Computational Designer

Area:                                                                           Global Brand

Department:                                                               Innovation

Direct Reporting Line:                                               Design Director

Indirect/secondary reporting line:                            -

Subsidiary/country:                                                   USA

Location:                                                                    Portland

GSMS Grade:                                                                           M4

Number of Personnel Managed:                               -

Cost Center/Budget and/or Revenue Responsibility: -

Purpose & Overall Relevance for the Organization:

Explore and deliver design concepts with impact by achieving disruptive, innovative solutions to improve athletes’ performance. Solving problems with data-informed solutions that can be prototyped and tested with athletes. This will be achieved by contributing innovative design thinking, product solutions and brand platform concepts to fuel the future of the brand.

Passionate about emerging technologies and trends, specifically using Computational Design methods to generate concepts that will build the foundations of brand Innovation.

Fuel multiple concepts through cutting-edge Computational Design methodologies combined with exceptional design skills to bring ideas visually and tangibly to life with impact. Connect emotionally with our consumer through your design contribution. Dream and realize concepts that truly push beyond the status quo of the industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify creative spaces and prototype ideas using Computational Design and algorithmic methodologies.
• Responsible for advanced 3D and 2D creation of technical information for the Footwear Development process.
• Provide technical design and concept ideas.
• Drive effective transition of footwear concepts from concept, through prototyping, until handover.
• Support cross-functional teams and other developing platforms through imaginative data-driven solutions and support project development.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Sport Science plus other cross-functional Innovation competencies on athlete focused insights to create meaningful athlete experiences.
• Plan and conduct meetings and presentations with confidence and professional communication.
• Connect insights to design and collaborate with teammates to create innovative products, services, spaces, interactions, and experiences.
• Enable faster Decision making within Marketing, Design and Development through virtual prototyping and product visualization.
• Follow a high standard of behaviour & conduct.
• Create and optimize frameworks for integration of data from human interaction, biomechanics, and body measurements to ideate, create and deliver innovative product creation workflows.
• Conceive, define, and evolve generative methods that inspire and lead future design.
• Bring insight into the design process including creation methods, geometric processing algorithms, digital fabrication, and unconventional thinking.
• Seek and contribute to development of new digital tools and design methods, creating and refining them.

Key Relationships:

• Innovation Design
• Innovation Concepts
• Innovation Material
• Innovation Engineering
• Innovation Athlete Science
• Innovation Development
• Technology Creation
• Originals Digital Creation
• Sample Room

    Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to effectively collaborate with all levels within the organization by building relationships with our colleagues, partners, customers, and consumers.
• Extensive 3D and CAD work experience
• Passion for tinkering, experimenting and trying out new technologies and hardware.
• Expert Grasshopper for Rhino 3D user is a must (Python is a plus).
• Competency in Houdini, Blender, Zbrush or other comparable tools.
• Knowledge in 3D Animation, rendering, rigging, or scripting is a plus.
• Knowledge in the latest trends in design and technology.
• Ability to effectively manage and conduct multiple priority projects proactively.
• Highly Collaborative and engaged by critique.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Fluency and confidence in inspiring teammates and clients with data-driven rationale.
• Passion for tinkering, learning, and trying out new technologies and hardware.
• Appetite for experimentation. We are looking for people who are open to experimentation and who dare to take risks.
• Fluent in English

Requisite Education and Experience / Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Industrial Design, Architecture, Computer Science, Engineering, or relevant experience is required.
• Advanced knowledge of computational geometry, computer graphics and numerical algorithm development is a must. Experience interfacing with Grasshopper, Houdini, or other comparable generative design tools.
• Minimum of 2 to 3 years of experience in progressive Computational Design.
• MS in Computer Science or related technical field is a plus.
• Ability to create 2D and 3D specifications to communicate with internal and partners towards manufacturing.
• Knowledge to output directly to machines such as additive manufacturing technologies, 3D printing, CNC milling, knitting or other computer to machine methods.