Job Information
W.L. Gore & Associates Inc SITKA Senior Footwear Developer/250322 in Bozeman, Montana
About the Role: We are looking for a Senior Footwear Technical Developer to join our SITKA Gear team who will be a subject matter expert in footwear development. This person will balance innovative exploration with manufacturing expertise to unlock new solutions for customers. We are looking for someone with the ability to navigate an ambiguous environment, as many of our products, processes and partners are dynamic and unconventional.
This is a remote position, and you can work from home in most locations within the United States.
Responsibilities: Own the product development and process management of all SITKA footwear projects - from initial concept, through commercialization, to production Provide project leadership and technical expertise for both domestic and overseas product teams Collaborate with Design, Product Management, Merchandising, Finance, and Sales partners to establish target product attributes, costs, and margins Utilize SITKAsystems to ensure effective product documentation Own product development timelines to ensure on-time, on-target, on-performance objectives are met Provide expert knowledge and recommendations on materials, components, and construction options to meet product costing targets and functional requirements Drive holistic product testing (fit, field and lab) and validation, as well as effectively manage sampling and prototyping Partner with Innovation, Design and Materials teams on new technologies that lead to new development opportunities Stay informed of market developments and opportunities to improve the competitiveness and equity of the SITKA Brand Required Qualifications: College degree in related technical/engineering field. Additional experience required in lieu of degree A minimum of 10 years footwear development/engineering experience in the sporting goods industry Experience leading holistic product testing efforts, analyzing results, and recommending actions Experience traveling to overseas manufacturing vendors/factories to develop and commercialize footwear Demonstrated understanding of footwear materials properties, test methods, and applications Proficiency in interpreting technical drawings, sketches, and digital files in 2D/3D Expert level shoemaking skill set with demonstrated advanced knowledge of footwear lasts, patterns, tooling, basic chemical engineering, and various construction processes Strong project management experience with demonstrated ability to drive action and promote accountability Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with the ability to champion complex projects both cross-functionally and vertically within the organization Ability to travel up to 20% of the time
Desired Qualifications: Experience in adopting and driving innovation concepts to production Strong knowledge of the end-to-end footwear product creation process, including sourcing, operations, and demand planning
Remote Working Arrangements are permitted for Associates in the continental United States (US) and Canada, with appropriate approval and compliance with Gore's remote working policies, from the country in which they are employed. For fully remote roles, the following locations are not eligible for new fully remote work arrangements: Alaska and Hawaii (for all roles), and Rhode Island (for wage/hourly roles only).
What We Offer: Our success is based on the capability and creativity of our Associates, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards program that supports your everyday and helps you build your tomorrow.
We provide benefits that offer choice and flexibility and promote overall well-being. And in keeping with our belief that every Associate should share in the collective success of the enterprise; we provide a distinctive Associate Stock Ownership Plan in each country as well as potential opportunities for "profit-sharing". Learn more at gore.com/careers/benefits
We believe in the strength of a diverse and inclusive workplace. With diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences, we uncover new possibilities and make a greater impact in the world. We are proud of Associates for building on our rich history of innovation, upholding our values and supporting an inclusive work environment where we treat each other and our external partners with fairness, dignity and respect.
Gore is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applications irrespective of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, status as a qualified individual with a disability, genetic information, pregnancy status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a covered veteran, gender identity and expression, and any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
Gore is committed to a drug-free workplace. All employment is contingent upon successful completion of drug and background screening. Gore will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, e.g., arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws.
Gore requires all applicants to be eligible to work within the U.S. Gore generally will not sponsor visas unless otherwise noted on the position description.
Our Talent Acquisition Team welcomes your questions atgore.com/careers/contact
Gore is a M/F, Disabled and Vet EEO/AA Employer. (Applies to all positions in the U.S.)