Digital Engineer Footwear (Pattern & Tooling ADV3D)

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization

As Digital Engineer Footwear – Pattern & Tooling ADV3D, you will contribute to the footwear product creation and development process for BU Originals Statement LA & Streetwear NAM. In this hybrid role at the intersection of digital creation and footwear engineering, you will partner with designers, developers, technicians, digital experts, material experts, marketing, innovation, quality, sourcing, and supply chain teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a technical and digital consultant to cross-functional product creation teams by analyzing designs for manufacturability, production efficiency, functional or quality risks, and costing opportunities.
• Own the pattern and/or tooling creation process, translating design information into confirmed technical data and leading upper and/or tooling prototyping.
• Provide advanced 2D and 3D expertise across projects involving designers, developers, and product marketing.
• Support smooth transition from concept stage to inline and Statement Partner Product creation.
• Conduct tear-down meetings at key development milestones to ensure footwear meets adidas quality standards and functional requirements.
• Mentor new employees on adidas technical standards, processes, systems, and Tech Package creation.
• Design and create future concepts using algorithmic and parametric methods, with a focus on aesthetics.
• Enable faster decision-making through virtual prototyping and in-house sampling.
• Plan, execute, and evaluate innovative concept projects with LA WRKSHP or PDX Sample Studio stakeholders to create physical prototypes.
• Research technology, design, sportswear, fashion, and related industries to identify adaptable footwear concepts.
• Document findings, prepare best-practice manuals, and support adoption of new processes across development calendars.
• Help implement adidas-enabled AI tools and workflows in product creation.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of digital tools and methods, mold making, and/or shoemaking for pattern engineering.
• Experience with 2D and 3D CAD applications; Rhino experience preferred.
• Experience with Jevero for pattern engineering.
• Working knowledge of Grasshopper for Rhino 3D, Botcha, Raven, Blender, and Vizcom.
• Ability to create AI agents or workflows that enhance technical impact and creation speed.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with sourcing partners in the United States and Asia.
• Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Microsoft 365.
• Fluent English and willingness to travel domestically and internationally as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Four-year college or university degree, comparable technical or engineering education, or equivalent experience as a technical product designer, technical draftsman, mold maker, or pattern engineer.
• At least five years of experience in the athletic footwear industry, specializing in product development, pattern engineering, tooling, or design.

Compensation and Work Policy

The anticipated base pay range is $103,500–$122,200. adidas offers a hybrid work policy requiring office attendance Monday through Thursday, with flexibility to work remotely on Friday. The working location is Los Angeles, California.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

adidas champions individual uniqueness and cultivates a culture of belonging in which everyone can create at their best.