Lead Materials Engineer

Who We Are

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

About the Role

In the Inline Materials team, you will lead product engineering efforts and develop new products with the Product Creation team across all categories. You will plan, drive, and validate these products to bring them from an initial idea to a commercial-ready stage. You will develop valuable experience working with designers, developers, sports researchers, and product managers. You will also collaborate across the company with innovation, materials, sourcing, quality, and legal teams. You will utilize your knowledge of engineering, materials, costing, and manufacturing processes to deliver great results. You will learn new skills as New Balance continues to transform our product and processes to be more digital and drive great consumer experiences.

Responsibilities

• Influence teams utilizing a deep understanding of materials engineering to provide technical and commercial consultancy for New Balance footwear GBUs throughout the product creation cycle, including:
  • Attending product briefs and design reviews
  • Making supplier recommendations
  • Ensuring material data integrity
  • Troubleshooting material issues or failures through prototyping and product creation phases
• Seek knowledge about the consumer and their culture to identify opportunities for sustainable material development and validation in partnership with suppliers.
• Lead the validation of final products and creation of material specifications to facilitate commercialization and meet consumer expectations.
• Drive novel product and material advances through comprehensive knowledge of machinery used for processing knitted, woven, non-woven, leather, and synthetic materials, as well as yarn manufacture and coloration methods.
• Drive improvement, global alignment, and rollout of category best practices.
• Self-identify priorities, adjust in real time, and communicate progress and timeline adjustments while building strong contingency plans for identified risks.
• Drive efficient meetings by sharing agendas in advance, preparing thoroughly, managing timelines, and influencing teams toward clear outcomes.
• Drive projects forward and find creative solutions to meet challenging timelines.
• Ensure clear, concise written communication with appropriate visual aids for relevant audiences.
• Develop an understanding of the global footwear business, build strong connections, and leverage them to remove barriers and improve products and processes.

Requirements

• MS or equivalent experience in Textile Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, or Textile Chemistry.
• 9+ years of professional experience, with at least 5 years in material research and/or development.
• In-depth knowledge of infrastructure and processes required to support a global manufacturer in material development, testing, technical evaluation, and product development calendars.
• Excellent computer skills: PowerPoint, Excel, SharePoint, Smartsheets, Adobe Illustrator.
• Experience in material research, development, global sourcing, and commercialization of knits, wovens, print, dye, wash, and finish.
• Experience turning ideas into concepts and commercial products, including developing new tools, equipment, processes, and standards with machine manufacturers and material suppliers.
• Curious, open-minded, and analytical with a problem-solving mindset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, multitasking, and organizational abilities.
• Ability and willingness to work in a team-oriented, creative environment.
• Ability to balance in-person and remote work effectively.
• Some domestic and international travel may be required.

Pay

Annual pay range: $117,400 – $152,000 – $186,600 (actual base pay varying based on relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and other factors).

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• 401K retirement plan.
• Online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, and $100 monthly student loan support.
• Mentorship programs.
• $1,000 yearly lifestyle reimbursement.
• 4 weeks of vacation, 12 holidays, and generous parental leave.
• Temporary associates: three medical insurance options, dental and vision insurance, and an associate discount.
• Part-time associates: 401k, short-term disability, $300 yearly lifestyle reimbursement, and an associate discount.

Schedule

• Hybrid work model: in-office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday).
• Four weeks per calendar year of "Work from Anywhere" (WFA) flexibility.