Materials Developer

Job Description

Onsite in Carlsbad

Contract for 3+ months, potential to extend.

As the Materials Developer your raw material background and knowledge will help bring designs to life. Your knowledge will be utilized to develop trend right, industry leading fabrics that set apart from the rest. We are seeking a passionate and technically skilled Material Developer to drive pre-season trend, development and commercialization for performance and/or lifestyle apparel.

You are the link between design, merchandising, development, and the suppliers. It is essential that all communication is accurate, complete, timely and professional. Therefore, we entrust you to develop quality, on-time and cost-efficient materials that reflect aesthetic and ethos.

• Research, develop and commercialize new materials across natural and synthetic fibers to support seasonal and/or long-term product goals.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, Design, Merchandising, Development, Color Development, Sustainability etc. to deliver materials that align with brand cost targets and seasonal timelines
• Translate creative briefs into material briefs, guiding Designers with your technical expertise and knowledge of mill capability, regional strengths, technical testing.
• Partner with external mills and suppliers to develop exclusive, brand-right fabrics with a focus on soft tactile sensibility, sustainability, functionality and quality.
• Issue and analyze material testing to ensure quality and performance targets are met.
• Maintain fabric properties and specifications data within PLM system
• Manage development timelines and communicate daily with global suppliers to ensure on-time development and accurate execution of materials

• Bachelor’s degree in Textiles Science, Materials Engineering, Product Development or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3-5 years of fabric development experience is required and/or product development experience
• Strong background in knits, wovens, yarns, dye methods, finishing techniques and test methods
• Technical understanding of textile testing standards (ASTM, AATCC, ISO) for performance and lifestyle apparel
• Sense of fashion and trend in relation to the market
• Experience working in PLM systems and data management tools is preferred
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset