OluKai Footwear Developer II

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : $111,000 - $130,000

Who We Are :

At OluKai, we build premium products for the ocean lifestyle. Our footwear is created using the highest quality materials and crafted into beautiful, functional and incredibly comfortable designs that reflect the spirit of the ocean lifestyle we all enjoy.

We are committed to creating quality products for our customers while leaving the smallest footprint possible on the planet. Our company philosophy is to be environmentally responsible as manufacturers and to pledge OluKai to actively support and work for a clean environment and a better quality of life.

Our customers and staff embody the connection that exists between people and the ocean, it is our Culture. We want to build a team of individuals who embrace this culture, and have a passion for providing premium products and service to our customers.

About the Role :

As a Footwear Developer II, you'll play a central role in transforming creative concepts into tangible footwear products. Youll partner closely with design, merchandising, sourcing, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless execution of seasonal and SMU (Special Make-Up) footwear lines. Your expertise in materials, color, construction, and fit will ensure products are not only brand-right, but also performance-ready, consumer-focused, and production-viable.

This position operates at the intersection of creative vision and technical feasibilitysupporting the delivery of on-time collections that balance innovation with cost efficiency and quality. Ideal candidates will have a keen eye for detail and a collaborative mindset, ready to help elevate sneaker and franchise assortments.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

• Manage the development and execution of seasonal footwear programs and SMU initiatives, ensuring flawless quality, fit, and brand alignment.
• Translate design concepts, CADs, and tech packs into execution-ready specs, facilitating prototype, fit, and sample stages.
• Collaborate with merchandising to validate consumer, channel, and account needs; ensure commercial viability and assortment relevance.
• Work alongside sourcing and vendor partners to ensure cost targets, material feasibility, and production readiness are met.
• Own sample reviews and physical fit sessions, identifying opportunities to enhance product fit, performance, durability, and aesthetic impact.
• Maintain meticulous development documentation, including sample tracking, deviations, and change control logs.
• Support preparation of SMUs with specialized graphic, color, and material treatments.

Requirements and Qualifications :

Location & Office Structure : This is an in-office hybrid position, mandatory 4 days per week in office in Irvine, CA with the option to work from home 1 day per week. Subject to change without notice as per company guidelines.

Compensation : The salary range for this position is $111,000 to $130,000 plus opportunity for annual bonus; salary is based on the experience that you bring to the position.

Benefits and Perks :

Archipelago Companies values a diverse, inclusive, and entrepreneurial workforce and culture, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individuals 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 hr@arch-cos.com. Archipelago will reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities to the extent required by applicable law.