Technical Manager Footwear Prototyping

About the Role

Creating footwear prototypes from hand or computer-generated patterns, fabricating and assembling materials and components using various types of machinery and hand tools. Act as lead maker on a portfolio of projects.

Responsibilities

• Construct and assemble footwear samples and prototypes using various methods, processes, materials, and machinery.
• Manage a portfolio of projects in all creation phases; from prototype pattern making, prototype construction and assembly, to model and mold making.
• Present prototype method of make ideation to wider team in digital presentation format.
• Use hands-on making knowledge to provide material selection for prototypes.
• Archive all prototypes, making tools, and materials.
• Maintain record of all materials used on projects.

Requirements

• Knowledge of shoemaking process required.
• Hand pattern making or digital pattern making experience.
• Explore post-prototype processes / prototype surface design.
• Ability to solve practical problems and manage a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to work with solvents, chemicals, polyurethane, epoxy, and silicone.
• Ability to identify design issues and offer solutions to improve functionality and manufacturability of product.
• Ability to work independently under a deadline on several projects simultaneously with minimal input.
• Ability to problem solve and troubleshoot errors with mechanical equipment.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work in a shop environment and be comfortable working with industrial machinery.
• Ability to speak effectively and make presentations before small groups of customers or employees of organization.
• Jevero and Microsoft Office skills.

Qualifications

• Associates degree in related field and/or equivalent high school diploma.
• 5+ years of experience in shoemaking or related field.
• Experience working in a shop environment using a variety of tools and machinery.

Schedule

Full-time, in-office attendance required Monday through Friday in Portland, Oregon.

Benefits

• Robust and progressive medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Adoption, surrogate, and fertility support.
• Short and long-term disability, and basic life and AD&D insurance (supplementable with employee-paid coverage).
• 401k plan and Stock Purchase Plan with employer match.
• Education assistance.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Annual bonus based on both company and personal performance.
• Flexible time off accruing at .4388 hours per day, increasing with years of service.
• Twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.