Lead Innovation Researcher - HOKA Innovation

At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us. 

Job Title: Lead Innovation Researcher - HOKA Innovation

Reports to:  Principal Innovation Researcher – HOKA Innovation

Location: Portland, OR (Hybrid)

Typically 3 times per week in office, Tuesday – Thursday

The Role

As Lead Innovation Researcher – HOKA Innovation, you’ll drive science-driven research and insight generation to inform and advance future footwear innovation. You’ll identify athlete and consumer needs, define critical knowledge gaps, design research methodologies, conduct applied studies, and translate findings into actionable guidance for concept development. You’ll serve as a key scientific partner across Innovation, Design, Development, Product Creation, and with external research collaborators, connecting research to product and shaping concepts from early exploration through validation.

We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.

Your Impact

• Partner with Innovation leadership to shape and advance HOKA’s innovation strategy at the intersection of science, athlete insight, and product performance
• Provide scientific expertise and guidance to inform innovation design, concept development, and product decision-making
• Identify knowledge gaps that guide research priorities and innovation opportunities
• Apply an entrepreneurial mindset to identify opportunities where scientific insights can unlock product differentiation
• Design research protocols, develop tools, and execute scientific studies to generate actionable insights
• Apply performance testing methods to evaluate how footwear concepts influence movement, efficiency, and performance
• Serve as the primary liaison managing external research collaborations in support of HOKA’s innovation strategy
• Translate research findings into actionable product direction supporting concept creation and development
• Partner with product design, development, engineering, testing, and creation teams to embed scientific insights in innovation concepts
• Contribute to the creation, evaluation, and refinement of disruptive concepts and products from early exploration through commercialization
• Build and cultivate a network of leading research partners across academia, sport federations, and industry
• Identify and evaluate emerging opportunities in human performance, footwear science, sport technology, and innovation partnerships

Who You Are

• Master’s or PhD degree in Biomechanics, Biomedical Engineering, Exercise Science, Sports Medicine, or similar field of study
• 6-8 years of experience in footwear, sports equipment, or human performance research
• Experience leading research programs within the footwear industry or a closely related field
• Expertise in research design and applied sport science, including experimental design, statistical methods, and current sport science literature
• Strong understanding of athlete behavior, human movement, and performance mechanisms in footwear and apparel
• Advanced proficiency with lab and field technologies, including 3D motion capture, force plates, pressure insoles, metabolic carts, and IMUs
• Highly proficient in data processing, analysis, and visualization using Python, MATLAB, and Visual3D
• Demonstrated ability to guide concepts from early exploration through prototyping and validation, translating research into product-relevant insights
• Ability to communicate research findings, innovation opportunities, and concept recommendations through clear, compelling storytelling
• Highly motivated team player and self-starter with a curious, growth mindset and focus on continuous learning

What We'll Give You –

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.
• Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
• Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees’ needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
• Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras
• Growth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That’s why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Health and Wellness - There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.

The salary range posted reflects the estimated minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in:

Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.