Senior Specialist

adidas' Alabama, United States of America

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Senior Specialist Component Prototyping - Footwear

PURPOSE & OVERALL RELEVANCE FOR THE ORGANISATION

This role contributes to adidas' mission to be the best sports company in the world by independently supporting and helping determine the technical execution and process approach for physical prototypes and component creation from 2D/3D files and tech packs. The position plays a key role in mold making and prototyping, applying judgment, discretion, and problem-solving to help determine appropriate methods, materials, and workflows.

Working with a degree of autonomy, this role helps guide prototyping approaches from concept through execution, ensuring alignment with design intent, manufacturability, and performance requirements. The role also suppports with process improvements and contributes to establishing best practices within the prototyping function to improve speed, quality, and scalability of outputs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Help determine and execute mold making activities including preparation, casting, finishing, and lifecycle management of molds for prototype components
• Support the implemenation of appropriate prototyping methods (casting, 3D modeling, 3D printing, hybrid processes) based on design requirements, timelines, and material constraints
• Evaluate and modify 3D files, ensuring manufacturability, structural integrity, and alignment with design intent
• Translate design concepts into technical approaches, identifying gaps and recommending solutions
• Help determine process parameters, material selection, and machine setups across prototyping equipment (3D printers, casting systems, modeling tools)
• Perform pre- and post-processing of produced parts, applying judgment to meet quality and finishing standards

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• Internal inline development teams, Design and creative functions, prototyping and technical teams

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong hands-on experience in mold making (silicone, urethane, epoxy processes preferred)
• Strong understanding of 3D printing processes, file preparation, and manufacturing constraints
• Ability to work with solvents, chemicals, polyurethane, epoxy, silicones and other materials following health and safety regulations
• Strong handcraft skills and attention to detail
• Ability to apply independent judgment in selecting methods, materials, and processes
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address non-routine challenges
• Ability to work in a shop environment and be comfortable with industrial machinery
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple workflows and tasks
• Strong communication and documentation skills
• Knowledge of footwear construction process is a plusMS Office and standard communication tools
• At adidas, employees on the Creative Studios team are expected to work in the office Monday through Friday, five days per week

REQUISITE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE / MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Sculpture, or a related hands-on fabrication field, or technical vocational training/equivalent experience in mold making, prototyping, or related craftsmanship.
• 2+ years of relevant work experience in prototyping, mold making, or fabrication
• Experience with 3D modeling (Rhino preferred) is a plus
• Experience with 3D printing equipment is a plus

adidas celebrates diversity, supports inclusiveness and encourages individual expression in our workplace. We do not tolerate the harassment or discrimination toward any of our applicants or employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Employees are eligible to earn an annual bonus based on both company and personal performance. Employees accrue prorated flexible time off in the amount .4388 hours per day that increases with years of service, twelve paid holidays throughout the calendar year and Service Time Off during milestone years.
This position requires a high degree of in-person collaboration, in-office attendance is required Monday through Friday. The working location of this position is Portland, Oregon.
Though our teammates hail from all corners of the world, our working language is English.

AT ADIDAS WE HAVE A WINNING CULTURE. BUT TO WIN, PHYSICAL POWER IS NOT ENOUGH. JUST LIKE ATHLETES OUR EMPLOYEES NEED MENTAL STRENGTH IN THEIR GAME. WE FOSTER THE ATHLETE’S MINDSET THROUGH A SET OF BEHAVIORS THAT WE WANT TO ENABLE AND DEVELOP IN OUR PEOPLE AND THAT ARE AT THE CORE OF OUR UNIQUE COMPANY CULTURE: THIS IS HOW WE WIN WHILE PLAYING FAIR.

COURAGE: Speak up when you see an opportunity; step up when you see a need..
OWNERSHIP: Pick up the ball. Be proactive, take responsibility and follow-through.
INNOVATION: Elevate to win. Be curious, test and learn new and better ways of doing things.
TEAMPLAY: Win together. Work collaboratively and cultivate a shared mindset.
INTEGRITY: Play by the rules. Hold yourself and others accountable to our company’s standards.
RESPECT: Value all players. Display empathy, be inclusive and show dignity to all.

At adidas, we strongly believe that embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into our culture and talent processes gives our employees a sense of belonging and our brand a real competitive advantage.

– Culture Starts With People, It Starts With You –

By recruiting talent and developing our people to reflect the rich diversity of our consumers and communities, we foster a culture of inclusion that engages our employees and authentically connects our brand with our consumers.

Job Title: Senior Specialist Component Prototyping - Footwear

Brand:

Location: Portland

TEAM: Product Development & Operations

State: OR

Country/Region: US

Contract Type: Full time

Number: 543946

Date: May 6, 2026

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