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Retail, Apparel & Fashion, Manufacturing, E-commerce

Quality Assurance Intern

Portland, OROnsiteInternshipJunior / Entry-levelPosted 5 days agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

  • footwear
  • sustainability
  • quality assurance
  • product development
  • materials
  • construction
  • craftsmanship
  • function
  • quality manual
  • Microsoft Office

Nice to have

  • outdoor industry
  • creative eye
  • hunger to learn
  • fresh ideas
  • proactive
  • eager to learn

Role summary

KEEN is seeking a Quality Assurance Intern to join their Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon for a 10-week paid program. The intern will gain hands-on experience evaluating footwear samples for quality, identifying defects, supporting quality reporting, and contributing to a summer project to improve team tools and documentation. This role requires a passion for footwear and product quality, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication and organization skills. The ideal candidate is currently pursuing or has recently completed a degree in a related field and is proficient in Microsoft Office.

Are you passionate about sandals, boots, and everything in between? Do you live and breathe sustainability? Do you have a creative eye, a hunger to learn, and a KEEN interest in the outdoor industry? If you said yes to any of the above, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Position: Quality Assurance InternLocation: KEEN’s Global Headquarters in Portland, Oregon (on-site)Duration: 10 weeksCompensation: $22/hourProgram Duration: Monday, June 14th – Friday, August 20th

What You'll Do

As an Intern at KEEN (KEENtern), you’ll dive into the exciting world of footwear, innovation, and community! You’ll get hands-on experience working alongside industry experts and contribute to shaping the future of KEEN.

As a Quality Assurance Intern, you’ll get up close with the footwear that brings KEEN Quality to life. You’ll explore how materials, construction, fit, craftsmanship, and function come together in every pair. You’ll help the team turn observations into action, support daily quality work, and take on a meaningful summer project that improves the tools and documentation the team uses everyday to drive quality and continuous improvement.

Essential Responsibilities

  • Evaluate footwear samples for quality materials, construction, appearance, craftsmanship, and function.
  • Prepare samples for quality reviews and product-testing activities
  • Help identify recurring defects or quality trends and participate in problem-solving discussions with the team.
  • Support follow-up on quality concerns and help communicate findings to cross-functional partners.
  • Assist with quality reporting, data organization, and summaries or presentations for the team.
  • Help refresh the Quality Manual by reviewing and organizing procedures, standards, and reference materials and incorporating approved updates.
  • Join quality reviews and cross-functional discussions to see how quality requirements come to life throughout product development and production.
  • Jump into other quality-related projects and team needs as they arise.

    • Minimum Qualifications

  • Currently pursuing or recently completed a bachelor’s degree in Product Development, Footwear or Apparel Design, Product Management, Manufacturing, or a related field.
  • Must be enrolled in an accredited college or university at the Junior, Senior, or Graduate level. You will also be considered if you have recently graduated from an accredited college or university.
  • Must be able to work 40 hours/week during the internship program during normal working hours (Monday–Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and be available to work in the office 5 days/week.
  • Passion for footwear, product quality, materials, construction, and how products are made.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to identify and document observations accurately.
  • Strong organization, communication, and collaboration skills.

    • What We’re Looking For:

    We’re seeking someone who embodies our passion for creativity, sustainability, and the great outdoors. Our ideal KEENtern is:

  • Passionate: Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, committed to sustainability, or fascinated by footwear trends and innovation, you’re excited to engage with the world around you.
  • Creatively Minded: You’re detail-oriented, love bringing fresh ideas to life, and have a knack for solving problems.
  • A Strong Communicator: Whether it’s collaborating with a team or presenting ideas, you know how to express yourself clearly and effectively.
  • Proactive & Eager to Learn: You’re curious, ready to ask questions, take initiative, and dive into new challenges with enthusiasm.

    • Why Intern with Us?

    Being a KEENtern means you’re not just an intern—you’re a valued part of our KEEN community. Here’s what you can look forward to:

  • Meaningful Work: Tackle real-world projects that make an impact, gaining valuable hands-on experience at a globally recognized brand.
  • Collaborative Environment: Partner with talented teammates and work on a group project with other KEENterns.
  • Networking Opportunities: Build connections with industry experts and mentors who can help shape your career.
  • Perks & Benefits: Enjoy product discounts, a subsidized cafeteria, and an inspiring workspace.
  • Outdoor Adventures: Immerse yourself in Portland – a vibrant city nestled between the mountains and the coast – a hub for all things outdoors, such as hiking, biking, rafting, camping, and climbing.

    • Program Requirements:

    To qualify for this internship, you must:

  • Be a Junior, Senior, or Graduate student working toward a degree in Product Development, Footwear or Apparel Design, Product Management, Manufacturing, or a related field.
  • Be eligible to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
  • Commit to a 10-week program from mid-June through mid-August.
  • Dedicate 40 hours per week during standard M-F work week.
  • This is an onsite role located at our beautiful headquarters office in Portland, OR.
  • Plan no more than four total days of vacation during the internship.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Able to learn and adapt quickly to new software and tools.
  • Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, strong attention to detail in preparation of presentations, reports, and materials.
  • Demonstrate 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, with or without reasonable accommodation, including using a computer for extended periods.

    • Ready to Take the Next Step?If you’re ready to take your passions to the next level and be part of a world-class team, please apply.

    Other Requirements

    Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without cause.

    Fuerst Group, KEEN and Chrome are equal opportunity employers. We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

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