Full-Time
AI Engineer
Posted on 3/14/2026
Skechers
10,001+ employees
Global footwear, apparel, and accessories brand
Compensation Overview
$150k - $220k/yr
El Segundo, CA, USA
In Person
 Software Engineering (2) |
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- B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Graphics, or equivalent proven years of experience
- 5+ years of experience in software development with a focus on AI applications
- 3+ years of experience with Python
- 3+ years of experience in developing REST APIs with JSON, HTTP protocol, Postman and/or curl
- Web development experience with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and modern JS frameworks
- Experience with AWS Lambda, API Gateway, S3, and other cloud services
- Working knowledge of Linux, Windows, SQL and NoSQL database systems (MongoDB), and networking
- Experience integrating with 3rd party APIs, particularly design and creative tools
- Experience working with DevOps teams on implementing CI/CD pipelines and monitoring/alerting
- Graphic design experience or background working closely with creative teams is highly preferred
- Experience working directly with business facing groups outside of development is ideal
- Experience working within an Agile team environment is ideal
- Ability to communicate complex technical topics to creative professionals with precision and clarity
- Ability to translate creative requirements into technical specifications accurately and effectively
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of AI-powered design tools, integrating with cutting-edge image generation models including OpenAI (GPT-Image-1, DALL-E 3), Google Gemini 2.5 Flash, FLUX 1.1 Pro Ultra, Stable Diffusion 3.5, SeedDream v4, and Ideogram 3.0 for footwear and apparel automation
- Integrate and optimize multiple AI APIs with a "Lego-building" approach - viewing APIs as building blocks to create proprietary solutions that don't exist off-the-shelf, specifically for fashion and footwear design applications
- Develop and maintain multi-API orchestration including Google Gemini, OpenAI, and Fal.ai integrations with advanced prompt engineering techniques to enhance design workflows and maintain brand consistency while generating new designs
- Build scalable image generation pipelines for batch processing handling hundreds of concurrent requests, with intelligent routing between AI providers based on task requirements using cloud services (AWS, Vercel, Replit, or equivalent platforms)
- Create and deploy web applications using JavaScript/TypeScript, React/Next.js, and Tailwind CSS components to provide designers with intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces for AI-powered design tools, collaborating on frontend development
- Coordinate with cross-functional teams as the sole software developer among footwear designers, graphic artists, and merchandisers - bringing significant autonomy and creative freedom to integrate AI solutions tailored for creative workflows
- Develop automated systems for CMF variations, component swapping, style transfer, and other design workflows with queue management solutions for handling high-volume AI generation tasks
- Design and implement database solutions using PostgreSQL with Drizzle ORM for storing design assets, API response caching, user data, and design iteration histories with efficient file storage
- Execute against the product backlog efficiently, rapidly prototyping and experimenting with emerging models to multiply creative team output through intelligent automation
- Implement quality validation, automatic retry logic, and brand consistency checks to ensure all design-focused requirements are met while managing API rate limits and costs across multiple providers
- Stay up to date with the latest advancements in generative AI from Google, OpenAI, ByteDance, and emerging ai models / companies, proposing and implementing innovative AI solutions based on real team needs
- Other duties as assigned
- Proficiency with generative AI, including hosted LLMs (Claude, OpenAI, Gemini), LLM API integration, advanced prompt engineering techniques, and most importantly image generation models such as Stable Diffusion and Imagen
- Strong programming skills in Python for AI applications (with frameworks like LangChain), and JavaScript/TypeScript for web development
- Experience with modern JavaScript Frameworks like React/Next.js or Flutter for building designer-facing applications with understanding of UX patterns and mobile-first design principles is preferred
- Strong skills in API development (REST/GraphQL), database design (SQL/NoSQL including MongoDB), and integration with design tools
- Proficiency with general AWS services (Lambda, API Gateway, S3, etc) is required while experience with Docker containerization and orchestration systems (ECS/EKS/Fargate) is a plus
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines and development tools including Git, Jenkins, and Postman
- Experience with file storage, CDN management for large design files, batch processing systems, and queue management for AI tasks
- Proficiency in Figma/Sketch, understanding of design tool ecosystems, design systems, and component libraries
- Understanding of image generation pipelines, design workflow optimization, and creative team collaboration
- Experience with design tools, agile methodologies, and project management tools like JIRA
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with high degree of self-motivation and experience with user research
- Understanding of fashion/footwear industry trends and design processes is a huge plus
Skechers makes a wide range of comfortable lifestyle and performance footwear, plus apparel and accessories for men, women, and kids. Its products are designed to be stylish and affordable, and they are sold through two main channels: wholesale to department and specialty stores, and direct-to-consumer through Skechers’ own stores and its online shop. The company builds its catalog to cover many activities and styles, emphasizing comfort, value, and broad appeal. It differentiates itself from competitors through its large, global product lineup and extensive distribution network that combines both wholesale partners and direct-to-consumer retail. Skechers’ goal is to grow revenue and expand its global presence by reaching more customers across multiple markets and sales channels.
Company Size
10,001+
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Manhattan Beach, California
Founded
1992
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Football launches can raise premium performance credibility with Harry Kane visibility.
- WNBA activation creates recurring fan engagement and athlete co-marketing opportunities.
- Copenhagen and Germany investments strengthen European retail reach and partner proximity.
What critics are saying
- Washington CEMA litigation exposes Skechers to damages and ongoing legal defense costs.
- Urgency-based email marketing now requires stricter compliance across promotions.
- Celebrity-heavy branding concentrates reputation risk across football, basketball, and APAC campaigns.
What makes Skechers unique
- Athlete-led football boots target performance credibility, not just lifestyle demand.
- WNBA partnership extends Skechers beyond endorsements into league-wide women's basketball presence.
- Proto hologram retail turns Manhattan Beach stores into immersive brand theaters.
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People at Skechers who can refer or advise you
Benefits
Flexible Work Hours
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↓ -5%1 year growth
↓ -5%2 year growth
↓ -5%Skechers to relocate German HQ to Mainhausen. May 19, 2026 Skechers is relocating its German headquarters from Dietzenbach to the ANWR Group campus in Mainhausen, with plans to consolidate the company's German offices and showroom in a new building on the site. The move is scheduled for mid-2028. According to the ANWR Group, the planned new building will comprise approximately 4.500 square meters. With this addition, the campus will further expand its role as a hub for order and presentation for the footwear, sports, and lifestyle industries. Currently, more than 100 brands are represented with permanent showrooms. "Mainhausen offers us the ideal conditions to further consolidate our European activities and move closer to our retail partners," said Christoph Wilkens, managing director of Skechers USA Germany GmbH, in a statement. "Our presence on the ANWR campus allows us to engage in more intensive dialogue with retailers and creates optimal conditions for sustainable growth in Europe." "With the new building, spanning approximately 4,500 square meters, Sgbonline is sending a strong signal together with Skechers. Another global player has chosen its location. This makes its campus even more relevant for the European trade and underscores the close, trusting collaboration with its partners," said Tobias Eichmeier, chief commercial officer of the ANWR Group. "This decision confirms our ambition to be a central, Europe-wide ordering and meeting point for trade and industry. Our retail partners, in particular, will benefit from the even closer integration with the brand and the expanded on-site presentation opportunities." Image courtesy Skechers
Skechers forms multiyear partnership with WNBA. May 6, 2026 Skechers signed a multiyear deal to become an official partner of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The partnership comes as forward Rickea Jackson, who was recently traded to the Chicago Sky, in 2024 became the first athlete to play in Skechers basketball footwear in the WNBA. Skechers expanded its roster in 2025, signing Washington Mystics forward Kiki Iriafen and Las Vegas Aces shooting guard Jackie Young as ambassadors. "We're excited to welcome Skechers to the WNBA family at a moment of extraordinary momentum for our league," said WNBA Chief Growth Officer Colie Edison. "This partnership reflects the growing demand from global brands to connect with WNBA fans worldwide. We look forward to collaborating with Skechers to create unique fan experiences, deepen engagement, and elevate the players who power our league." "Partnering with the WNBA illustrates our long-term commitment to promoting women's basketball and elevating the athletes who are enthusiastic about the game at every level," said David Weinberg, chief operating officer at Skechers. "Skechers has been part of the basketball community for several seasons, and now fans will see our innovative footwear take center stage in the WNBA for the first time. We look forward to leveraging the league's exploding popularity to help grow the sport while introducing our signature Comfort That Performs to even more athletes around the world." "For me, it's all about staying comfortable and locked in, and Skechers gave me that all the way through our championship run last season," said Jackie Young. "This season is going to be special, and it feels like the perfect time for Skechers to make it official. I can't wait to see more players in the S on the court soon." "The Skechers team constantly checks in with me for feedback and ideas, so they've been a great partner for me as a player and I know they'll be a fantastic partner for the league," said Rickea Jackson. "And of course I love the shoes - they look and feel great on the court. It is only a matter of time until more players will start to catch on." "When Skechers signed me ahead of the draft last year, I knew this was a brand that believed not only in me, but in our sport overall," added Kiki Iriafen. "From design to promotion, they truly prioritize the needs of female athletes and now that they're partnered with the W, the possibilities are limitless." Skechers officially launched its first technical basketball shoe line in October 2023. In the NBA, Skechers ambassadors include Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle, and Brooklyn Nets forward Terance Mann. Image of Rickea Jackson courtesy of Skechers
Skechers brings Proto hologram retail innovation to Los Angeles. April 9, 2026 Read Time: 2 minute(s) Skechers has launched its first permanent Proto hologram retail experience at its Manhattan Beach store in Los Angeles. At the centre of the experience is Howie Mandel, Skechers' brand ambassador, presented through an interactive 3D hologram designed to create an immersive retail encounter. Described as one of the first permanent Proto hologram installations in footwear retail, the concept enables Skechers to expand its in-store storytelling through interactive technology. Visitors can interact with a life-size hologram of Howie Mandel, take a "Proto selfie," and receive access to a special promotion. In addition, the hologram activation references the beginnings of Howie Mandel's relationship with Skechers. Before joining as a brand ambassador, Mandel visited a Skechers store, took a selfie and joked that he should receive a discount for representing the label. The moment ultimately led to a partnership, with customers now invited to recreate it through selfies with his hologram. Next, blending entertainment, technology, and retail, the hologram installation highlights how brands are reimagining physical stores as immersive, tech-driven destinations. Skechers president Michael Greenberg describes the 3D hologram as only the beginning, with ambitions to expand the experience to thousands of Skechers locations worldwide. "Technology is at the heart of Skechers, so it's natural for us to lead in pioneering innovations," Greenberg said at the launch. "We see retail as theatre, and technology elevates that stage. Proto is just the first act in what this platform and the personalities it can bring to life will achieve." Powered by advanced AI capabilities, the Proto hologram operating system enables brand ambassadors to appear live inside the unit and interact with customers in real time, while AI-generated avatars can hold conversations in multiple languages. Similar immersive in-store hologram concepts have previously been adopted by brands such as Nike and Puma. Additionally, with the permanent installation, Skechers expands its use of immersive technology as part of a wider effort to enhance the in-store customer journey. By combining holographic storytelling, interactive engagement and AI-powered communication, the brand is turning a traditional retail visit into a more memorable and participatory experience. The launch also reflects a broader movement across the retail sector, where brands are increasingly investing in digital tools that blur the line between physical and virtual shopping environments, using innovation not only to attract footfall but also to strengthen brand connection and encourage longer in-store engagement.
EXEC: Skechers opens first flagship store in Copenhagen, Denmark. April 9, 2026 Skechers has opened its first flagship store in Copenhagen, Denmark, located in the heart of Amagertorv, expands on the brand's retail network in the country. The roughly 7500-square-foot store offers consumers an extensive selection of Skechers products, including its Skechers Hands Free Slip-ins. Michael Greenberg, company president, stated, "Skechers has experienced strong growth in the Nordics, particularly in Denmark. We have established a solid footprint across the region with 32 stores in the country, and our high-profile Copenhagen store has arrived at the right place and time to escalate our presence. Offering physical galleries where customers can walk in, explore and experience our product firsthand has transformed every part of our brand from our immersive World of Sports experiences to lifestyle and performance destinations. This all-encompassing flagship store joins our most prominent Skechers destinations around the globe presenting Nordic consumers with the innovations, comfort, convenience, and value that have made Skechers one of Europe's fastest-growing names in footwear." Peter Jørgensen, country manager of Skechers Nordics, added, "Our exceptional flagship retail space and Amagertorv's high-traffic destination make it the perfect setting to connect our signature Comfort That Performs with locals and visitors from around the world. Amagertorv provides a premium space with maximum visibility alongside strong international and Danish brands where we can showcase the full breadth of our universe and offer a footwear experience beyond the ordinary." The store, of mid-century design, includes LED screens, Copenhagen-inspired graphics, a large-scale Skechers Slip-ins shoe, and showcases the brand's lifestyle footwear collections (athleisure, fashion, casual, and work) for men, women and kids. The store's Skechers Performance area features a gallery showcasing the brand's innovations across running, football, golf, court/padel, basketball, and outdoor footwear. Consumers will also find Skechers' apparel and accessories range, which will be new to Denmark. The new store joins four Skechers concept stores in Copenhagen and 27 locations across Denmark. Image courtesy Sports Connection ApS, a subsidiary of Skechers U.S.A., Inc.
Skechers uses hologram of Howie Mandel at Calif. store. 2026-04-06 Skechers has partnered with Proto Hologram to install a permanent, interactive hologram of comedian Howie Mandel at its Manhattan Beach, Calif., store. The initiative builds on Mandel's previous promotional activities with Skechers. Full story: NRF SmartBrief News and trends about the U.S. Retail industry Designed specifically for retail professionals, NRF SmartBrief is a free, daily email newsletter. It provides the latest need-to-know news and industry information that maximizes your time, giving you an edge over your competition.