Designer II, 3D Footwear Innovation

Brooks Running • Seattle, WA

1d • $104,217 - $156,324 • Hybrid

About The Position

As a 3D Innovation Designer 2 on the Innovation & Elite Athlete Team, you will drive both art and science by creating what athletes need and want in their lives—a digital craftsperson who transforms visionary concepts into tangible reality.

You'll work with a fearless team at the leading edge of footwear creation, developing advanced 3D models that span from early-stage explorations to production-ready geometry. Your work directly influences how our most ambitious innovations come to life and how elite athletes achieve their fullest potential.
You will collaborate with Innovation Footwear Design, Computational Design, Run Research, Product Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering teams to create
breakthrough footwear concepts that redefine performance. Your 3D fluency, aesthetic sensibility, and technical mastery will be essential in translating complex biomechanical insights and radical design ideas into a crafted reality for our high-performance athletes.

This role demands someone who can scale seamlessly from rapid, iterative virtual and physical 3D explorations that spark new possibilities to high-quality models for prototyping. You understand how surface and contour contribute to human biomechanics, dynamic motion, and performance optimization. You think in 3D, create in 3D, and communicate through stunning visualizations that inspire teams and move concepts forward.
Your role here at Brooks Innovation is vital in our mission to be the most innovative and loved brand in running, where athletes trust us to deliver the tools that help them reach heights they once only dreamed of.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, 3D Design, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Proficient in creating algorithmic/computational modeling tools (Grasshopper, Houdini, Blender Geometry Nodes)
• 5+ years of professional experience in advanced 3D CAD modeling with complex surfacing and organic geometry
• Expert-level proficiency in Rhino 3D and other surface modeling tools (Modo, Alias, etc.)
• Demonstrates a powerful blend of both aesthetic design sensibilities and technical modeling precision
• Strong visualization and rendering skills to create compelling, photo-real representations of design concepts
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to build relationships across diverse stakeholder groups
• Deep empathy for athletes and their needs

Responsibilities

• Pioneer advanced 3D design across concept, prototype, and production phases, pushing the limits of what's possible in footwear design.
• Master aesthetic and technical excellence, blending digital sculpting prowess with highly controlled 3D modeling capabilities to create forms that are both beautiful and performance-driven.
• Scale your workflow dynamically—move fluidly from quick, iterative explorations to high-fidelity, production-ready geometry based on project needs and timelines.
• Generate production tooling geometry using Rhino 3D or other surface modeling environments, ensuring designs can be prototyped and tested with elite athletes.
• Create photorealistic renderings that communicate design concepts and performance expression with impact.
• Demonstrate 3D fluency across multiple paradigms, work confidently with NURBs, mesh, and other geometry typologies to solve complex design challenges. Parametric skills and methods are a bonus.
• Navigate 3D interoperability with expertise, moving seamlessly between formats and software platforms based on project requirements.
• Apply foundational knowledge of footwear construction: Understand methods of make, tooling processes, upper construction techniques, and how digital forms translate to physical products.
• Partner directly with Innovation Footwear Design and Computational Design team members to create breakthrough footwear concepts that advance performance.
• Interface regularly with Run Research, Product Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering to ensure designs are grounded in performance science and manufacturing reality.
• Present concepts and designs with clarity and conviction, inspiring cross-functional teams to embrace bold ideas.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to Associate Designers and Designer 1 team members, elevating the entire team's capabilities.
• Own your deadlines and deliver with excellence: Establish and manage timelines and autonomously ensure accurate completion of projects.
• Travel as needed (approximately 10%) to Asia, Europe, trade shows, races, factory sites, or other locations that advance the work.
• Explore algorithmic modeling approaches such as Grasshopper, Houdini, Blender Geometry Nodes, and other computational design tools.
• Experiment with animated forms to communicate advanced design expression and performance dynamics.
• Identify and champion new methods for evolving our 3D workflows, continuously improving our capabilities and knowledge base.
• Deepen your understanding of performance footwear construction, runner biomechanics, manufacturing processes, and design philosophy.
• Conduct factory and supplier visits to gain firsthand insights into manufacturing processes and build relationships that inform better design decisions.

Benefits

• Including medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401K Savings Plan and match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.
• Brooks offers generous time off, including three to five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, and paid sick and parental leave.
• In addition to base pay, Brooks employees may also be offered an annual bonus based on company performance.
• Including product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, volunteer and donation benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level