Material Designer (Footwear and Apparel)

Location: Beaverton, Oregon
Job Type: Contract
Compensation Range: $25 - 50 per hour

We are seeking talented Material Designers (Junior, Mid-Level, and Senior) on behalf of our client, a premier brand within the sportswear, footwear, and apparel industry. We are building a high-caliber talent pool to meet projected staffing needs for upcoming contract roles focused on contributing to the development of innovative and visually appealing materials across performance and lifestyle categories.

The nature of the work is focused on contributing to the development of innovative and visually appealing materials for various product lines, including Footwear and Apparel. These designers will blend artistic skills with technical knowledge to design materials that enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of products.

Term: Roles are typically 6 to 12-month W2 contract assignments.

Location & Hybrid Schedule: Candidates must be local to Beaverton, Oregon (97005) to support a hybrid schedule. Remote-only applicants will not be considered.
 
Responsibilities:

• Design & Concept Development: Utilize design software and tools to create, refine, and validate material concepts. Develop prototypes and samples to test the visual and tactile aspects of materials.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with product designers, developers, engineers, color scientists, and texture specialists to integrate materials seamlessly into the overall product design while ensuring accurate color matching and texture replication.
• Material Research & Sustainability: Research and select materials based on performance properties, durability, and aesthetic qualities. Stay informed about sustainable and eco-friendly materials, integrating environmentally responsible options that align with corporate sustainability goals.
• Testing & Quality Control: Conduct tests to assess the performance, durability, and safety of materials. Implement quality control measures to maintain consistency in material properties across production.
• Documentation & Database Management: Maintain detailed records of material specifications, design processes, and testing results. Create comprehensive documentation for internal reference, vendor communication, and regulatory compliance.
• Vendor Relations: Work closely with material suppliers and manufacturers. Evaluate material samples from vendors, review pricing, and ensure that selected materials meet established quality and design standards.
• Trend Analysis: Stay abreast of global design trends and emerging materials in the footwear, apparel, and relevant textile industries to provide insights that elevate upcoming seasonal projects.
   

Qualifications:

• Industry Experience: Proven experience within the footwear and/or apparel industry (or equivalent performance/textile-heavy industries).
• Technical Design Skills: Fluency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.
• Material Expertise: Advanced knowledge of footwear and/or apparel materials design, spanning both performance and lifestyle products.
• Software & Database Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically Excel) and the ability to maintain and upkeep material databases across multiple digital tools (e.g., Miro, Excel).
• Process Knowledge: Basic knowledge of brief creation for new material developments.
• Organizational Skills: High level of organization with the ability to manage multiple projects, documentation pipelines, and tight deadlines simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Comprehensive, dual-domain expertise in both footwear and apparel material design across performance and lifestyle categories.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate design concepts to cross-functional stakeholders.
• A highly collaborative personality and professional attitude suited for matrixed corporate environments.
  
  

JOBID: 052026-132155
#LI-CELLA
#LI-AU2
#PL

Equal Opportunity Employer: Race, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Age, Genetic Information, Disability, Protected Veteran Status, or any other legally protected group status.

At Cella, a randstad digital company, we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please contact HRsupport@randstadusa.com.

Pay offered to a successful candidate will be based on several factors including the candidate's education, work experience, work location, specific job duties, certifications, etc. In addition, Cella by randstad digital offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: medical, prescription, dental, vision, AD&D, and life insurance offerings, short-term disability, and a 401K plan (all benefits are based on eligibility).

This posting is open for thirty (30) days.