Raw Materials Developer, Footwear
The Raw Materials Developer – Footwear at ALO is responsible for developing, engineering, and commercializing footwear materials, including uppers, linings, reinforcements, foams, insoles, outsoles, adhesives, finishes, and trims. This role ensures that materials align with the brand's design intent, performance standards, sustainability goals, cost parameters, and manufacturability requirements. The position involves close collaboration with Footwear Design, Product Development, Product Integrity/Quality, Sustainability, Sourcing, and Vendor Management teams to deliver scalable and compliant materials for seasonal launches and core products.
Key responsibilities include leading material development from concept through commercialization across various footwear categories such as training, studio, lifestyle, and recovery. The developer will source and evaluate new materials and technologies, translating design concepts into technical material requirements like hand feel, stretch and recovery, abrasion resistance, tear strength, color performance, bonding compatibility, durability, weight, and comfort. Additionally, the role involves defining material specifications and test plans to validate performance, safety, and durability, as well as troubleshooting material and construction issues and ensuring color and shade consistency across materials and factories.
The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Footwear Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field, or equivalent experience. A minimum of 5 years of raw material development experience in footwear or adjacent categories with strong footwear material exposure is required. Proven experience in developing materials for uppers and/or bottoms, understanding bonding and lamination systems, and working knowledge of footwear testing and common failure modes are essential. Experience with global supplier management and commercialization in a multi-factory environment, proficiency in PLM and Excel, strong technical judgment, clear communication skills, and effective collaboration abilities are also necessary.
The base salary range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000 per year. Actual salaries will vary based on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. Additional rewards may include performance bonuses, long-term incentives, a PTO policy, and other progressive benefits.
ALO fosters a culture centered around mindful movement, emphasizing the importance of bringing consciousness from practice on the mat into everyday life. The company offers growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding brand, encouraging employees to contribute to innovative and high-quality product development.