Deckers Brands · 2 months ago
Sr. Materials Developer - HOKA Footwear
Portland, Oregon
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expDeckers Brands is a company committed to innovation and diversity, seeking a Senior Materials Developer for HOKA Footwear. In this role, you will lead the development of advanced materials for performance footwear, collaborating with various teams to ensure materials meet technical and sustainability standards while mentoring junior members.
ApparelFashionLifestyleLogisticsManufacturingRetailTextiles
Responsibilities
Lead the development of advanced materials for performance footwear, ensuring alignment with product goals and timelines
Drive in-line innovation by identifying and incorporating new technologies, machines, and sustainable materials
Partner with material design to advance key seasonal material strategies through concepting, research, development, and vendor collaboration
Serve as the go-to expert for materials, providing guidance throughout all stages of product creation
Collaborate cross-functionally with design, development, engineering, innovation, and product management to identify optimal material usage
Lead vendor communication and leverage deep understanding of supplier capabilities
Execute and drive material development deadlines to support seasonal product calendars, ensuring timely commercialization
Anticipate and resolve material-related challenges, providing alternative solutions that maintain product integrity and timelines
Advance opportunities for new and approved materials that meet performance, aesthetic, sustainability, cost, and sourcing needs
Create and update preliminary material data in product lifecycle management systems for on-time CAD handoffs
Provide technical mentorship and guidance to junior team members
Partner with sourcing and procurement to ensure visibility to concerns or issues during the product creation cycle
Interpret material test results to ensure materials meet HOKA’s performance, durability, and aesthetic standards
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Textile Science/Development, Textile Engineering, or related field; Master's degree is a plus
8+ years of relevant experience in footwear product creation, material development, engineering, or science
Extensive knowledge of footwear materials and processes, including knits, wovens, non-wovens, leather, synthetics, manufacturing, test methods, and post-processing
Proven experience working with global supplier partners and cross-functional product teams
Deep understanding of footwear product creation and material manufacturing
Track record of developing advanced performance materials and managing material development projects
Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Suite (Excel, Illustrator, Office, Outlook, PowerPoint)
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated with strong follow-through
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to address technical material challenges
Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
Ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines
Ability to interpret design intent and provide material recommendations
Awareness of industry insights and trends
Willingness to travel up to 20% domestically and internationally
Benefits
Competitive Pay and Bonuses
Financial Planning and wellbeing
Time away from work
Extras, discounts and perks
Growth and Development
Health and Wellness
Company
Deckers Brands
Footwear & Apparel Company
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Deckers Brands has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (21)
2024 (20)
2023 (19)
2022 (27)
2021 (21)
2020 (17)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
unknown1993-10-22IPO
Leadership Team
J
Jessica Boer
VP, Global Retail
A
Angela Salanoa Ogbechie
Chief Supply Chain Officer
Recent News
The Motley Fool
2025-11-16
Company data provided by crunchbase