Mission Lead the technical development of novel materials and processes to unlock the next generation of 3D-printed footwear. This role is for a hands-on technical expert who can bridge the gap between polymer science and footwear performance, driving the foundational R&D that will enable Koobz to achieve its product vision. You will be instrumental in perfecting our proprietary foaming FDM technology and expanding its application to new materials and structures.

What You'll Do

• Material R &D & Optimization: Drive the research and development of new polymer formulations, with a focus on enhancing the performance of our FDM-printed foaming TPU. This includes improving material properties related to cushioning, durability, comfort, and aesthetic finish.

• Process-Material Integration: Collaborate closely with our engineering team to define and optimize FDM print parameters (temperature, flow rate, speed) to achieve consistent foaming, density, and mechanical properties across different geometries and batches.

• Advanced Testing & Validation: Design, manage, and execute rigorous testing protocols to validate material performance against industry standards and a range of critical quality metrics. This includes developing specialized tests for flex fatigue, abrasion resistance, and compression set in our FDM-printed structures.

• Problem-Solving for Footwear Challenges: Act as a subject matter expert, tackling core challenges like improving breathability in uppers, managing the tactile feel of mono-material shoes, and ensuring the durability of integrated bottom units.

• IP Strategy & Patent Support: Provide critical technical insights and data to support the filing of utility patents related to our material science breakthroughs, advanced lattice structures, and unique design-for-manufacturing processes.

• Collaboration on B2B Projects: Work with our business development and innovation teams to provide deep technical insight to potential brand partners, showcasing Koobz’s material and process advantages for unique footwear projects.

• Material Scouting: Research and qualify new filaments and polymers beyond our current foaming TPU to expand our material palette and product applications.

What You Bring

• Deep Technical Expertise: 5+ years of experience in polymer science, materials engineering, or a related field, with a focus on elastomers, foams, or thermoplastics. Experience with TPU is highly desirable.

• Footwear Industry Experience: A strong background in footwear product development, innovation, or technical roles at a footwear brand. You understand the a-ha moments for consumers as it relates to performance, comfort, aesthetics and product lifecycle. You possess a critical eye for quality and comfort, understanding the balance between engineering and the subjective feel of a shoe.

• Hands-on Testing & R&D: Proven experience with laboratory testing methods for material characterization (e.g., tensile, flexural, tear, abrasion, compression set) and the ability to design novel tests for new applications.

• Problem-Solving Acumen: A track record of solving complex technical challenges in a fast-paced R&D environment.

• Bonus if you have:

* Experience with advanced FDM, DLP, or other additive manufacturing processes.

* Familiarity with computational tools for material simulation (e.g., FEA) or generative design.

* Knowledge of sustainable or bio-based material development.