Footwear Designer (Consultant)

OXMAN

OXMAN is a hybrid Design and R&D company that fuses design, technology, and biology to invent multi-scale products and environments. The fusion of disciplines within our work opens previously impossible opportunities within each domain—allowing design to inspire science and science to inspire design.

At OXMAN, we question dominant modes of design that have divorced us from Nature by prioritizing humanity above all else (human-centric design). Although it is design that has caused this rift, we believe that design also offers the greatest opportunity to heal it.

We propose a Nature-centric approach that delivers design solutions by, for, and with the natural world, while advancing humanity. In this pursuit, we reject all forms of segregation and instead call for a radical synergy between human-made and Nature-grown environments.

This approach demands that we design across scales for systems-level impact. We consider every designed construct a whole system of heterogeneous and complex interrelations—not isolated objects—that are intrinsically connected to their environments. In doing so, we open ourselves up to moving beyond mere maintenance toward the advancement of Nature.

Summary

OXMAN is seeking a Footwear Designer to join an all-star interdisciplinary team of deep thinkers and brilliant makers. This Footwear Designer will play a central role in refining performance, materiality, and aesthetics at the intersection of design, biology, and technology. Tasked with crafting footwear that transcends traditional paradigms, they will create products using the O° platform that are as functional as they are poetic. This role demands a hands-on maker comfortable in uncharted territories — someone thrilled to integrate computational design, material science, and additive manufacturing into their creative process. Working in close collaboration with engineers, scientists, and designers, the Footwear Designer will develop craft footwear that acts as an extension of life itself — designed to be worn, to evolve, and ultimately, to return to nature.

This position reports directly to the CEO of OXMAN.

Core responsibilities

• Develop original and innovative footwear designs from concept sketches to final prototypes, considering aesthetics, functionality, and comfort
• Empower prototyping efforts through rapid making and design curation
• Advise and provide feedback to team on fit, form, feel, and construction of shoes
• Structure wear tests and focus groups for early users while integrating feedback in a rigorous manner
• Provide feedback on last shape and support in 3D-printed last making
• Collaborate closely with robotics and engineering, leading design sprints in-line with current method-of-make
• Collaborate closely with Computational Designer in developing toolpaths for 3D-printed shoes
• Help define product requirements for performance and comfort for footwear
• Research and analyze the competitive landscape, understanding emerging trends in design and consumer needs
• Present design concepts and collections to stakeholders, articulating design intent and strategy
• Maintain design archives and documentation for future reference

Qualifications & competencies

• 5 + years of experience in footwear design
• Portfolio of highly successful design work from conceptualization to commercialization, demonstrating out-of-the-box thinking and stellar taste in design
• Fluency in relevant design tools, including drawing, 3D modeling (Rhino), and rendering tools
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment
• Excellent project management skills, independence, self-motivation, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Strong commitment to the team; maintains positive working relationships with diverse people, including internal team and external partners
• Embodies ethics and integrity in all work, respecting both company and broader community policies in all conduct

To learn more about OXMAN’s work, please visit our website and recent press: Fast Company, Elle, Dezeen

OXMAN does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristics.

NYC Pay Range: $110,000-$180,000

Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other business and organizational needs.