Sr. Lead, Innovation Footwear Development

At Under Armour, we are committed to empowering those who strive for more, and the company's values - Act Sustainably, Celebrate the Wins, Fight on Together, Love Athletes and Stand for Equality - serve as both a roadmap for our teams and the qualities expected of every teammate.

Our Values define and unite us, the beliefs that are the red thread that connects everyone at Under Armour. Our values are rallying cries, reminding us why we're here, and fueling everything we do.

Our pursuit of better begins with innovation and with our team's mission of being the best. With us, you get the freedom to go further - no matter your role. That means developing, delivering, and selling the state-of-the-art products and digital tools that make top performers even better.

If you are a current Under Armour teammate, apply to this position on the Internal Career Site Here. 

Under Armour's Innovation team is looking for a Sr. Lead, Footwear Development, responsible for collaboratively developing and engineering UA's future footwear technologies.  The primary workload will include developing proof of concept footwear components and prototypes, researching new processes for manufacturing and product creation, and partnering with the commercial teams to bring these concepts to market.  This position is part of a robust Innovation team and will be required to tap into and partner with the broader group to create and validate game-changing footwear.  The Sr. Lead, Footwear Development, will function as the business and technical resource for the Development Managers and act as a liaison between design and factories when necessary. 
 

• Use leadership skills to actively develop and engineer components and prototypes globally through tech package generation.  Work closely with Baltimore and global innovation counterparts to drive concept generation and prototyping.  Clearly and concisely document possible IP and project parameters and specifications from origination through completion.
• Effectively communicate with factory personnel, marketing, design, and supply chain.  Understand footwear manufacturing process and use this knowledge to iterate new component and engineering concepts. 
• Responsible for all development and engineering aspects of projects in footwear prototyping phase.  Elevates athlete-centered problem-solving and troubleshooting, invests time and energy into novel solutions to meaningful problems.
• Coordinate and follow up on development of prototype product with project designers, material vendors, and mold shops
• Work with Innovation Operations to uphold the Innovation pipeline process from ideation thru transfer to the commercial teams. Maintain accountability for on-time prototype, testing analysis (in partnership with the wear testing and lab teams), and commercialization deliverables to the supply chain team.
• Act as point person for all development-related communication.
• Shepherd the fit and wear test process with test managers and design, in order to make appropriate changes to the projects as needed.  Skillful assessment of test report data, translates testing feedback into actionable changes to materials, construction or product build.
• Define, establish, document and maintain manufacturing best practices for new products and processes.
• Maintain an open line of communication with production, marketing, engineering and sourcing functions, to resolve performance and construction issues.  Tracks and understands prototype issues for future planning.
• Actively reach out for new technologies related to both product and process.
• Support the product concept and be capable of presenting product features when necessary.
• Understand both product and brand vision, product strategy, innovation strategy, and evergreens to inform and prioritize workload. 
• Consistently lead in implementing new innovations.
• Be responsible for continued development team growth and leadership.
• Active participation in frequent meetings with Asia based teammates. 
• Travel to meet and interview athletes, travel to work with vendor and factory partners mostly in Asia.

• Knowledge of footwear/apparel/accessory construction, material construction and properties, textile manufacturing, costing, pattern making, mold engineering and materials, lasts, embroidery and screen-printing preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in Footwear/Textile Design, Technology, Merchandising, Engineering, Industrial Engineering or a related field. 
• At least 8 years of footwear or athletic equipment industry experience or equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Experience in the athletic footwear industry required.

• Location: This individual must reside within commuting distance from our Portland, Oregon office.
• Return to Work Designation: Three (3) days week in-office, the remainder of work week remote. 
• Travel: Domestic and international

• No relocation provided

 $147,525.00 - $202,846.60 USD

Most new hires fall within this range and have the opportunity to earn more over time. Initial placement within the salary range, however, is based on an individual's relevant knowledge, skills and experience for the position. UA is committed to helping our teammates succeed and advance in their careers. Base salary is only one component of our competitive Total Rewards package.

• Paid "UA Give Back" Volunteer Days: Work alongside your team to support initiatives in your local community.
• Under Armour Merchandise Discounts
• Competitive 401(k) plan matching.  
• Maternity and Parental Leave for eligible and FMLA-eligible teammates
• Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources- We offer teammates across the country programs to promote physical activity and overall well-being. 

Want more details about benefits? Visit our page here

At Under Armour, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, family or paternal status and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Under Armour believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request.