Timberland: Associate Product Performance Engineer

📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Associate Product Performance Engineer
• Company: Timberland
• Location: Stratham, New Hampshire, USA
• Job Type: On-site
• Category: Web Development & Infrastructure
• Date Posted: 2025-07-24
• Experience Level: 2-5 years
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Key Responsibilities: Manage Timberland's wear testing program, coordinate lab operations, and conduct mechanical testing on footwear and materials.
• Key Skills: Footwear industry experience, material understanding, laboratory equipment operation, testing methods familiarity, strong communication, task management, detail orientation, and technical issue resolution.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

🔬 Wear Testing Program Management

• Coordinate and manage Timberland's wear testing program, from sample collection and shipment to feedback compilation and reporting.
• Collaborate with the testing team to align subjective wear test feedback with objective lab testing results.

🔬 Material & Shoe Testing

• Conduct mechanical and performance testing at both material and finished product levels.
• Perform laboratory testing following written procedures and guidelines.

🔬 Lab Operations & Maintenance

• Maintain all lab testing equipment in proper working order.
• Keep the lab clean and organized, adhering to safety protocols and proper material disposal.

🔬 Communication & Collaboration

• Communicate test results to the manager and relevant product and materials teams.
• Work effectively in a team environment, collaborating with others to achieve common goals.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar discipline) or equivalent experience.

Experience: 2+ years of experience in the footwear or fashion industries, with a strong understanding of various materials used in footwear.

Required Skills:

• Experience or training specifically within the footwear or fashion industries.
• 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.
• The capability to manage multiple tasks, organize samples, and maintain accurate records.
• A keen eye for detail 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.

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

As this role focuses on laboratory testing and does not require a traditional web portfolio, candidates should highlight their relevant experience and achievements in the footwear industry. Include any projects or initiatives that demonstrate your understanding of footwear materials, testing methods, and laboratory equipment operation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $63,200 - $79,000 USD annually

Benefits:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) plans.
• Competitive compensation package and strong benefits package.
• Extensive development and growth opportunities for current and future positions.

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Footwear and apparel.

Company Size: Large (VF Corporation).

Founded: 1973 (Timberland).

Team Structure:

• The role reports directly to the Manager, Product Performance Engineer.
• The team consists of product performance engineers, materials testers, and lab technicians.

Development Methodology:

• The team follows standard laboratory testing procedures and guidelines.
• Collaboration with product and materials teams to align subjective and objective testing results.

Company Website: https://www.timberland.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Timberland is a well-established brand in the footwear industry, with a strong commitment to product quality and innovation. The company values a diverse and inclusive culture based on respect, connection, and authenticity.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Associate Product Performance Engineer (entry to mid-level).

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Manager, Product Performance Engineer.

Technical Impact: Conducts mechanical and performance testing on footwear and materials, contributing to product quality and innovation.

Growth Opportunities:

• Develop expertise in footwear testing and material science.
• Gain experience in team leadership and management.
• Explore opportunities in related fields, such as product development or quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Timberland offers extensive development and growth opportunities for current and future positions, supporting the professional growth of its employees.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a focus on collaborative teamwork and shared resources.

Office Location(s): Stratham, New Hampshire, USA.

Workspace Context:

• The role is based in the Footwear and Materials Testing Lab, with access to various testing equipment and materials.
• The lab is a collaborative environment, with opportunities for cross-functional interaction with product and materials teams.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible scheduling for testing and maintenance needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Timberland fosters a work environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, with a strong commitment to employee development and growth.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the role, responsibilities, and qualifications.
2. On-site Interview: A visit to the Timberland headquarters in Stratham, New Hampshire, to meet the team, tour the lab, and participate in a hands-on testing exercise.
3. Final Interview: A meeting with the hiring manager to discuss the role, company culture, and next steps.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• As this role does not require a traditional web portfolio, focus on highlighting relevant experience and achievements in the footwear industry.
• Prepare examples of your understanding of footwear materials, testing methods, and laboratory equipment operation.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on your knowledge of footwear materials, testing methods, and laboratory equipment operation.
• Familiarize yourself with Timberland's products and commitment to quality and innovation.

ATS Keywords: Footwear industry, material science, laboratory testing, mechanical testing, product performance, quality assurance, teamwork, collaboration, Timberland.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, industry experience, and cultural fit within the Timberland team.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Testing Equipment & Tools:

• Various testing machines and instruments for mechanical and performance testing.
• Software for data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Materials & Finished Products:

• A wide range of footwear materials, including leather, textiles, and polymers.
• Finished footwear products for testing and quality assurance.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on laboratory testing, the technology stack is centered around testing equipment, materials, and finished products, with a strong emphasis on quality assurance and product innovation.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Footwear Industry Values:

• A commitment to product quality and innovation.
• A strong understanding of various materials used in footwear and their properties.
• The ability to operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including test machines and instruments.
• Familiarity with international footwear testing methods and standards.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• The capability to manage multiple tasks, organize samples, and maintain accurate records.
• A keen eye for detail 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.

Collaboration Style:

• A collaborative and inclusive team culture, with a strong emphasis on shared resources and knowledge.
• Cross-functional interaction with product and materials teams to align subjective and objective testing results.
• A commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Timberland fosters a team culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, with a strong commitment to employee development and growth.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Staying up-to-date with the latest footwear materials, testing methods, and industry trends.
• Managing multiple testing projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Identifying and resolving technical issues that may arise during testing.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align subjective and objective testing results.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Developing expertise in footwear testing and material science.
• Gaining experience in team leadership and management.
• Exploring opportunities in related fields, such as product development or quality assurance.
• Attending industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions to stay current with the latest trends and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Timberland offers extensive learning and development opportunities to support the professional growth of its employees, with a strong commitment to continuous learning and innovation.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Can you describe your experience with various footwear materials and their properties?
• How familiar are you with international footwear testing methods and standards?
• Can you walk us through your process for conducting mechanical and performance testing on footwear and materials?
• How do you ensure the accuracy and reliability of your testing results?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you identified and resolved a technical issue during testing?

Company & Culture Questions:

• What attracts you to the footwear industry and the role of an associate product performance engineer at Timberland?
• How do you approach collaboration and communication with cross-functional teams, such as product and materials teams?
• Can you describe your experience with laboratory equipment operation and maintenance?
• How do you stay current with the latest footwear materials, testing methods, and industry trends?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• As this role does not require a traditional web portfolio, focus on highlighting relevant experience and achievements in the footwear industry.
• Prepare examples of your understanding of footwear materials, testing methods, and laboratory equipment operation.
• Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration, communication, and problem-solving in a team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, industry experience, and cultural fit within the Timberland team, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this associate product performance engineer position at Timberland:

1. Submit your application through the application link provided.
2. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experience and achievements in the footwear industry.
3. Prepare examples of your understanding of footwear materials, testing methods, and laboratory equipment operation.
4. Research Timberland's products, commitment to quality and innovation, and company culture.
5. Practice common interview questions and prepare your responses, focusing on your technical skills, industry experience, and cultural fit.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and footwear industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.