About the position

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today. JOB MISSION: The Apparel Product Developer plays a key role in bringing innovative, high-quality, performance-driven products to life within the Running category, with a focus on Marathon & Event apparel. This role supports the full product lifecycle – from concept through commercialization – partnering cross-functionally across R&D, Design, Product Management, Supply Planning, and Sourcing to deliver on product execution, cost, and timeline goals. In addition to strong technical apparel development skills, this role will leverage digital 3D tools and data-driven decision-making to accelerate development, enhance fit accuracy, and ensure alignment between physical and digital prototypes. A creative thinker and hands-on executor, the Apparel Product Developer applies technical knowledge, digital expertise, and problem-solving skills to drive product creation excellence and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned products from concept through to product approval, ensuring alignment with deadlines, specifications, sustainability standards, performance metrics, and profitability goals.
• Partner with Design and Technical Design to translate aesthetic and functional concepts into accurate digital garments using tools such as CLO3D or other 3D visualization software.
• Validate 3D assets against physical prototypes to ensure fit, proportion, and construction accuracy.
• Collaborate across R&D (Technical Design, Materials, Product Testing, Color) to optimize product execution and ensure technical feasibility, manufacturability, and innovation readiness.
• Support seasonal vendor evaluations with a focus on R&D deliverables, digital development capability, costing, and product quality.
• Identify and communicate risks, escalating as appropriate for corrective action and alignment.
• Own and maintain Tech Packs, BOMs, and related product data within PLM and digital creation systems, ensuring accuracy and consistency across internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor and evaluate digital requests flowing between design, development, and factory partners.
• Support calibration and digital fit consistency across styles and categories.
• Participate in research and adoption of new digital technologies, sustainable materials, and advanced manufacturing techniques that enhance development speed, accuracy, and product excellence.
• Troubleshoot issues related to fit, construction, quality, or manufacturability, proposing creative, cost-effective solutions in partnership with technical and sourcing teams.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of experience in apparel development or technical design; experience in digital 3D product creation(CLO3D) strongly preferred.
• Proficiency with PLM systems, Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft 365 Suite
• Working knowledge of CLO3D and digital garment simulation workflows
• Understanding of patternmaking, fit, construction, and manufacturing processes
• Background in performance/sport, bodywear, or technical sportswear categories preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel globally to support vendor engagement, system training, and product review sessions

Nice-to-haves

• Background in performance/sport, bodywear, or technical sportswear categories preferred
• 1–3 years of experience in apparel development or technical design; experience in digital 3D product creation(CLO3D) strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Regular Associate Benefits
• Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly.
• New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K.
• We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks – opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, \$100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs – that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally.
• You’ll also enjoy a yearly \$1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword – it’s part of our culture.
• Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.
• Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly \$300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.
• Flexible Work Schedule
• For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration.
• Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates.
• New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).
• Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations.
• To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced “Work from Anywhere” (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year.
• This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.