Materials Engineer - Underfoot Platform

ABOUT YOUR ROLE:

As an Engineer, Underfoot Platforms, you will drive the development and commercialization of underfoot materials across VF’s footwear brands. You will lead compound formulation development, optimize manufacturing process, and ensure material performance through comprehensive testing and validation. Working closely with cross-functional teams and suppliers, you will support material development, quality improvement, and technical problem-solving to meet Brand objectives.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE:

Include but not limited to

• Execute underfoot materials development & commercialization activities for all VF Footwear brands sourced through Asia Sourcing Offices.
• Lead and accountable for developing compound formulation and manufacturing.
• Manage and oversee Underfoot material development and pre-production activities, including component testing and performance validation.
• Operationally connect with Brands, Product Supply, Product Development, Responsible Sourcing, Innovation, Material Quality to deliver materials and projects that create value for VF brand objectives.
• Support strategic and operational activities within Material Sourcing

Success Criteria:

• New component developments are thoroughly vetted with the partnership of VF cross functional team
• VF polymer suppliers are regularly audited and performing to the brands standards
• Close connections with functions across VF and country locations
• Proactive problem solver and clear communicator

Geographic Coverage & Frequency of Travel: Frequent domestic travel. Flexible within South-East Asia

WHAT WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR IN YOU:

Competency requirements:

• Good interpersonal & communication skills (both oral & written)
• Able to work within a matrixed and culturally diverse environment
• Strong collaborator but able to work independently
• Able to work under pressure with multiple tasks.

Skills:

• Excellent compound and polymer materials understanding
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Polymer science and chemistry expertise
• Understand of polymer and footwear-related manufacturing process (outsole, midsole, insole)

Language Proficiency: Fluent in English, second language (non-native language) is preferred.

Experience: Experience in Apparel, Footwear, Plastics, Automation industry and/ or Souring and Supply Chain organization but not limited to

Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, material science, mechanical engineering or related fields.
• Subject Expert in: Polymers, Compounds, Engineering, Supply Chain, but not limited to

R-20261103-0050