Lead - LightSpray Footwear Developer

Role Overview

The successful candidate will collaborate with product teams to create advanced footwear products by transforming innovative concepts into tangible technologies that define the brand's future. This position plays a pivotal role within the R&D organization, focusing on developing forward-thinking concepts.

Main Responsibilities

• Oversee the comprehensive creation of innovative product concepts, managing technology development, sample creation, assembly, and the progression of uppers, toolings, technologies, and molds.
• Direct multiple high-impact innovation projects with full autonomy, aligning them strategically with organizational goals.
• Engage in complex problem-solving by addressing challenges associated with product intricacies, process optimization, and manufacturing practices.
• Serve as a communication bridge among designers, innovators, model makers, engineers, and other stakeholders, ensuring scalability is prioritized in every project.
• Collaborate with Sport Science, Innovation Design, Footwear Engineering, and Material Science teams to foster interdisciplinary partnerships and advance innovative prototypes.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive transfer manual, documenting processes and critical data to facilitate effective technical knowledge transfer.
• Establish robust connections with development teams in Asia to ensure effective information transfer and collaborative relationships across borders.
• Demonstrate proficiency in fabricating and assembling materials and components, utilizing various machinery and hand tools.

Candidate Profile

• 5+ years of experience in the footwear industry.
• Experience with footwear innovation projects.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or a related field is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in traditional footwear manufacturing processes including injecting, cutting, sewing, and prototyping.
• Ability to identify design challenges and propose solutions to enhance product functionality and manufacturability.
• Knowledgeable in material testing and methodology, with familiarity in chemistry processes for material creation.
• Proven capability in scaling, costing, and testing manufacturing processes while introducing new technologies.
• Strong communication skills, adaptable to various audiences including engineers, designers, and cross-functional partners.
• Ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, combining innovative thinking with engineering solutions.
• Exhibit a high tolerance for ambiguity and maintain a solution-focused approach.
• Comfortable using industrial machinery.
• Willingness to travel up to 15% of the time.