Senior Footwear Project Designer, Design Accelerator

At New Balance Footwear Design, our mission is to unlock the full potential of our team’s creativity. The Senior Footwear Project Designer, Design Accelerator will support in the rapid creation of footwear prototypes as a part of our Design Accelerator function. This person will work with other footwear designers, taking selected initial sketch work and refining the designs into fully factory-ready concepts.

Relying on their considerable design experience, they will use their knowledge of factory processes, sole specification standards, and upper constructions to expedite the first prototype. They will serve as the liaison between product designer, 3D designer, materials designer and product developer. As someone who interacts heavily with the factories and development teams, they will also serve as a mentor on footwear design best practices to the wider design organization.

• Create quick sketches as may be needed to elaborate on the initial concept.

• Collaborate with designer and product manager to gain alignment on initial proto direction/

• Bring added realism through Vizcom materialization or Gravity Sketch study models.

• Upper spec creation is a key component of design communication to the factory and central to this role.

• Collaborate closely with materials design team. Have a central understanding of appropriate materials selection to achieve design intent, cost targets, durability and sustainability requirements.

• ‘Owns’ the techpack creation and revision throughout initial first prototype phase.

• Assists in the transition of that techpack to the inline design team after first proto.

• Communicates to 3D designer base form intent, last selection, and key section details.

• Works with 3D designer and product designer to refine 3D models before prints are created.

• Act as a liaison between Design Development and PM ensuring alignment and smooth communication.

• Able to navigate ambiguity with confidence, using resourcefulness to solve problems to clarify design intent.

• Work with a high level of urgency and ownership to meet deadlines and maintain project momentum.

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or other footwear-related design field (product, graphics, or fashion)

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite tools a must. 3D experience with Gravity Sketch, Rhino, etc. and AI experience such as Vizcom or Midjourney are a bonus

• 5+ of footwear design experience, preferably working in the Lifestyle category

Boston, MA Headquarters - (NB) Only Pay Range: $117,400.00 - $152,000.00 - $186,600.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).

Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.