JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a highly skilled Fabric Material Engineer to lead the research, development, and engineering of textile materials that align with our performance, aesthetic, and sustainability standards. In this role, you will partner cross-functionally with design, product development, sourcing, and quality teams to drive fabric innovation from concept through commercialization. The ideal candidate is technically proficient, detail-oriented, and passionate about advancing sustainable textile solutions in a fast-paced, design-driven environment.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, or a related field
• 8–10 years of hands-on experience in fabric development, material engineering, or textile innovation
• In-depth knowledge of yarn and fiber types, fabric construction (woven, knit, non-woven), dyeing, finishing, and testing standards (ASTM, AATCC, ISO)
• Extensive experience working yarn-forward—from fiber selection through yarn development and fabric creation—is essential
• Familiarity with lab testing equipment and the ability to interpret and act on test results
• Proficiency in Excel and fabric data management systems; PLM experience preferred
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for cross-functional collaboration
• Demonstrated interest or experience in sustainable textiles and circular material design principles
• Experience working at both a textile mill and a fashion brand is highly desired, offering valuable insight into the end-to-end material development and production lifecycle

• Develop and engineer innovative fabric constructions that meet design intent, performance standards, cost targets, and sustainability objectives.
• Test and evaluate fabric performance using established standards (e.g., shrinkage, pilling, abrasion, colorfastness), ensuring compliance with internal and external requirements.
• Translate creative direction into technically feasible and commercially viable textile solutions in close collaboration with design and product teams.
• Partner with mills and suppliers to develop, source, and approve materials, ensuring production readiness and scalability.
• Troubleshoot fabric issues in development or production phases through root cause analysis and technical problem-solving.
• Analyze cost and performance trade-offs, recommending materials that optimize quality and margin targets.
• Stay current on emerging fabric technologies, sustainable innovations, and industry trends, contributing insights to long-term material strategies.
• Maintain technical documentation, including fabric specifications, performance benchmarks, and testing protocols within PLM or related systems.
• Lead or support innovation initiatives, including pilots and trials focused on ESG and circular design principles.
• Manage fabric testing timelines, interpret lab results, and clearly communicate implications and recommendations to internal stakeholders.
• Support pre-production and production, collaborating with QA to uphold quality standards and resolve material issues.