About the role#
As a Junior Material Developer Intern at KEEN, you will gain hands-on experience in footwear product development. You will work alongside industry experts to create new materializations for KEEN icons and contribute to the product development process at our global headquarters.
What you'll do#
- Create new materializations of KEEN icons.
- Develop material mood boards to bring design stories to life.
- Source and develop selected materials and upper components.
- Collaborate with suppliers to provide direction and monitor progress.
- Test materials against QPS standards to ensure quality and performance.
- Research industry trends.
- Maintain and organize the material library.
- Translate design ideas into technical specifications.
- Document seasonal material specifications.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Textile Engineering, Fashion Design, or a related field.
- Enrollment in an accredited college or university at the Junior, Senior, or Graduate level.
- Ability to work 40 hours per week during standard business hours (Monday to Friday).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Strong organization skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Detail-oriented mindset with an ability to learn new software and tools quickly.
- Passion for creativity, sustainability, and the outdoors.
Location & details#
- Location: Portland, Oregon (on-site).
- Term: Summer 2027 (10-week program).
- Work Modality: On-site, 5 days per week.
- Status: Full-time internship.
- Compensation: Paid at $22 per hour.
- Note: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
About KEEN
KEEN is an outdoor footwear company based in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 2003, the firm produces hybrid footwear, including its original Newport sandal. It operates as a privately held business with a staff of 201 to 500 employees. The company focuses on manufacturing products for outdoor use and supports environmental preservation initiatives.
How to get in at KEEN
Securing an internship at KEEN requires speed because early applicants often receive more attention before the candidate pool grows. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, helping you apply among the first. This gives you a clear advantage in a competitive cycle. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the recruiters behind the company roles directly. Intern Insider surfaces these specific contacts, allowing you to ask about the position or a potential referral. Connecting with a human recruiter is a much better strategy than simply dropping your resume into a queue.



