Engineer, Tooling & Molds

Role & Responsibilities:

The Mold Engineer, as part of the Underfoot Platforms Mold Team, is responsible for executing mold engineering activities in support of VF’s global footwear brands across development, commercialization, and production phases. The role focuses on mold development, engineering execution, and the management of supplier and vendor partnerships to ensure optimal performance, manufacturability, quality, cost, and delivery outcomes across brand product portfolios.

Serving as a key engineering interface for assigned brands, the role drives cross-functional collaboration with Brand Development, Sourcing, Quality, and Materials teams to translate innovative concepts into scalable, production-ready bottom units and molds. Regular, effective communication with Senior Manager and Director-level stakeholders is required. The position is expected to act as a technical thought partner, contributing innovative and practical engineering solutions to the organization.

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Key Result Areas:

• Lead mold design and development from concept through production release across VF footwear brands, applying a “design for quality” approach.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure footwear designs are functional, manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with brand and aesthetic requirements.
• Collaborate with tooling vendors and manufacturing partners to meet quality, cost, lead-time, and sustainability targets.
• Provide technical expertise on mold engineering and manufacturing processes (e.g., injection, compression), aligned with material selections developed in collaboration with Polymer, Compounds, Underfoot Platforms, Materials Innovation, and Brand teams.
• Execute mold trials, testing, and validation in close partnership with factories, Quality teams, and innovation partners.
• Support sustainability objectives by implementing low-impact tooling methods and aligning mold engineering activities with VF Responsible Materials policies.
• Travel to manufacturing partners in Asia and other regions to support mold development, troubleshooting, and production readiness.

Competency Requirements

Behavioral Competencies

• High emotional intelligence when working in cross-functional and cross-cultural environments.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills within multi-brand, global organizations.
• Proven ability to operate effectively as both an individual contributor and a collaborative team member.
• Results-oriented, data-driven engineering mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet aggressive timelines under pressure.
• Capability to influence effectively within local and regional environments.

Functional Competencies

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Advanced problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• High level of expertise in mold construction, CAD-based design, and mass-production manufacturing methods.

Experience

Minimum Relevant Experience:

Experiences with mold vendors and manufacturing partners across Asia (e.g., China, Vietnam, Indonesia). Experience working with performance, lifestyle, or outdoor footwear categories, Sourcing and Supply Chain organizations beneficial

Academic Qualifications

Minimum Degree Held: Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, Materials Science, or related field.

Subject Expert In: Footwear mold/tooling engineering or component development, ideally within global brands, OEM factories or Supply Chain, but not limited to

Originally posted on Himalayas