Senior Materials Research Specialist

Overview

This is a hybrid role based out of our HQ in Richmond, CA. In‑office expectation is 4 days a week.

Through close interaction with the Product Creation Teams and Global Liaison Office partners, the Senior Materials Research Developer will manage the development of textile materials from concept to commercialization for a segment of a product line. The role involves managing the process and interface between partners across teams, collaborating with the Product Creation Team to establish, validate, commercialize, and execute product platforms.

• Own the raw materials development and commercialization process for a product category.
• Collaborate to determine seasonal needs, identify regions and suppliers based on an established source plan, and utilize working knowledge of suppliers’ abilities and strengths to ensure high performance standards.
• Proactively identify consumer‑relevant solutions.
• Collaborate with global liaison offices regarding supplier placement, performance, aesthetic, and testing needs while offering technical guidance during development and bulk phases.
• Interface with the Sourcing/Costing Department to analyze costs and negotiate prices based on current market conditions.
• Partner with the materials quality team to perform risk assessments and develop action plans with liaison offices to ensure best‑in‑class quality.
• Actively participate and facilitate timely development to enable on‑time commercialization of seasonal product categories.
• Stay abreast of new technologies and consumer trends in the textile market and pursue innovation.
• Identify preseason advanced development opportunities, rally support for concepts across the Product Creation engine.
• Work with third‑party and internal testing labs to conduct technical research in relation to materials performance improvements and concept validation.
• Identify proprietary material opportunities and partner with internal resources to pursue IP.

• Able to lead group discussions and meetings, work under pressure, meet strict timelines, manage multiple tasks, and balance connectivity with global locations and HQ office expectations.
• Possess strong written, verbal, and organizational communication skills to interface with various levels of management, employees, vendors, and global personnel.
• Able to align cross‑functional partners toward a common goal and provide guidance on pros, cons, and risks.
• Physically able to travel globally.

• Bachelor’s degree in textiles, apparel manufacturing, or equivalent, plus 5–8 years experience in materials development, innovation, or related field; lab experience a plus.
• Comprehensive knowledge of textiles, familiarity with construction methods and manufacturing, materials testing, and interpretation of lab results. Preferred polymer‑level understanding toward fiber development.
• Proven track record in product innovation, leading end‑to‑end development of new features and solutions that deliver measurable customer and business value.
• Strong working knowledge of materials and functional aspects of garments; prior experience with equipment such as sleeping bags, tents, backpacks is preferred.
• Capability to create trend and technology presentations driven through marketplace, trade show, and mill research.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, One Note, Teams, Miro, Air Table, Power BI, and PDM is a plus.

Columbia Sportswear Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. Columbia Sportswear is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Your Rights
6.12.pdf. If you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please notify your recruiter.

Hiring Range: $92,810 - $136,488. Pay decisions are determined by factors such as market rates, candidate capabilities and skills, years of experience, and internal equity.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, and voluntary benefit offerings (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, legal services). Additionally, we offer a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, employee discounts, an extensive wellness benefits program, EAP counseling services, and a generous time‑off program.