Who We Are:
At Brooks, we believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. That’s why we’re driven to create gear and experiences that take people to the place that makes them feel more alive — whether it’s a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line.
Everyone who works at Brooks is propelled by a company culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation.
Our brand values help bond us together and drive our success:
· Runner First
We act in the best interest of the runner
· Word is Bond
We do what we say we’ll do
· Champion Heart
We give our all in everything we do
· There is no “I” in Run
We stay generous with our humanity
· Keep Moving
We find ways to move every day, because joy is kinetic!
We welcome everyone from every walk of life looking to inspire others through the power of movement — because we’re all moving towards something. Let’s run there.
Your Job:
The Brooks Innovation group is a team of experts who develop and deliver high-performance running shoes through cutting-edge design, material science, and manufacturing. They work across all aspects of footwear creation to bring the best running experience to Brooks runners.
As our Senior Mechanical Test Engineer, Innovation, you will be a key technical leader in the Footwear Innovation Team to improve the execution of complex research, prototype, and design projects for advanced manufacturing by redefining how we use lab methodology to test and evaluate new materials and prototypes. Partnering with our human performance research teams, you'll create new methods for correlating mechanical data to runner experience.
You will collaborate cross-functionally with product creation teams to validate performance-driven innovations that exceed expectations. This includes developing creative solutions to evaluate performance, working with partners in sales and marketing to help tell our performance stories, and supporting project teams to deliver cutting-edge technologies faster. You will work closely with our virtualization designers and engineers to help transform physical validation methods into virtual simulation wherever possible. Your work with internal and external partners to bring data-driven ideas to life will help shape the future of running.
Your Responsibilities:
- Lead the creation and implementation of new physical test and validation methodologies that will deliver state of the art of technologies and processes complete with best practices and technology transfer documentation to facilitate seamless transitions into the in-line process.
- Evolve and advance our physical testing capability to match runner experience
- Create a correlation between our Tier 1 and Tier 2 vendors’ physical testing and/or implement new test methods that directly represent performance
- Scale and proliferate our physical testing capabilities globally to our key strategic partners – including on-site training and support
- Evolve and implement Brooks’ testing capabilities to include head-to-toe testing solutions
- Partner with Athlete product creation team to specify physical requirements that optimize performance
- Display an in-depth knowledge of the 2D/3D CAD tools and processes with the ability to explain and manipulate the process to advance and enhance the overall performance and efficiency of the product.
- Identify opportunities to streamline or improve current operations and create, implement, and communicate new processes and techniques to the cross-functional teams
- Recommend and specify software, hardware, and testing methods to help validate the designed computational solutions.
- Contribute to the product creative process so that physical testing becomes a validation point within the innovation development process so that new ideas can be challenged and formulated through scientific reasoning.
- Conduct and own physical validation testing methodologies until new testing protocols and equipment are proven and socialized before the transition of testing to stakeholders.
- Execute the innovation mechanical engineering role by delivering on Brooks’ Fit, Feel, Ride, and Crafted Beauty principles on multiple, concurrent projects via an unwavering dedication to always deliver excellence.
- Provide leadership to Innovation, Research, and Inline teams to uncover new ways that innovative materials can be tested and validated while also meeting project goals and performance, sustainability, cost, and quality objectives.
- Demonstrate and articulate the benefits of the new physical testing program with key stakeholders including the Future Creative Leads, Innovation Managers, Run Research Team, Inline Teams, and our global factor partners to gain buy-in on the adoption of new methodologies and processes.
- Identify and partner with vendors, factories, and the Sourcing team to discover and advance new materials and processes which enhance the overall performance of product.
- Identify, recommend, and specify to project team the materials that will ensure product performance integrity through product testing (physical and field testing).
- Project Management
- Lead complex project delivery, ensuring on-time execution and cost targets through meticulous planning and execution.
- Foster clear communication across all project stakeholders (core team, SMEs, partners, leadership) by facilitating key meetings throughout development.
- Proactively manage decision-making, resource allocation, and potential delays to drive successful product innovation.
- Act as an expert resource for other Footwear Team members with an aptitude for coaching and mentoring, with the potential to manage up to 1.
- Continuous learning of Brooks Fit, Feel & Ride manufacturing best practices.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other applicable technical degree.
- 7+ successful years relevant work experience in test engineering
- 5+ years in product development of high-performance footwear is a major plus
- Strong computer skills including experience with Rhino, Solid Works, and MS Office software.
- Demonstrated ability to creatively apply engineering principles and theories to solve new technical problems.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing capabilities, anticipating issues, and problem-solving with timely resolution.
- Understanding of the validation process from modeling to lab, fit, wear, and biomechanical testing and specification concepts and processes.
- Proven ability to lead and influence in a collaborative, cross-functional group to meet strategic objectives.
- Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with individuals and teams that are made up of diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds resulting in effective working relationships across the company
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an advanced ability to communicate new ideas, concepts, and functional expertise within project teams and to external stakeholders.
- Keen attention to detail in planning, organization, and execution of tasks (self and through others).
- Positive, curious, and open-minded; always open for a challenge, inventive, creative. With the ability to challenge the status quo – always looking at improving our products and processes while also displaying a willingness to dive into the details.
- Proven ability to lead and influence in collaborative, team-oriented, and complex global environments.
- Passionate participation in Brooks’ sports activities is a plus, overridden by the ability to understand and empathize with the runner in order to develop loyal, engaging relationships with our customers and the Brooks community.
- Embraces and lives the Brooks values!
Compensation: The pay range for this position, based out of the Brooks Seattle HQ, is $121,798 - $182,749 per year. Base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Other:
Brooks is proud to offer a robust benefits package to our employees and their families!
Benefits- including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401K Savings Plan and match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.
Paid Time Off- Brooks offers generous time off including three to five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, paid sick and parental leave.
Bonus-in addition to base pay, Brooks employees may also be offered an annual bonus based on company performance.
Perks- including product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, volunteer and donation benefits.
Location- You will spend 3 days per week in our Seattle offices, as we believe our organization flourishes when connections, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and celebrations happen in person.
At Brooks, we celebrate diversity & equity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and encourage people of all backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and skills to apply. Brooks is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, two-spirit identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, sensory, physical, or mental disability, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), honorable discharge or military status, protected citizen status, actual or perceived victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, HIV or Hepatitis C infection, political ideology, use of a trained guide dog by a person with a disability, or on any other basis protected by federal, state or local law, or any other non-merit based factors.
