At Timberland, we’re a force of nature.  We’re a team that steps outside, works hard together, and moves the world forward.  The brand is widely recognized as the arbiter of boot culture.  With a rich heritage of craftsmanship and an eye toward the future, Timberland has a decades-long commitment to make products responsibly, protect the outdoors, and build community. 

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture.  If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of fun, adventure-loving people, Timberland just may be the place for you.  

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Timberland Careers or www.timberland.com.

Associate Product Performance Engineer– Footwear Engineering (Timberland)

What will you do?

A day in the life of an associate product performance engineer looks a little like this. 

Reporting to the Manager, Product Performance Engineer, you will coordinate the Timberland wear testing program, in addition to assisting with the day-to-day operations of the Footwear and Materials Testing Lab. You will manage and own Timberland’s wear testing program, from collecting and arranging shipment of samples, to creating feedback forms and collecting feedback from wear testers. You will assist in ensuring all lab testing equipment is maintained and in proper working order.  You will provide material and whole shoe testing support, performing mechanical testing at both material and finished product level.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

What you will do:

Manage Timberland’s wear testing program

Coordinate shipment and receipt of samples to wear testers

Collect, compile and report feedback from wear testing

Work with testing team to align subjective wear test feedback with objective lab testing

Material and Shoe testing

Finished product and material testing – Conduct mechanical and performance testing of finished product and materials

Laboratory testing – Conduct standard laboratory testing following written procedures and guidelines    

Communicate test results to Manager as well as product and materials teams

Coordination of day-to-day operation of the Footwear and Materials Lab

Maintain all equipment in proper working order 

Maintain material inventories 

Track scheduled maintenance and repairs 

Maintain a clean and organized work environment, adhering to safety protocols, and properly handling and disposing of materials

Keeping equipment in good working order through regular cleaning and maintenance

Collecting samples of footwear materials (like rubber, leather, or synthetic components) for testing

Performing tests on footwear samples to evaluate properties like durability, flexibility, or resistance to wear

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day.  For this role, there are foundational skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education or a technical degree in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 2+ years of experience and professional achievements     

The foundational skills you will need in this position are: 

Experience or training specifically within the footwear or fashion industries is highly beneficial

Understanding of various materials used in footwear, including leather, textiles, polymers, and their properties 

The skill to operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including test machines and instruments

Familiarity with international footwear testing methods and standards 

The capacity to accurately read, interpret, and document test results 

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for reporting findings and collaborating with others

The capability to manage multiple tasks, organize samples, and maintain accurate records.

A keen eye for detail is crucial for accurate testing and data recording   

The ability to identify and resolve technical issues that may arise during testing   

Teamwork: Ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is often expected.

What do we offer you?

At Timberland, we know you expect as much from us as we do from you.  That is why we make a commitment to support and grow our people. We offer extensive development and growth opportunities for your current and future positions, a competitive compensation package, and a strong benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k)    

Our commitment extends beyond this and into your daily work life. We strive to foster a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect, connection, and authenticity. Our focus on DEI is at the foundation of who we are and what we do    

To learn more about Timberland’s benefits package, follow this MyVFBenefits  com and click “Looking to Join VF.”  

To learn more about Timberland’s Diversity and Inclusion efforts, go to Timberland  com    

Now WE have a question for YOU   

Are you in?

Hiring Range:

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com  and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.  If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.