Run Perception Graduate Internship, R&D - Summer 2026

Who We Are:

At Brooks, we believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. That’s why we’re driven to create gear and experiences that take people to the place that makes them feel more alive — whether it’s a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line.

Everyone who works at Brooks is propelled by a company culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation.

Our brand values help bond us together and drive our success:

· Runner First
We act in the best interest of the runner

· Word is Bond
We do what we say we’ll do

· Champion Heart
We give our all in everything we do

· There is no “I” in Run
We stay generous with our humanity

· Keep Moving
We find ways to move every day, because joy is kinetic!

We welcome everyone from every walk of life looking to inspire others through the power of movement — because we’re all moving towards something. Let’s run there.

We evaluate applications throughout the recruiting season. Whether or not we are able to offer you an interview, you’ll hear from us shortly after you submit your application to confirm we’ve received it, later on in the season with a status update, and at the end of the season.

Brooks Internship Program:

Brooks Running hosts summer internships at our Seattle HQ offices to provide hands-on, meaningful work experience to further enhance your education and professional aptitude. Our interns gain exposure to real work, and projects while working side by side with Brooks employees and leadership. If chosen for this role, you will join a cohort of interns at Brooks and embark on a summer of learning, professional development, and exposure to the Brooks brand and culture.

Internship Details:

Duration: 6 months
Internship Target Start: May/June 2026
Compensation: $32.00/hr.
Location: Seattle, HQ
Schedule: 40 hours / week

Please apply if you can commit to the duration, salary and location for this opportunity.

Your Opportunity:
Our Run Perception Team is seeking a master’s graduate intern to work at our Seattle HQ offices. As the Run Perception Intern, you will gain hands-on experience in product research at the leading running brand – Brooks Sports, Inc. Your primary responsibilities will be to assist Run Perception Researchers as they collect information from product testers across the nation to contribute key perceptual information regarding fit, performance, and design. This information is critical for our multi-departmental infrastructure, including Development, Design, and Merchandising, to ensure that performance integrity of our product meets the needs of our end consumers. You will also gain knowledge on how perceptual feedback influences design and development of athletic products at Brooks.

With the Run Perception Team being part of our Development team, you will learn how to work closely with the Developers on building product based off insights collected not only from the Run Perception Team, but also from other collaborators across the company.

Your Impact (Responsibilities): :
• Understand athletic product design features and components, and how they influence fit, feel, and ride.
• Conduct internal and external perception testing data collections for inline footwear and the sourcing team. This entails targeted participant recruitment based on the product goals and consumer base, creation of perception surveys that test the hypotheses at hand, analysis of qualitative results, and synthesis of data into a clear point of view highlighting how the product is performing.
• Compile and present scientific reports via PowerPoint, summarizing findings based on runner feedback that are delivered to product teams for use in product improvement.
• Use your graduate-level research skills to conduct Run Perception studies that lead to innovative testing procedures and optimization of product for all who run.
• Use your advanced data analytics skills to mine data in our Tableau historical dashboards containing over 3 million words of perception testing feedback for product over the last six years to recommend product improvements based on identified opportunities.
• Use AI-powered tools to help analyze and summarize wear test feedback at both the individual and historical dataset level, uncovering meaningful patterns and insights that strengthen product storytelling and recommendations.
• Develop loyal, engaging relationships with our product testers and the Brooks community.
• Assist with the management of Brooks perception testing community social media account on Facebook with timely and accurate responses to participants and the creation of engaging content for the group. Other duties as assigned.

Project::
• As a part of your experience as a graduate intern at Brooks, you will have the opportunity to complete a project under the support and supervision of your manager. Details of your project will be finalized once you arrive at Brooks based on your interests and the needs of the business. You will use your ever-growing analytical skillset as a graduate student to prepare a thoughtful and elevated project. Weave your learnings from your graduate courses into your work to challenge yourself and benefit Brooks. You will present your work and findings to senior leadership at Brooks at the end of your internship, to hone in on your research, recommendation, and presentation skills.

Qualifications::
• Master’s degree with a background in biomechanics, kinesiology, and/or exercise science or an equivalent analytical field.
• Willing to commit to the intern position for six months onsite in Seattle, WA
• Willingness to learn and gain hands-on experience.
• Able to commit to up to 40 hours a week to be physically present at HQ.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, demonstrating effective listening through concise and clear verbal and written communication.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Well-developed quantitative skills with an aptitude for report-building, data mining, and interpretation.
• Product creation or running retail experience is ideal.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented with an emphasis on quality work products. Always looking to improve our products and processes while also displaying a willingness to dive into the details and help wherever necessary.
• Must be able to collaborate in a team-oriented environment.
• Understanding our product line and our competitors desired.
• Experience using AI for data analysis support or brainstorming desired.
• Embrace Brooks values!

Benefits:
Paid Internship 
Sign-on bonus to provide financial support before first paycheck 
Housing Subsidy 
Travel Fee Coverage 
Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage 
60% Employee Discount 
Paid Holidays 

Compensation:
$32/hour

At Brooks, we celebrate diversity & equity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and encourage people of all backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and skills to apply. Brooks is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, two-spirit identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of a physical, mental, or sensory disability, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), caste, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, actual or perceived victims of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault or stalking, HIV or Hepatitis C infection, political ideology, use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability, or on any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, or any other non-merit based factors.