Technical Raw Material Developer – Knits

Technical Raw Material Developer – Knits

5750 Mercury Dr, Dearborn, MI 48126, USA

Posted Monday, March 23, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Title: Technical Raw Material Developer

Department: Global Product Development

Reports to: Sr Manager, Technical Raw Materials

Location: Dearborn

Job Classification: Hybrid

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Band: Professional

Job Summary

The Technical Raw Material Developer collaborates with the Design and Merchant teams to develop new raw materials and executes against seasonal timelines. The Tech RM Developer has experience and knowledge of raw materials development and ability to develop fiber/material up, as needed. The position executes quality standards and requirements for all raw materials; develops directly with mills/vendors; and ensures physical and performance properties meet Carhartt requirements prior to approval.

Inspired by Hard Work

At Carhartt, the values of hard work—dependability, honesty, and trust—are rooted in the legacy of our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. His commitment to serving hardworking people continues to inspire everything we do. Guided by his legacy and our mission—We serve and protect all hardworking people by building durable products— we remain dedicated to upholding these principles in every decision we make and every product we create.

Associate Responsibilities

• Develop new raw materials from concept to commercialization by establishing quality standards and protocols for all materials; ensure all developments can be successfully commercialized through technical solutions; meet cost targets; and research and embed product compliance regulations into all new and existing materials.
• Demonstrated experience and knowledge of fabric and yarn development from fiber/material up; has technical knowledge to develop and troubleshoot with mill/supplier engineers on site for immediate resolution.
• Execute material development approvals within structured seasonal timelines.
• Provide technical support and material expertise to cross functional teams.
• Collaborate with manager to present raw material trend direction and lifecycle analysis to Design and Merchant partners. Researches and develops materials based on seasonal strategies and innovation needs of the business.
• Partner with Sourcing to troubleshoot any developments including but not limited to manufacturing locations; pricing, MOQ, delivery issues, and lead time; and stage materials for on time Prototype and SMS (salesman sample) deliveries.
• Participates in hand-off of approved raw materials (standard, specs, and testing) to Quality team to execute bulk production.
• Develop, maintain and foster key relationships with counterparts in Supply Chain, Design, Technical Design, Color Management, Sourcing, and Quality.
• Collaborate with Managers and cross functional team on streamlining and improving development processes as needed.
• Maintain Raw Material Library organization, end use, and seasonal/ongoing clean up.
• Continue to build on technical expertise and industry trends related to the textile and apparel industry including new technologies and with a focus on how these changes and/or trends can influence and support divisional and company strategies.

Required Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Apparel, Textile Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field; equivalent years of related experience in lieu of degree.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 2 years relevant work experience in material or product development within the Apparel or Textile industry.
• Knowledgeable in textile and material testing protocols (AATCC, ASTM, and global norms). Follows and understands AAFA and AFIRM RSL chemical safety guidelines.
• Experience in product testing and understanding of fabric/yarn specific materials/constructions, including but not limited to natural and synthetic woven and knit constructions, as well as mechanical and performance finishes.
• Demonstrated strategic and analytical skills and aptitude.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to be flexible, solution oriented and adaptive to changing priorities, as well as effectively managing and resolving conflicts.
• Effective communicator, verbal and written.…