TITLE: Physical Therapist (Development)

CLUB: Seattle Sounders FC

DEPARTMENT: Defiance & Academy Player Medical

REPORTS TO: Head of Physical Therapy

TYPE: Full-time Regular

FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Salary

DEADLINE TO APPLY: April 19, 2026

OUR CLUB

Seattle Sounders FC is a progressive high performing collection of people who strive to achieve the highest levels of our sport while making a transformative impact in our communities in the best soccer city in America. Our culture is focused on serving one of the most passionate sports fan bases in North America who are invested in the Sounders as much for our commitment to making a positive impact in our communities as they are for winning the 2019 MLS Cup, 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, and 2025 Leagues Cup on home soil. We exist to create special moments like these, where we enrich lives and unify our fans and city through soccer.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Physical Therapist will be primarily responsible for managing the health care, injury rehabilitation, injury prevention, performance enhancement, and biomechanics development for all Sounders FC development players in coordination with other development team medical providers, under the direction of the Head of Physical Therapy.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the supervision of the Head of Physical Therapy:

• Provide medical assistance in managing the health care of all development players (i.e. rehabilitation, prevention, making medical referrals etc.).
• Perform functional, physiological, and biomechanical screens and design individual, detailed and evidenced-based plans of care for all players.
• Execute pre-season screening/testing for player specific injury risk mitigation strategies and biomechanics improvements.
• Perform continuous player testing, measurements, and evaluations to aid in developing/revising specific treatment and rehabilitation programs, as well as achieving individualized key performance indicators.
• Assist development medical and performance staff in designing and implementing and executing short and long-term rehab plans.
• Deliver daily activation series for development players prior to training/games, and rehab sessions.
• Manage Physical Therapy Interns when assigned to the Development space.
• Assist Performance staff in the supervision and execution of gym programs for development players.
• Administer appropriate treatment (i.e., manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, passive modalities, return to sport testing, etc.) as devised through the rehabilitation plan.
• Collaborate with development coaches and front office management to create development player ranking and asset outlook for long term development planning and enhancement based on specific performance improvements.
• Create and enhance a top-down approach from the first team throughout the entire development program, replicating first team practices and philosophies to better prepare our young players for the jump in physical demands as they progress through the program.
• Consult with CMO and other relevant Medical Physicians to provide the best level of care for players, in conjunction with Head Physical Therapist.
• Design and implement post-surgical care, treatment, and rehabilitation for all development players.
• Provide medical assistance to the Defiance Head Athletic Trainer and Academy Head Athletic Trainer.
• Collaborate closely with athletic trainers, massage therapist, chiropractors, acupuncturists, performance specialists, and nutritionist to perform daily departmental tasks.
• Communicate appropriately with colleagues in providing athlete medical and performance care within their respective job responsibilities.
• Work with Athletic Trainers in documenting all medical treatments and interventions.
• Keep athletic training room and clinic area safe, clean, and organized.
• Travel with players to appointments and surgeries when instructed by Head Physical Therapist.
• Work with Defiance Head Athletic Trainer and Academy Head Athletic Trainer on a daily basis to manage the continued health and development of all development players.
• Communicate with all Development medical staff (Athletic Trainers and Physical Therapists) and performance staff assisting in the care of Tacoma Defiance and Academy players.
• Assist in miscellaneous tasks such as supporting Athletic Trainers during training, hydration intake, dietary consumption, and operational daily tasks of the medical training room.
• Comply with all MLS/MLS Next Pro/MLS Next medical policies and protocol.
• Comply with OSHA Standards with regards to blood borne pathogens.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctor of Physical Therapy Degree (DPT) from an accredited institution.
• Passed the National Physical Therapy Exam.
• 1+ years of experience in a sports environment at an elite level. Medical soccer experience preferred.
• Washington State Department of Health License in Physical Therapy required.
• CSCS certification through the NSCA (or equivalent) preferred.
• Current, Professional CPR/AED certification required.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook etc.)
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work with diverse groups - including all levels of Sounders FC players, coaches, team personnel and League staff.
• A team player who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced work environment.
• Strong organizational and personnel management skills.
• Willingness to pitch in with menial tasks as needed.
• Professional demeaner, punctual and reliable.
• Ability to work well under high pressure situations.
• Bi-lingual (Spanish / English) or Multi-lingual skills a plus.
• A passion for soccer and previous playing experience highly desired.
• Committed to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to living organizational values and the to the organizational mission: Create Moments, Enrich Lives, and Unify & Uplift Through Soccer, in all interactions with colleagues, partners, vendors, and fans.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position will work in-person from the Sounders FC Headquarters & training facility in Renton, WA, as well as matches at Lumen Field, events and meetings in market as needed.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must attend Defiance and Academy training sessions.
• Must reside within Washington state upon date of hire.
• Must be able to facilitate own local travel to attend occasional off-site meetings. Occasional out of town travel will be required.
• Must be eligible to work in the US without sponsorship
• Responsibilities may require standing on feet for long periods of time, as well as some heavy lifting (20+ pounds). While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to busy athletic facility areas, outside weather conditions and loud noise levels.

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

Seattle Sounders FC offers competitive compensation and an engaging, supportive environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of our people.

The annual salary range for this position is $80,000-$85,000. Base salary at time of offer is based on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, internal equity, and current market conditions.

In addition to financial compensation, we provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and professional growth, including:

Our Total Rewards package for full-time team members includes:

• Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: We offer 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, and vision premiums for you and your dependents. For employees enrolled in our HSA healthcare plan, we provide employer contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA) — $1,000 per year for employee-only coverage and $2,000 per year for spouse or family coverage.
• Generous Paid Time Off & Leave: We offer unlimited paid vacation, paid company holidays, and paid sick leave in compliance with Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time ordinance. We also provide paid bereavement leave and paid jury duty leave to support you during life’s critical moments.
• Retirement Planning Support: 401(k) retirement plan matching, helping you secure your financial future with ease.
• Fertility & Family-Building Support: We provide a $10,000 lifetime maximum fertility benefit through our healthcare plan to support employees in their family-building journeys. This benefit includes coverage for infertility treatment, IVF, IUI, embryo transfer, fertility preservation, and related medications.
• Inclusive Parental Leave: Our gender-neutral parental leave program provides 12–16 weeks of paid leave, inclusive of Washington Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML), giving new parents the time and support they need during this important life stage.
• Peace of Mind Coverage: Employer-paid long-term disability coverage, as well as basic life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage, providing financial protection and peace of mind for you and your family.
• Exclusive Perks: Enjoy complimentary tickets to matches and employer-funded ORCA cards for public transit, making it easier for you to experience the excitement firsthand.
• Continuous Growth Opportunities: We invest in your learning and development through various programs and resources.
• Community Engagement: We provide a variety of volunteer opportunities that align with our social impact goals and RAVE Foundation initiatives, empowering you to make a meaningful difference in the Seattle community.