Footwear Developer I

Posted 8.12.26
Location
Seattle, WA

Who We Are:

At Brooks, we believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. That’s why we’re driven to create gear and experiences that take people to the place that makes them feel more alive — whether it’s a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. 

Everyone who works at Brooks is propelled by a company culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation.

Our brand values help bond us together and drive our success:  

  • Runner First 
    • We act in the best interest of the runner
  • Word is Bond 
    • We do what we say we’ll do 
  • Champion Heart  
    • We give our all in everything we do  
  • There is no “I” in Run 
    • We stay generous with our humanity 
  • Keep Moving 
    • We find ways to move every day, because joy is kinetic!

We welcome everyone from every walk of life looking to inspire others through the power of movement – because we’re all moving towards something. Let’s run there.   

Your Job:

As a Footwear Developer I, you’ll play a hands-on role in supporting the creation and execution of seasonal inline and SMU (special make-up) products. You’ll work closely with senior developers, engineers, designers, and global partners to bring footwear projects to life from concept and material updates to fit validation and sample tracking.

This is a growth-focused role ideal for someone early in their development career who’s eager to learn, highly collaborative, and detail-oriented. You’ll gain exposure to all aspects of the product creation process while making a tangible impact on product quality, cost, and performance.

Ready to build the future of performance footwear, one project at a time? Join us and take your first step toward becoming a technical expert, creative thinker, and trusted contributor in the world of footwear creation.

Brooks offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in performance product development by working with industry experts, within a culture that values growth, curiosity, and collaboration. You’ll receive competitive compensation and global exposure, allowing you to make a significant impact as a creative thinker and trusted contributor in the world of footwear creation.

Responsibilities:

    Product Creation

  • Lead the execution of new uppers, SMUs, and color/material updates in partnership with senior team members and Asia-based developers.
  • Manage the full sample process for your projects; track, receive, distribute, review, and communicate across teams to ensure accuracy and alignment.
  • Collaborate with Product Line Management, Design, Asia Development, and Engineering to ensure your products deliver on our brand promise of Fit, Feel, and Ride.
  • Engineering & Commercialization

  • Participate in development of new tooling projects alongside more senior developers and engineers, gaining exposure to mold and outsole engineering.
  • Maintain technical packages, including BOMs, blueprints, and upper patterns, ensuring accuracy and clarity for factory partners.
  • Own testing, validation, and feedback loops for your designated projects to ensure product quality and performance integrity throughout the creation cycle.
  • Drive Process & Communication

  • Lead multiple small- to mid-size projects with accountability for timelines, costing targets, and production readiness.
  • Communicate product specifications and changes clearly to global teams to ensure alignment on performance and manufacturability.
  • Identify process improvements and implement best practices in data accuracy, sample management, and cross-functional coordination.
  • Additional Responsibilities:

  • Participate in Asia development trips (2–4 times annually) to collaborate directly with factories and suppliers on construction, quality, and sampling.
  • Continuously evolve your knowledge of vendor capabilities, lead times, material behavior, and manufacturing processes.
  • Stay informed on market trends, consumer needs, and sustainability opportunities that influence future product creation.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Biomechanics, Design, Kinesiology, or another technical field; equivalent experience also considered.
  • 3+ years’ experience in footwear, apparel, or consumer goods; 1+ years in athletic footwear development preferred.
  • Curiosity and drive to learn the craft of footwear creation from fit and function to construction and costing.
  • Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with teammates across disciplines and time zones.
  • Excellent communication skills with an ability to clarify complex details.
  • High level of organization, follow-through, and accountability
  • Comfortable using Microsoft Office, Illustrator, and PLM systems (FlexPLM experience a plus)
  • Detail-obsessed but able to connect the dots across the product lifecycle.
  • Enthusiastic about performance product, innovation, and continuous improvement
  • Willingness to travel internationally to factory locations as needed.
  • A passion for movement and empathy for the runner, no matter your pace or background
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