Vans: Associate Designer, Visualization 3D & Innovation

Now that you’ve found the job description, what’s next?

Vans is the original brand rooted in the authentic lifestyle of skateboarding. We are driven by our mission to inspire and empower everyone to live “Off The Wall” – embracing the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless progression. Yesterday’s “Off The Wall” moment is today’s new normal, and at Vans, we believe in constantly outdoing ourselves. Together with our communities across the globe, our vision is to push culture forward because we believe that the pursuit of progression never ends. We are constantly inspired by the future generation of positive catalysts within our community.  

So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us – our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of people who think and live “Off the Wall,” Vans just may be the place for you.

 

To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Vans Careers or www.vans.com.

What will you do?

A day in the life of a Associate Designer, Visualization 3D & Innovation for Footwear, Apparel and Accessories at Vans looks a little like this.

This is an entry level role that sits on the design and innovation team and will be responsible for high quality 3D models, agenticAI and will help lead adoption of new and cutting-edge visualization tools and design methods.  This role will work closely with internal innovation teams, merchandising, development, as well as external vendors and co-creators to optimize design and visualize future concepts and that create impactful representations of seasonal designs. This role reports to the director of digital innovation, AI, and innovation center.

Let’s break down that day-in-the-life a bit more.

• Leverage GenAI, Adobe, and CAD to generate innovative and advanced footwear, apparel, accessories concepts based on new technology developments

• Leverage AgenticAI to optimize design visualization, innovation inputs/outputs, and deliver rich visual assets

• Collaborate with 3D modelers to generate high quality visuals/presentations from 3D assets for various departments

• Assist product teams in various categories incorporating digital tools in their design process (vizcom, blender, substance painter, photoshop, etc.)

• Research new technologies, materials and applications to share with the product teams

What do you need to succeed?

We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you’ll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 1-3 years of experience and professional achievements.

The foundation skills you will need in this position are:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent education in Industrial Design, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, or digital arts

• Experience with texturing/rendering software (e.g., Rhino, Unreal, blender, etc) and proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere, or similar programs

• Skilled with business software, including Microsoft Suite, Figma, Figjam, etc.

• Demonstrates strong teamwork skills and the ability to build effective relationships with colleagues across design, development, merchandising, and other departments.

• Exhibits self-motivation and can work independently with some collaboration with the team, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.

• Periodic travel required (approx. 10-20%), including air travel

There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.

• Preferred software experience: GenAI (MidJourney, Claude, Copilot Suite, ChatGPT, Freepic, Vizcom, and other AI tools), CAD/Render (Rhino, Maya, Blender, Unreal, etc.)

• Experience with 3D printing files and outputs a plus

• While the focus will be on AI optimization and visualization, experience with footwear and apparel is a plus

• Bend, lift, open and move product and related office items varying in weight from 1 to 60lbs, depending on need

Location requirement: Hybrid schedule, 3 days a week (more as needed) out of our HQ in Costa Mesa, CA.

Hiring Range:

$60,480.00 USD - $75,600.00 USD annually

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com  and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s 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 require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.