Vans: Fit and Wear Test Footwear Engineer

Now that you’ve found the job description, what’s next?

Vans is the original brand rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live “Off The Wall” – embracing the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless progression. Yesterday’s “Off The Wall” moment is today’s new normal, and at Vans, we believe in constantly outdoing ourselves. Together with our communities across the globe, our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends. We are constantly inspired by the future generation of positive catalysts within our community.  

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of people who think and live “Off the Wall,” Vans just may be the place for you.

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Vans Careers or www.vans.com.

What will you do?

A day in the life of a  Fit & Wear Test Footwear Engineer at Vans looks a little like this.

The Fit & Wear Test Engineer is the technical heart of our Fit & Wear Testing function. This role combines hands-on footwear expertise to ensure Vans products achieve best-in-class fit, comfort, and performance across categories. You’ll lead fit evaluations, partner closely with Product Development and Design, and translate feedback into actionable construction and pattern improvements that bring Vans’ design intent to life

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Lead and document fit sessions across multiple foot types and size ranges, identifying opportunities to enhance fit, feel, and comfort.
• Partner with Product Development team to recommend technical changes in last, pattern, materials, and construction to achieve target fit objectives.
• Provide expert guidance to factory partners on fit corrections, pattern revisions, and prototype validation.
• Build and maintain Vans’ fit standards and processes.
• Support wear test programs by providing construction context and interpreting how material or design variables influence tester feedback.
• Collaborate with the Fit & Wear Testing Analyst to connect qualitative fit feedback with quantitative wear and lab data.
• Champion fit excellence as a competitive advantage for Vans and contribute to process and standard improvements across the global footwear team.

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 3-5 years of experience and professional achievements. 

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Biomechanics, Industrial Design, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of experience in footwear fit evaluation, product development, or last/pattern engineering.
• Deep understanding of footwear anatomy, construction methods, and material behavior.
• Experience working with fit forms, lasts, and 3D tools preferred.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills — able to translate fit findings into actionable, technical feedback.
• Passion for Vans’ mission and for creating products that empower movement, creativity, and self-expression.
• Location requirement: Costa Mesa, CA (Hybrid)

There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.

• Experience working in Qualtircs
• Exposure to material science or polymer engineering, especially regarding upper materials, foams, and outsole compounds.
• Comfort interpreting lab testing results (e.g., durometer, rebound, slip resistance) and connecting them to real-world feel.

What do we offer you?

At Vans, we know you expect as much from us as we do from you. That is why we make a commitment to support and grow our people. We offer extensive development and growth opportunities for your current and future positions, a competitive compensation package, and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

Our commitment extends beyond this and into your daily work life. We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect, connection, and authenticity. Our focus on DEI is at the foundation of who we are and what we do.

To learn more about Vans’ benefits package, follow this MyVFBenefits.com and click “Looking to Join VF”.

To learn more about Vans‘ Diversity and Inclusion efforts, go to www.vans.com.

Now WE have a question for YOU.

Are you in?

Hiring Range:

$82,080.00 USD - $102,600.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com  and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.