Senior Footwear Developer

ABOUT R.A.D®R.A.D® is a performance footwear company that uses innovation and creativity to unlock the euphoria of sport. We blend cutting-edge performance with a distinctive aesthetic rooted in lifestyle subcultures. As an underdog in a field dominated by giants, we focus on authentic, credible brand-building that challenges the status quo, crafting products that are Tuned For The Future.R.A.D® is one of the most disruptive premium athletic brands in the footwear industry. Our mission is to make a lasting impact on the footwear market by consistently delivering a unique consumer proposition through cutting-edge designs that seamlessly combine performance, style, and comfort. We foster a collaborative and creative work environment where talent thrives, and the best of style and functionality are at the forefront of our collective experiences.THE ROLEAs a Senior Footwear Developer at R.A.D®, you will own the complete technical product creation process, from pre-seasonal exploration and design through prototyping, in-line development, commercialization, and production readiness. You are the technical backbone of the product creation process, ensuring every detail is executed with precision from concept to shelf. This role is built for a hands-on senior developer who takes deep pride in their craft, thrives in a fast-moving startup environment, and can own a product all the way through. Reports to the Footwear Development Director. Based in our Portland studio, full-time, on-site.WHO YOU AREYou are not just a developer. You are the technical backbone of the product.You take deep ownership of the craft and the details. Highly organized, you manage multiple products across different development phases simultaneously without losing accuracy or intent.You are a clear and confident communicator who can translate complex technical information for cross-functional partners and factory teams alike. A strong problem-solver, you stay composed under pressure and move quickly to a resolution.You are comfortable operating in a fast-paced startup environment with evolving priorities and a lean team structure, and you wouldn't have it any other way.WHAT YOU'LL DODevelopment, Commercialization & ProductionManage prototype rounds from initial samples through final approval, maintaining clear records of revisions and decisions at each stagePartner with design to ensure prototype output accurately reflects creative intent while remaining technically executableDrive the transition from approved prototype to in-line development, ensuring all technical details are locked and clearly communicated to factory partnersManage commercialization efforts in collaboration with the liaison office (LO) team to confirm products are technically proven, tested, and ready for mass production, on time and at target costRemain engaged through production, diagnosing and resolving issues as they arise to protect product integrity and minimize disruptionConstruction & ToolingLead and execute all aspects of construction development, including upper construction, bottom tooling systems, and tooling specificationOwn the development and approval of all tooling, including molds and footbeds, ensuring alignment with design intent, performance requirements, and manufacturing capabilitiesMaintain detailed, accurate tech packages, blueprints, and shell patterns throughout all development milestonesManage the creation, delivery, and approval of all technical assets, including 2D/3D tooling files, part files, and component specificationsApply deep expertise in construction methods, mold making, and footwear manufacturing processes to solve technical challenges and optimize shoe buildsEvaluate and recommend construction solutions that balance design integrity, performance, cost, and manufacturabilityFit, Wear & Product TestingLead all fit and wear testing throughout the development process, from early prototypes through final production samplesEstablish and manage fit standards for each product, document feedback clearly, and translate it into actionable technical correctionsIdentify and fix fit, wear, and construction problems quickly and accurately at each development stageEnsure all products meet performance and quality standards and are fully validated for mass productionCosting, BOM & MaterialsOwn and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) across all development phases, ensuring completeness and alignment with approved specificationsWork with factory partners and the LO team to develop accurate cost estimates at each milestone, identifying optimization opportunities through construction, component, or process adjustments without compromising qualityParticipate in costing negotiations with an eye toward achieving target margin goals, flagging risks, and proposing alternatives when targets are at riskWork cross-functionally with the Lead Materials Developer to ensure material selections align with construction requirements, performance targets, cost goals, and production timelines, providing manufacturing and construction context to inform decisionsLiaison Office & Factory CollaborationCollaborate closely with our LO team, providing project-level technical direction to ensure factory execution stays aligned with development milestones and product intentServe as the primary project resource for the LO team, communicating priorities, technical specifications, and updates needed to keep manufacturing partners on trackTravel internationally as needed to support key development milestones, resolve complex technical challenges on the ground, and strengthen factory relationshipsWHAT YOU BRING8+ years of experience in footwear product creation and development with demonstrated technical depth across construction, tooling, fit, and costingAdvanced knowledge of footwear manufacturing, construction methods, mold making, and tooling developmentProven track record of bringing performance footwear to market from concept through productionExperience collaborating with liaison office or in-country development teamsStrong project management skills with the ability to manage timelines, competing priorities, and cross-functional dependenciesExperience traveling to overseas factories and manufacturing vendorsProficiency in Microsoft Suite, Adobe Illustrator, and 3D viewing softwareWHAT WE OFFERCollaborative global culture that values performance, innovation, and sustainabilityDynamic, performance-driven work environment with direct impact on global productsCompetitive salary and performance bonusMedical, dental, and vision coverage401k with company matchGenerous employee discount20 days paid time offQuarterly Power of Movement allowance — put it toward a gym membership, race entry, or whatever keeps you movingA small team building serious product. An underdog with something to prove.