Footwear CAD Engineer Needed for Production-Ready Running Shoe Sole /Outsole System STEP/STP Files

Posted 3 weeks ago

Worldwide

Summary

We have designed a new performance running shoe concept and are working with the shoe factory to get the shoe made. WE need an experienced footwear CAD engineer to create a production-ready 3D CAD package for the sole system. For the Factory to build from. This is not just a visual sneaker rendering project. We need manufacturable CAD files that can be reviewed by our footwear sole factory for prototyping, tooling development, mold manufacturing, and engineering validation. The sole concept includes a modular lime-inspired outsole/pod system, supercritical foam midsole, air cushion unit, TPU outsole, and TPU midfoot shank. The factory has recommended a practical three-layer construction: 1. Supercritical Foam Midsole Lightweight cushioning, energy return, and comfort. 2. Air Cushion Unit Shock absorption and underfoot performance value. 3. TPU Outsole / Ground-Contact Layer Durability, traction, stability, tread structure, and lime-slice visual identity. A separate rubber outsole is not currently required unless the engineering process shows it is necessary. ⸻ Scope of Work We need the following components modeled as production-ready CAD files: 1. Outsole / TPU Ground-Contact Structure The outsole should include: * Lime pod mounting cavities or integrated lime-pod geometry * Flex grooves for natural foot movement * Open midfoot architecture * TPU shank mounting and locking system * Tread pattern suitable for traction and durability * Mold-ready geometry with proper draft angles * Parametric dimensions for rapid iteration Deliverable: * LA_OUTSOLE_V1.STEP ⸻ 2. Lime Pod Module System The Lime Pod system is the core visual and performance feature of the shoe. Each pod or pod zone should be designed with: * Lime-slice tread pattern * Radial surface detailing * Anti-slip micro-texture * TPU shell or integrated TPU outsole structure * Cushioning/energy-return consideration * Multiple pod sizes for forefoot, midfoot, and heel zones Pod categories: Forefoot Pod * Optimized for flexibility and push-off * Lower profile design * Enhanced forefoot bending performance Midfoot Pod * Optimized for stability and load distribution * Integrated with TPU shank support * Reduced deformation under torsional forces Heel Pod * Optimized for impact absorption * Larger volume/compression travel * Maximum cushioning and energy return Deliverables: * LA_POD_FOREFOOT_V1.STEP * LA_POD_MIDFOOT_V1.STEP * LA_POD_HEEL_V1.STEP * LA_POD_ASSEMBLY_V1.STEP ⸻ 3. TPU Shank The TPU shank should provide midfoot torsional support and integrate with the outsole/midsole structure. Requirements: * Thickness range: approximately 2–4 mm * Midfoot torsional support plate * Locking/mounting mechanism * Structural ribs if needed * Integrated with sole architecture Deliverable: * LA_TPU_SHANK_V1.STEP ⸻ 4. Midsole The midsole should be modeled for performance running use. Requirements: * Supercritical EVA foam or PEBA foam geometry * Rocker geometry for smooth heel-to-toe transition * Heel drop configuration * Cushioning profile * Space/integration for air cushion unit * Compatible with TPU outsole and shank system Deliverable: * LA_MIDSOLE_V1.STEP ⸻ 5. Full Sole Assembly The final CAD package should include a complete assembly showing all components fitted together. Deliverable: * LA_FULL_ASSEMBLY_V1.STEP ⸻ Required Skills Please only apply if you have experience with at least some of the following: * Footwear CAD development * Running shoe sole/outsole engineering * STEP/STP production file creation * Rhino, SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Siemens NX, Creo, or similar CAD software * Mold-ready geometry * TPU outsole design * EVA/PEBA midsole modeling * Injection molding design considerations * Draft angles and manufacturable part design * Tread design and traction pattern development * Parametric modeling * Factory-ready footwear development ⸻ Final Deliverables The final package should include: * LA_OUTSOLE_V1.STEP * LA_POD_FOREFOOT_V1.STEP * LA_POD_MIDFOOT_V1.STEP * LA_POD_HEEL_V1.STEP * LA_POD_ASSEMBLY_V1.STEP * LA_TPU_SHANK_V1.STEP * LA_MIDSOLE_V1.STEP * LA_FULL_ASSEMBLY_V1.STEP Optional but helpful: * Native CAD files * Exploded assembly view * Basic dimension drawings * Section/cutaway views * Notes for factory manufacturing review * Suggested material callouts * Basic rendering views for presentation ⸻ Important Notes We already have the design direction and factory feedback. We need someone who can help convert the concept into a practical, production-ready CAD system. The ideal person has experience with performance footwear, outsole engineering, molded TPU parts, midsole construction, and factory communication.

  • Less than 30 hrs/week
    Hourly
  • 1-3 months
    Duration
  • Intermediate
    Experience Level
  • $15.00

    -

    $30.00

    Hourly
  • Remote Job
  • Ongoing project
    Project Type
Skills and Expertise
Mandatory skills
3D Modeling
Activity on this job
  • Proposals:Less than 5
  • Last viewed by client:2 weeks ago
  • Hires:
    1
  • Interviewing:
    1
  • Invites sent:
    3
  • Unanswered invites:
    1
About the client
Member since Sep 24, 2009
  • United States
    New York10:25 AM
  • $18K total spent
    41 hires, 10 active
  • 1,022 hours

Explore similar jobs on Upwork

3D Design
3D Modeling
CAD
SolidWorks
Product Design
Design for Manufacturing
Autodesk Fusion 360
Survey CADHourly‐ Posted 2 months ago
Civil Engineering
CAD
Land Surveying
Lidar
CAD Drafting
AutoCAD Civil 3D
Cadastral Surveying
Drone
Drone Ground Reference Station
Drone Videography
Survey Design
Voice-Over
Drafting
Site Plan
Tagalog
English to Tagalog Translation
Cebuano
Road Design
Subdivision Design
Voice Recording

How it works

  • Post a job icon
    Create your free profile
    Highlight your skills and experience, show your portfolio, and set your ideal pay rate.
  • Talent comes to you icon
    Work the way you want
    Apply for jobs, create easy-to-by projects, or access exclusive opportunities that come to you.
  • Payment simplified icon
    Get paid securely
    From contract to payment, we help you work safely and get paid securely.
Want to get started? Create a profile

About Upwork

  • Rating is 4.9 out of 5.
    4.9/5
    (Average rating of clients by professionals)
  • G2 2021
    #1 freelance platform
  • 49,000+
    Signed contract every week
  • $2.3B
    Freelancers earned on Upwork in 2020

Find the best freelance jobs

Growing your career is as easy as creating a free profile and finding work like this that fits your skills.

Trusted by

  • Microsoft Logo
  • Airbnb Logo
  • Bissell Logo
  • GoDaddy Logo