Job Description

About the Role

Ariat is seeking a motivated and curious minded Footwear Development Intern to join our innovative team. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in footwear development while contributing to the evolution of industry-leading products. The intern will collaborate closely with seasoned developers to assist in bringing products to market while learning about the complete footwear product creation process—from concept to commercialization.

As a Footwear Product Development Intern, you'll become part of a team that values craftsmanship, innovation, and authenticity. Ariat is committed to helping you grow professionally while enjoying a fun, inclusive, and creative work environment. Expect mentorship, hands-on projects, and exposure to real-world product development cycles.

What You’ll Gain

Development Support:

• Complete overview of the Footwear Development process (concept to commercialization)
• Learn Centric PLM system
• Work with Development Manager on footwear projects to learn about materials, shoe construction and manufacturing processes
• Communicate with the Development team in our sourcing offices for expediting the sampling process, evaluating feedback and implementing revisions
• Participate in fit testing sessions

Technical Development:

• Gain knowledge of the complete footwear development process including tooling, pattern engineering, product construction and materials and costing.

Presentation & Communication:

• Participation in Product Development team meetings and presentation of work as required.
• Present internship goals and outcomes to the team at the conclusion of the program.

By the end of the internship, the intern will:

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the footwear industry, including role of product development
• Learn the full lifecycle of footwear development, from concept to commercialization
• Develop a new Ariat style/SKU through the seasonal process.

About You

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, Material Technology or like degrees.
• Knowledge or curiosity of materials, construction, and manufacturing is preferred
• Passionate for Western, Equestrian lifestyle or Industrial knowledge a bonus
• Passionate about footwear and eager to learn from a collaborative, fast-paced team
• Strong written and verbal communication and project management skills

About Ariat

Ariat is an innovative, outdoor global brand with roots in equestrian performance. We develop high-quality footwear and apparel for people who ride, work, and play outdoors, and care about performance, quality, comfort, and style.

The hourly rate for this position is $20.00 per hour.

The salary is determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data for geographic locations. Ariat in good faith believes that this posted compensation range is accurate for this role at this location at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.

This contract position may be eligible for select benefits through the payrolling agency. Benefits may include medical, dental, and vision insurance options and 401k.

Ariat will consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with state and local laws. Ariat is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local law. Ariat is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to candidates with disabilities. If you need an accommodation during the application process, email [email protected].

Please see our Employment Candidate Privacy Policy at to learn more about how we collect, use, retain and disclose Personal Information.

Please note that Ariat does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Agreement, Ariat will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter/agency placement fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed Agreement, Ariat explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted directly to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Ariat.

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