Innovation Intern

About the Role

• Position: Innovation Intern
• Location: KEEN’s Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon (on-site)
• Duration: 10 weeks
• Compensation: $22/hour
• Program Duration: Monday, June 14th – Friday, August 20th

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Innovation team’s product-creation process, from early idea generation through soft prototype development.
• Own assigned innovation projects and tasks, ensuring work progresses against key milestones.
• Maintain accurate project tracking, timelines, and status updates for the team.
• Assist with sample coordination, including requesting, receiving, organizing, reviewing, and shipping samples.
• Keep Innovation materials, samples, and shared spaces organized and easy for the team to access.
• Participate actively in team meetings by documenting key decisions, actions, and follow-ups.
• Contribute research, concepts, and fresh thinking that help identify new footwear innovation opportunities.
• Support concept visualization and storytelling through sketches, mood boards, Illustrator/Photoshop layouts, or simple 3D studies.
• Assist with prototype reviews by documenting feedback, identifying opportunities for refinement, and preparing materials for team presentations.
• Participate in Innovation team meetings.
• Support an assigned project from initial concept through soft prototype.
• Lead design exploration and concept development.
• Track milestones, samples, and next steps.
• Share clear status updates.
• Assist with day-to-day Innovation tasks.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design or a related field.
• Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university at a Junior, Senior, or Graduate level. (Recent graduates are also considered.)
• Must be able to work 40 hours/week during the internship program (Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and be available to work on-site 5 days/week.
• Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Rhino, Fusion, Procreate or similar applications.
• Experience with physical prototyping.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Able to learn and adapt quickly to new software and tools.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail in preparation of presentations, reports, and materials.
• Strong organization skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
• Proven ability to work independently as well as collaborate with a team.
• Able to perform the essential functions of the role, including using a computer for extended periods.

Qualifications

• A background in industrial design, footwear design, product design, or a related creative discipline is preferred.
• Passionate about creativity, sustainability, and the great outdoors.
• Creatively minded with a knack for problem-solving.
• Proactive and eager to learn.
• Eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Plan no more than four total days of vacation during the internship.