Footwear Product Developer
18 hours ago
Seattle
Job Description Position : Product Developer Location : Seattle, WA Who reports to you : N/A Who you report to : CEO/Head of Product Who we are: Astral believes in living better through Nature. We create unique and necessary products that elevate your experience with Nature, made consciously to preserve the maximum amount of water and soil. Essentially, we are passionate athletes, artists, and craftspeople that love working together to benefit Nature. These are our Core Values: • Think beyond profit., • Always be honest., • Focus on growth., • Embrace Collaboration., • Surprise + Delight. The Product Developer is responsible for translating design concepts and performance requirements into manufacturable, high-quality products. This role executes the development process from concept through final confirmation sample, ensuring product integrity, fit, quality, cost targets, materials, and timelines are achieved. The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge with hands-on problem solving, clear communication, rigorous timeline discipline, and deep collaboration with internal teams, outside contractors and overseas factory partners. Responsibilities: • Own development of assigned products from concept through commercialization., • Interpret design intent and translate sketches/specifications into complete, factory-ready tech packages., • Coordinate the entire sample workflow, including prototypes, wear-test samples, size sets, photo samples, and final confirmation samples., • Track development calendars and ensure all deliverables—samples, tests, costing—meet season deadlines., • Serve as the daily point of contact for factory partners and outside contractors., • Evaluate samples and communicate necessary revisions promptly, clearly and concisely., • Coordinate with various outside contractors for product development inputs (color, design, testing)., • Coordinate wear-testing cycles; gather data and make revision recommendations., • Build and maintain Astral PRPs (Production Ready Packs) which include all essential assets necessary to insure production quality and consistency., • Conduct technical assessments of materials, components, and construction methods to support product performance., • Work closely with the leadership team (Product, Sales, Brand, Marketing, Operations, and Finance) to ensure alignment on product intent, timelines, and commercial goals., • Support costing accuracy and margin targets through material choices, construction optimization, and factory collaboration., • Analyze and refine technical blueprints for performance, manufacturing feasibility, and functionality., • Contribute technical drawings and verbiage as needed for UL or ISO listing of new PFDs or modifications to existing., • Lead and schedule product development meetings to review, evaluate, update, and finalize decisions, ensuring adherence to production confirmation deadlines and margin targets., • Organize and maintain our library of materials and samples., • Monitor market trends, emerging technologies, and consumer demands to guarantee that new products meet the functional needs of the target consumer., • Travel to Asia up to 4 times annually to collaborate directly with manufacturers and suppliers on ongoing and new development projects., • Travel domestically up to 10 days for relevant events (sourcing, testing, research), • Partner with material suppliers to evaluate and source innovative components aligned with product and brand direction., • Other duties and responsibilities, as assigned. Qualifications: • Active participant in some or all of the activities for which we create products (hiking,running, paddling,riding)., • 3–7+ years of footwear product development experience (performance, outdoor, lifestyle, or technical categories preferred)., • Strong working knowledge of footwear construction, patterns, lasts, materials, and factory processes., • Elastic learner that can apply development processes to other category products we create (PFDs, apparel)., • Excellent time-management skills with the ability to prioritize effectively and meet deadlines., • Experienced in daily communication with overseas factories and development partners., • Proficient in Figma, Illustrator, project management apps and the typical office apps (spreadsheets, presentation, word processing)., • Highly organized, able to manage multiple styles, timelines, and seasonal calendars simultaneously., • Experience with natural fibers, sustainable materials, or emerging construction methods., • Hands-on pattern engineering or last development experience (preferred)., • Background in industrial design, engineering, biomechanics, or apparel/footwear design (preferred)., • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to resolve complex development challenges., • Demonstrated initiative and reliable follow-through on tasks, projects, and cross-functional responsibilities., • Adaptable, comfortable navigating uncertainty, and capable of adjusting plans as needed., • Creative thinker who brings forward new ideas and innovative product solutions., • Clear, concise communicator who articulates goals, expectations, risks, and decisions effectively., • Active listener who incorporates feedback and considers diverse viewpoints, • Strong consumer-focused mindset with an understanding of product use cases and emerging consumer needs., • High emotional intelligence, fostering trust, collaboration, and positive team dynamics., • Steady, positive presence who maintains productivity and composure when facing setbacks or challenges., • Motivational team contributor who inspires others and elevates group performance., • Strong sense of accountability—honors commitments and takes ownership of outcomes. Compensation: The salary range for this position is $90,000- $123,000 per year. Base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Benefits: • Paid Time Off Policy, • Sick Time Policy including Nature Days., • Subsidized Health Care - Medical and Dental, • FSA Health & Dependant Plans, • 401K plan and company match, • 100% subsidized Life Insurance, • Paid parental leave, • Hybrid work options (job specific), • $500 (FT) $250 (PT) stipend for Astral Product plus discounts on Astral product thereafter, • Pro deals with partner companies in the outdoor industry Travel Required: • Travel to Asia up to 4 times annually to collaborate directly with manufacturers and suppliers on ongoing and new development projects., • Travel domestically up to 10 days for relevant events (sourcing, testing, research)