Innovation Footwear Developer at Columbia Sportswear Company

Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, China

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Footwear, SportswearIndustries

Requirements

3–6 years of experience in footwear product development or innovation sampling
Strong problem-solving mindset and hands-on prototyping skills
Familiarity with mold tooling, upper material assembly, and innovation documentation
Capable of working independently and navigating ambiguity
Bilingual required (Mandarin and English)

Responsibilities

Translate innovation briefs and technical packages from HQ into manufacturable prototypes
Partner with factory development teams on upper builds, mold trials, and new construction methods
Make real-time development decisions based on feasibility and intent (“Developer’s Choice”)
Support testing rounds and iterate based on feedback from HQ and internal evaluation
Document build processes, material usage, and learnings for each prototype

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Footwear DevelopmentInnovation SamplingTooling DevelopmentUpper BuildsMold TrialsPrototypingMold ToolingUpper Material AssemblyTechnical DocumentationProblem SolvingMandarinEnglish

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What experience level is required for the Innovation Footwear Developer role?

The role requires 3–6 years of experience in footwear product development or innovation sampling.

Is bilingual proficiency required for this position?

Yes, bilingual proficiency in Mandarin and English is required.

What are the key skills needed for this footwear developer job?

Candidates need a strong problem-solving mindset, hands-on prototyping skills, familiarity with mold tooling, upper material assembly, and innovation documentation, plus the ability to work independently and navigate ambiguity.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this a remote position, or is there a location requirement?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Columbia Sportswear Company

Designs and sells outdoor apparel and gear

About Columbia Sportswear Company

Columbia Sportswear Company designs and sells a variety of outdoor clothing and gear, including jackets, shirts, pants, shorts, footwear, and accessories like hats and backpacks. Their products are aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, campers, and active individuals of all ages. Columbia's products are known for their quality and durability, setting them apart from competitors in the outdoor apparel market. The company operates through a direct-to-consumer model, selling via their website, retail stores, and partnerships with other retailers, which helps them reach a wide audience. Their goal is to provide high-quality outdoor gear that enhances the experience of those who enjoy outdoor activities.

Portland, OregonHeadquarters

1938Year Founded

$40KTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Consumer GoodsIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees