Job Information
Under Armour, Inc. Footwear Engineer I in Baltimore, Maryland
Footwear Engineer I
Date: Sep 24, 2024
Location: Baltimore, MD, US, 21230
Company: Under Armour
Values & Innovation
At Under Armour, we are committed to empowering those who strive for more, and the company's values - Act Sustainably, Celebrate the Wins, Fight on Together, Love Athletes and Stand for Equality - serve as both a roadmap for our teams and the qualities expected of every teammate.
Our Values define and unite us, the beliefs that are the red thread that connects everyone at Under Armour. Our values are rallying cries, reminding us why we're here, and fueling everything we do.
Our pursuit of better begins with innovation and with our team's mission of being the best. With us, you get the freedom to go further - no matter your role. That means developing, delivering, and selling the state-of-the-art products and digital tools that make top performers even better.
If you are a current Under Armour teammate, apply to this position on theInternal Career Site Here. (https://performancemanager8.successfactors.com/sf/careers/jobsearch?bplte_company=ua&_s.crb=aNMP8gWoYkBDFn%252bz2BldysgcgQHZpVs6tHzE9smSuXE%253d)
Purpose of Role
Our Footwear Engineer 1 oversees the technical development and engineering aspects of footwear products, working closely with design teams, developers, and manufacturing partners to bring innovative, high-quality, and functional footwear to market. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, problem-solving, and collaboration across multiple teams.
Your Impact
Footwear Engineering & Development:
Lead the development and engineering of key footwear components (e.g., midsoles, outsoles, shanks, and uppers), emphasizing mechanical performance, weight optimization, and durability.
Optimize the last design and footbed geometry to ensure superior fit, biomechanical alignment, and wearer comfort, utilizing 2D/3D CAD tools and foot anatomy data.
Analyze Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for stress testing on critical components to predict performance under dynamic load conditions.
Material Selection & Application:
Specify and evaluate advanced materials, including foams, thermoplastics, rubbers, and textiles, considering tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and flexibility.
Work with chemical engineers and material science teams to develop custom formulations (e.g., EVA blends, SCF, polyurethane compounds) that balance energy return, cushioning, and durability.
Work with the UA material science Innovation team to assess the impact of material properties on performance metrics such as energy absorption, flex resistance, and breathability.
Manufacturing & Process Engineering:
Collaborate with UA APAC sourcing teams to refine injection molding, compression molding, and direct-attach processes to optimize production efficiency and yield.
Analyze and troubleshoot manufacturing issues, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
Review UA Process Flow chart at Model Size Trial
Testing & Validation:
Review UA testing protocols for mechanical testing (e.g., flex tests, tensile strength tests), environmental durability (e.g., heat, cold, moisture exposure), and biomechanical performance as part of new component and concept validation
With the development and innovation teams, oversee the execution of wear tests and data analysis to validate fit, comfort, and performance under real-world conditions.
Data from testing and simulation will be used to inform iterative design improvements and material modifications.
Design for Manufacturability:
Identify opportunities to reduce product complexity and manufacturing costs through efficient part consolidation, material optimization, and process automation.
Support continuous improvement initiatives by collaborating with manufacturing and costing teams to eliminate waste and enhance production workflows.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Provide technical guidance to design, development, and product management teams, ensuring alignment between design aesthetics and engineering constraints.
Communicate complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders, bridging gaps between engineering and other departments (e.g., marketing, sourcing).
Interface with UA global factory partners, ensuring technical specifications are understood and consistently executed across production facilities.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
3+ years of experience in footwear engineering, product development, or a similar role.
Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Proficiency with 2D and 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, Rhino).
Experience with fit testing, biomechanical analysis, and material testing is a plus.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed to manufacturing facilities and development centers
Workplace Location
Location: This individual must reside within commuting distance from our Baltimore, Maryland office.
Return to Work Designation: Three (3) days week in-office, the remainder of work week remote.
Relocation
- Relocation may be provided up to a specified amount
Base Compensation
$74,059.00 - $101,830.30 USD
Most new hires fall within this range and have the opportunity to earn more over time. Initial placement within the salary range, however, is based on an individual's relevant knowledge, skills and experience for the position. UA is committed to helping our teammates succeed and advance in their careers. Base salary is only one component of our competitive Total Rewards package.
Benefits & Perks
Paid "UA Give Back" Volunteer Days: Work alongside your team to support initiatives in your local community
Under Armour Merchandise Discounts
Competitive 401(k) plan matching
Maternity and Parental Leave for eligible and FMLA-eligible teammates
Health & fitness benefits, discounts and resources- We offer teammates across the country programs to promote physical activity and overall well-being
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Our Commitment to Diversity
At Under Armour, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, family or paternal status and any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Under Armour believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a global company, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. Accommodation is available for applicants with disabilities upon request.