, exclusivity opportunities and Intellectual Property considerations in partnership with Legal and cross-functional teams
• Partnering with Innovation Management and Footwear leadership on research, engineering, supplier and funding opportunities that support footwear materials advancement
• Driving key initiatives that improve footwear durability, repairability, lower-impact material choices, sustainable and circular design opportunities

Qualifications

• Degree in materials science, materials engineering, textile science, industrial design, engineering or a related technical field
• 8+ years of footwear, technical apparel, hardgoods or materials innovation experience, with direct exposure to performance footwear materials and development
• Proven experience managing material innovation projects, supplier relationships and cross-functional stakeholder alignment
• Experience working directly with footwear material suppliers, component vendors, factories and development partners in domestic and global locations
• Experience identifying, evaluating and protecting proprietary material opportunities with internal and external legal teams
• Exceptional communication skills, including a proven ability to communicate findings to both scientists and nonscientists with strong presentation skills
• Strong ability to build a mindset and culture of innovation within your team and beyond
• Strong understanding of performance footwear materials, construction, testing, fit, durability and manufacturing constraints
• Highly flexible and adaptable when faced with ambiguity
• Effectively balance autonomy and collaboration
• Inspire breakthrough thinking and continuous improvement
• Passion for your work paralleled by your passion for getting outside and living it
• Able to travel both nationally and internationally as required for research, development, testing, and partner collaboration

Pay

The salary range for the role is USD$94,000 - USD$123,000. 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. This range reflects market alignment and the scope of the role. 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.

Schedule

This role is based out of our Portland office and is expected to be performed on location. Travel both nationally and internationally is required for research, development, testing, and partner collaboration.