Manager, Footwear Engineering

San Francisco, CA

At Rothy’s, we know there’s a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 225 million single-use plastic bottles and 715,000 pounds of ocean-bound marine plastic have been transformed into our signature thread, creating wardrobe staples that look just as good as they feel.

Striving for zero waste, we combine 3D knitting technology and handcrafted assembly to create machine washable styles that don’t compromise on comfort. From classic shoes to carry-everywhere bags, we create essentials for wherever you go.

At Rothy’s, building a sustainable future is at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive environment at our HQ, retail stores and wholly-owned factory, and are growing our community every day.

About the Team:

Our Production team is always one step ahead. While many teams are responsible for responding to moments in the present, this one looks toward the future. From finessing the production of our silhouettes to developing new materials, our production gurus work hand-in-hand with our factory team, sustainability, merchandising and design partners to make sure the wheels of Rothy’s keep turning on our quest for a more sustainable future.

About the role:

Rothy’s is seeking a Manager, Footwear Engineering to lead the development and application of fit, wear-testing, and consumer insight strategies across our footwear portfolio. This role is both analytical and hands-on, translating consumer feedback, testing data, and technical evaluation into clear product recommendations that improve fit, comfort, performance, and commercialization outcomes.

What you’ll do:

Create and implement a streamlined, scalable approach for leveraging quantitative and qualitative consumer data to inform product development, fit decisions, and commercialization strategies
Synthesize wear test results, lab testing, and consumer feedback into clear, actionable insights that influence product, fit standards, and future development direction
Establish and continuously improve best-in-class product testing methodologies for existing styles, new silhouettes, and emerging categories, with a focus on knit footwear
Explore and implement alternative testing methods to support an increasing volume of tests each season while maintaining rigor and relevance
Partner with Product Development and Design teams to identify opportunities to refine and enhance the existing assortment through fact-based product insights
Analyze primary and secondary research to inform fit improvements, material choices, construction updates, and commercialization readiness
Prioritize key fit, wear, and performance risks to ensure a smooth and timely transition from development into production
Act as a technical partner during commercialization, ensuring product readiness aligns with consumer expectations and brand standards
Collaborate closely with Marketing to translate consumer insights, testing results, and product benefits into compelling, authentic product stories
Partner with cross-functional teams to understand research needs and define clear wear test objectives, success criteria, timelines, and deliverables
Leverage consumer insights, market research, and analytics to identify growth opportunities and support broader brand and product initiatives
Strategically recruit, manage, and grow relationships with internal and external wear test participants, including core consumers and target segments
Build and maintain connections with key brand advocates and influencers in local and high-growth markets to support testing and insight generation
Build, document, and maintain official wear testing protocols for internal and external groups, ensuring consistency, quality, and scalability
Establish and maintain regular communication with Asia-based factory partners, sharing key consumer insights, testing outcomes, and product learnings
Ensure factory teams are informed and aligned on fit, wear, and performance expectations to support future development and continuous improvement

You are:

Highly analytical with a strong ability to translate data into practical product decisions
Comfortable operating at the intersection of consumer insight, technical evaluation, and product development
A proactive problem-solver who thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment
Collaborative and effective at working across technical, creative, and commercial teams
Clear, structured, and persuasive in communication, both written and verbal
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and follow-through skills
Curious, consumer-obsessed, and motivated to improve product experiences
Establishes proactive and consistent communication and feedback with their team
Provides continuous feedback to team and individual development, and holds everyone accountable for meeting these expectations
Willing and able to travel domestically (1–3 times per year) and internationally (as needed)

You have:

6–8 years of experience in footwear technical engineering, fit & wear testing, product research, or commercialization; knit footwear experience strongly preferred
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, biomechanics, kinesiology, product development, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience)
Strong understanding of knit footwear construction, materials, fit systems, and performance testing
Experience designing and managing wear testing programs and interpreting lab and consumer data
Proven ability to synthesize research findings into clear product and business recommendations
Experience partnering with Asia-based factories or vendors
Strong systems and tools proficiency, including PLM and Google Sheets/Docs/Slides; data visualization or analytics tools a plus

Our benefits:

Generous paid time off
401k matching
Comprehensive health plans for you and your family
Supplemental mental health benefits
Monthly wellness reimbursement
Dog friendly offices
Employee Discount Program!

Pay range:

$122,000 - $156,000 annually

Base pay is one part of the total rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. This role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, as well as a comprehensive benefits package.

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