Materials Developer - HOKA Footwear

The Materials Developer supports the development of advanced materials for HOKA performance footwear, working at the intersection of creativity, technical development and product execution. The role supports seasonal material developments that align with HOKA's performance, aesthetic, sustainability, cost and sourcing goals. The postholder collaborates closely with Footwear Design, Material Design, Product Development, Engineering, Product Line Management, Testing, Sourcing, Procurement and external suppliers throughout the product creation process.

• Support in-season development of advanced materials for HOKA performance footwear, ensuring materials align with product goals, cross-functional needs and seasonal timelines.
• Support technical material development throughout the product creation cycle, including prototyping, product briefing, design reviews and key development sample gates.
• Partner with Material Design to advance seasonal strategies through concepting, research, development and exploration of vendor technologies.
• Work with Footwear Design, Material Design, Development, Engineering, Product Line Management and Testing to coordinate material selections, timelines, testing needs and feedback.
• Research and communicate with international suppliers to identify emerging technologies, new material opportunities and supplier capabilities and expertise.
• Coordinate with vendors to track samples and development progress, capture updates, resolve open issues and help ensure alignment throughout product creation.
• Interpret, translate and analyse material testing results to help ensure performance and durability standards are achieved.
• Gather and organise material options that support performance, aesthetics, sustainability, cost and regional sourcing objectives, and prepare materials for key team reviews and milestones.
• Maintain accurate material data in product lifecycle management (PLM) systems to support CAD handoffs, early-stage prototypes, testing and commercialisation
• And maintain and organise the material studio so teams can efficiently access the information and physical materials needed for product decisions.
• Partner with Sourcing and Procurement to document vendor updates, track issues and escalate concerns when needed.
• Help advance new technologies, machinery, yarns and sustainability initiatives outside of the seasonal development cycle, supporting their future integration into inline product.
• Build technical knowledge of material types, testing standards, manufacturing methods, supplier capabilities and footwear construction, gradually taking greater ownership within seasonal development cycles.

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Science/Development, Textile Engineering or a related field.
• 2+ years of relevant experience, which may include footwear product creation, material development, engineering or science.
• Basic understanding of, or strong interest in, footwear materials and construction, including textiles, synthetics and manufacturing methods.
• Eagerness to deepen technical knowledge of material testing, sustainability, footwear development and material performance.
• Curiosity about how design intent translates into materials that meet real-world footwear performance needs.
• Strong attention to detail, organisational skills and the ability to reliably follow through on priorities and assigned work.
• Collaborative approach and comfort working across disciplines, learning from experienced colleagues and contributing to shared goals.
• Familiarity with Excel, Adobe Illustrator, PowerPoint or similar tools used to organise information and communicate ideas.
• Awareness of emerging insights and trends within footwear or comparable industries.
• Comfort collaborating with international suppliers and cross-functional partners in a global product creation environment.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 10% of the time.

• A master's degree is a plus.

• Portland, OR (Hybrid) — typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday to Thursday.

• Competitive pay and bonuses, with a variety of competitive compensation programmes designed to foster career development and reward success.
• Financial planning and wellbeing support, including plans to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
• Time away from work, with plans supporting employees' needs to get out, get healthy and return stronger.
• Extras, discounts and perks, including generous discounts and community-based programmes.
• Growth and development, with extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Comprehensive health and wellness programmes and offerings supporting a healthy lifestyle at work and at play.

Deckers Brands celebrates diversity of background, experience and identity and is committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all employees can Come as They Are, believing that different perspectives make the team truly Better Together.