Senior Director, Deckers Applied Research Center

At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us. 

Job Title: Senior Director, Deckers Applied Research Center

Reports to: VP, Innovation

Location: Goleta, CA (In-Office)

The Role

The Deckers Applied Research Center (D-ARC) is an applied research center that will use research and development to support the inline and innovation product teams of all Deckers Brands with best-in-class Biomechanics, Materials Characterization, and Perception Testing tools and techniques. We are seeking a Senior Director for the newly created Deckers Applied Research Center to be its first leader, with the goal of improving human performance and comfort through footwear and apparel testing. This individual will oversee cutting-edge work in biomechanics, mechanical characterization of footwear and footwear components, sensory science, and consumer-centric product evaluation, while also building and managing high-performing applied research teams. The Senior Director will serve as a key connector between science and design—translating technical findings into actionable insights for a multidisciplinary product team that includes designers, engineers, developers, product line managers, and marketers.

We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.

Your Impact

• Lead Strategic Direction: Define and execute the long-term vision and strategy for the Applied Research Center in alignment with brand and product innovation goals.
• Biomechanical Research Oversight: Direct research initiatives in biomechanical characterization, including gait and motion analysis, force and pressure distribution, fit, and performance testing of footwear and apparel components.
• Sensory Science Leadership: Advance the organization’s capabilities in sensory science, including perception of all attributes, especially comfort.
• Team Building & Leadership: Recruit, develop, and lead a diverse team of applied researchers, including biomechanists, sensory scientists, and specialists in mechanics of materials.
• Cross-Functional Communication: Effectively communicate scientific findings and implications to multidisciplinary product teams, supporting decision-making across product design, materials, and marketing.
• External Collaboration: Establish partnerships with academic institutions, research labs, and industry experts to bring external knowledge and capabilities into the organization.
• Research Translation: Convert complex research outcomes into practical applications, consumer insights, and product innovations that drive competitive advantage.
• Operational Excellence: Manage research budgets, timelines, and resources, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule and aligned with company priorities.
• Thought Leadership: Represent the company at industry conferences, contribute to publications, and help define future trends in performance, comfort, and innovation

Who You Are

• Ph.D. or equivalent experience in Biomechanics, Human Movement Science, Sensory Science, Human Factors, Biomedical Engineering, or related fields.
• PhD and 7+ years of experience or Master's Degree and 10+ years of experience in applied research with a focus on footwear, apparel, or human-centered product development.
• Familiar with programming, modeling, and simulation tools such as MATLAB, Maple, Mathematica, Autodesk Fusion, etc.
• Proficient in Microsoft Applications.
• Strong commitment to the team; maintains positive working relationships with diverse people.
• Embodies ethics and integrity in all work, respecting both company and broader community policies in all conduct.
• Excellent verbal, visual, and written communication skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience working effectively in complex global organizations, satisfying the needs of diverse constituents.
• Demonstrated expertise in biomechanical testing, including the use of force plates, instrumented treadmills, pressure mapping, motion capture, wearable sensors, metabolic measurement systems and related technologies.
• Strong foundation in sensory evaluation, including protocol design, statistical interpretation, and consumer testing.
• Proven experience in building and managing applied research teams, including recruiting, mentoring, and leading cross-functional scientists.
• Excellent ability to translate technical data into insights relevant to product design, engineering, and marketing teams.
• Outstanding presentation, communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.
• A track record of collaboration within complex, matrixed organizations
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in both footwear and apparel research environments.
• Experience working in or with global brands in sport, performance, or lifestyle sectors.

What We'll Give You –

• Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We’ve created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they’re valued.
• Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
• Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees’ needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
• Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras
• Growth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That’s why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
• Health and Wellness - There’s nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.
   

$250,000 - $260,000

The salary range posted reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in our Goleta, CA location. Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.