Textile Designer

Overview

Fiber Materials Inc. (FMI) engineers textile products for aerospace and defense. Our Rhode Island facility focuses on textile engineering and manufacturing of 2D woven fabrics, 3D woven preforms, braided materials and resin transfer molded composites. We work with carbon, glass, aramid (Kevlar) and ceramic fibers for high-performance applications. Our products support space initiatives and defense programs, including NASA missions, missile programs, aircraft engines, and lightweight armor for ground vehicles.

FMI Textiles is seeking a Textile Designer/Engineer to support pattern design for 3D woven textiles and daily weaving operations. This role supports current systems and future improvements in design and manufacturing of 2D and 3D preforms for composite applications. The position will coordinate and direct projects, create detailed patterns and loom instructions to accomplish goals, and integrate technical activities such as process improvements, equipment installation or modification, and material system development.

Successful candidates will solve technical problems, improve existing processes, and support customer-focused programs. Hands-on experience and training on custom equipment in manufacturing and engineering disciplines is expected.

• Work with clients to develop layouts for 3D woven parts
• Create design drawings to communicate weave layouts
• Program using jacquard design software to create loom files
• Create work instructions to facilitate handoff of weave patterns to the weaving technician for production
• Inspect and trim woven materials to prepare for delivery
• Develop, implement, and sustain policies and procedures for the technical work performed in the production facility
• Analyze technology requirements, resource needs, and schedules to assess and plan project execution
• Perform root cause analysis for failure investigations and other data analysis tasks, make data-driven decisions
• Write periodic reports or oral presentations to management and customers on specific projects
• Design and develop new equipment for future production systems
• Ensure that health and safety policies are followed
• Apply quality standards to ensure compliance with certification requirements in plant applications
• Work with internal and external customers to develop and qualify process changes and provide technical services

• Bachelor’s degree in textile-related field or closely related weave design experience
• Strong work ethic
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience with weave design
• Use of software for dobby or jacquard using weave design software
• Experience designing for jacquard/TC looms in Adobe Photoshop
• Demonstrated results in technical problem solving and product/process development is required

• Experience with industrial tools and equipment preferred
• Experience in aerospace/high-temperature composites, textiles or industrial engineering systems would distinguish the candidate
• Interest and knowledge in composites and ceramics, or general material science is preferred
• Experience with GD&T and engineering drawings

• Medical / Dental / Vision
• 401k Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• $1000 Sign-On Bonus