At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us.
Job Title: Advanced Technologies Engineer II - HOKA Innovation
Reports to: Principal, Advanced Technologies - HOKA Innovation
Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid)
The Role
As an Advanced Technologies Engineer II on the HOKA Innovation team, you’ll be a driving force behind the next generation of performance footwear. You’ll collaborate with a diverse group of innovators, athlete scientists, designers, and brand leaders to create transformative product experiences. Your expertise in materials, engineering, and advanced technologies will help shape the future of HOKA, delivering radical cushioning and propulsion solutions for athletes and consumers worldwide.
We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.
Your Impact
- Frame and define innovation opportunities for advanced technologies, setting ambitious performance targets that directly address athlete needs and elevate the HOKA brand.
- Lead the development of next-generation underfoot cushioning systems, guiding projects from ideation through prototyping and performance validation.
- Provide expert insight into cutting-edge materials—such as foams and composite plates—and engineer solutions that push the boundaries of footwear design and function.
- Collaborate across disciplines, partnering with athlete scientists, industrial designers, and global manufacturing teams to bring bold concepts to life.
- Drive proof-of-concept engineering, designing and executing systematic studies to validate new cushioning systems against performance, sustainability, and cost metrics.
- Champion sustainability by integrating eco-conscious materials and processes into innovation projects, setting boundary conditions and targets to minimize environmental impact.
- Build and nurture a network of industry-leading partners, scouting new vendors and technologies from academia and adjacent industries to keep HOKA at the forefront of innovation.
- Analyze technical drawings, lab results, and prototypes to identify opportunities for breakthrough performance and ensure products deliver transformative experiences.
- Inspire and upskill team members, fostering a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement in technology innovation.
Who You Are
- Hold a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field, with 5+ years of progressive experience in footwear or a relevant industry.
- Demonstrate a proven track record of leading advanced materials and process innovation, with examples of breakthrough product or technology creation beyond seasonal briefs.
- Possess deep expertise in mechanical engineering, materials selection, and manufacturing processes, with hands-on experience in prototyping, testing, and optimizing footwear features.
- Thrive in collaborative, cross-functional environments, communicating effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders across cultures and geographies.
- Approach challenges with an innovative, entrepreneurial mindset—constantly seeking new possibilities, solution spaces, and ways to differentiate products and business models.
- Exhibit strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, comfortable navigating ambiguity and adapting plans to dynamic business needs.
- Embrace sustainability, proactively integrating eco-friendly materials and processes into product development and championing initiatives that reduce environmental impact.
- Motivate and mentor others, bringing positive energy, inclusivity, and a can-do attitude to project teams, factories, and vendor relationships.
- Stay curious and agile, continuously learning and applying new technologies, methods, and philosophies to drive the future of footwear innovation.
What We'll Give You –
- Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.
- Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
- Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees’ needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
- Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras
- Growth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That’s why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
- Health and Wellness - There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.
Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.