Altra: Senior Footwear Developer

Join the Altra Family  

At Altra, we are on a never-ending journey to seek out opportunities to unlock potential in ourselves and others and to create a more diverse and inclusive running community. When we’re all working together as the best versions of ourselves, we can feel empowered both individually and as a community. Our mission to get everyone out and running may be bold, but we won’t stop trying until it’s a reality.  

Position: Sr. Product Developer

A Senior Product Developer at Altra is responsible for driving the development, engineering, fit, margin adherence and specifications for new and existing Footwear from Final Design Review to Commercialization with a focus on Project based management.

How You Will Make a Difference

• Help bring the consumer insight and design vision to life for the runner thorough the end-to-end product creation process
• Strong Team player with excellent cross functional skills and communication

Understand and manage the development process end to end

• Help mentor and be a resources for other developers on the team
• Plan and track the development schedule of all products to ensure timely completion and adherence to stage gates following the seasonal product development calendar
• Ensure quality, fit and construction meet the runner’s needs and Altra’s high standards
• Develop products, recommend materials and construction techniques that meet the consumer insight and Design expectations
• Coordinate all phases of development utilizing the available resources of Product Line Management, Design, Lasts, CAD, Costing, Material and Product Testing, Fit and Wear Testing and Planning
• Partner, communicate and meet regularly with VF Asia Development to ensure product meets design intent, production best practices, predetermined margin targets and timely completion of stage gate milestones in the seasonal product development calendar
• Create product BOMs/specifications, publish and maintain all records, files and samples associated with the products as assigned.
• Serve as technical support and manufacturing resource for Product Line Management, Design and other members of the Product team.
• Ensure execution of fit through clear analysis, documentation, communication, adherence to fit standards, and partnering with VF Asia Development and Commercialization teams.
• Partner with VF Asia Product Supply, Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers to develop new materials, construction techniques, processes, and samples used to create innovative and technically superior products each season
• Interact in a dynamic team environment with the US Product team, VF Asia Product Supply, Quality Assurance, Marketing and Sales to ensure the accuracy and integrity of all product performance claims.
• Required international (2x times per calendar year) and domestic travel (2-3 times per calendar year) as required to achieve a high level of product and component development, including visits to manufacturing countries / factories, and off-site material and trade shows.

Free To Be, Inclusion & Diversity  

As a purpose-led, performance driven company, we strive to foster a culture of belonging based on respect, connection, openness and authenticity. We are committed to building and maintaining a workplace that celebrates the diversity of our associates, allowing them to bring their authentic selves to work every day. 

Skills for Success 

Years of Related Professional Experience: 5+ years of experience in Footwear Product Development, ideally with a focus on performance running or performance product.

Educational Position Requirements:  Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Design or related field of equivalent experience

What we expect you already know:

• Team player. Positive outlook. High tolerance for ambiguity
• Self-driven and able to independently manage highly complex products through the Development cycle
• Detail oriented with a strong work ethic and superior organizational skills
• Demonstrates superior interpersonal skills, including the ability to create trust and build partnerships with cross functional teams
• Demonstrates superior communication skills, both written and verbal
• Demonstrates an advanced knowledge and understanding of fit, pattern engineering, tooling processes, mold and upper construction expertise and knowledge of manufacturing processes
• Ability to drive high quality product and fit optimization through interpretation of wear and fit test feedback from the Altra athlete teams