Materials Designer 2

Title: Materials Designer 2 Location: Beaverton, OR 97005 Duration: 6+ Months Shift: Day Shift Work Mode: Hybrid (10% Remote) Position Summary: Design and develop innovative and visually appealing materials for footwear and related products Combine artistic creativity with technical knowledge to enhance product aesthetics and functionality Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align materials with design vision and project requirements Research, prototype, and test materials for performance, durability, and sustainability Support seasonal projects and execute material design solutions aligned with creative direction Responsibilities: The nature of the work is focused on contributing to the development of innovative and visually appealing materials for various projects. Blend artistic skills with technical knowledge to design materials that enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of products, structures, or visual presentations. Collaborate with project teams to understand design requirements and functional specifications. Research and select materials based on their properties, durability, and aesthetic qualities. Utilize design software and tools to create and refine material concepts. Develop prototypes and samples to test and validate the visual and tactile aspects of the materials. Work closely with color scientists and texture specialists to ensure accurate color matching and texture replication. Consider environmental factors and lighting conditions that may impact material appearance. Collaborate with product designers, architects, or engineers to integrate materials seamlessly into the overall design. Consider factors such as form, function, and manufacturing processes. Stay informed about sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Integrate environmentally responsible options into design considerations and recommend alternatives that align with sustainability goals. Conduct tests to assess the performance, durability, and safety of materials. Implement quality control measures to maintain consistency in material properties. Maintain detailed records of material specifications, design processes, and testing results. Create comprehensive documentation for internal reference and regulatory compliance. Work closely with material suppliers and manufacturers. Evaluate material samples from vendors, negotiate pricing, and ensure that selected materials meet quality and design standards. Stay abreast of design trends and emerging materials in relevant industries. Provide insights on innovative materials and design approaches that can elevate projects. Create original product designs or refresh existing products with supervision from Design leadership. Understand the fundamentals of the design creative process, including exploration, receiving critical feedback and driving design changes. Understand the creative process (design process, material briefs, tech pack build creation and hand off precision, development and factory communication and redlining). Participate in the communication and presentation of design concepts to internal and external audiences. Collaborate and build interpersonal connections with Design and adjacent functions. Required Qualifications: BA/BFA/MA/MFA preferred or Associate Degree preferred. Preferred design experience: 1-4 years. Understanding of creative culture. Digital design acumen (design-based software). Required: Adobe Creative Suite. Preferred knowledge and experience with advanced digital tools / 3D skills. Proven design skills. Understanding of the creative process. Understanding of material types and impact of material choice. Minimum 3+ years of experience in performance footwear materials design (preferred). Portfolio required - must include footwear and real-world consumer products. Experience working on seasonal collections and material-driven design. Experience collaborating with designers, product teams, and developers (preferred).