Jobs · Engineering · Wisconsin

Textile Product Development Engineer II

Springs Window Fashions · Middleton, WI · 1 wk ago
EngineeringFull-time

Job Summary

Responsible for the development, qualification, and validation of fabrics to meet specifications for both new product development and continuous improvement of existing products. This role coordinates activities related to new fabric introductions for assigned product lines and collaborates closely with cross-functional internal teams and external suppliers to ensure successful implementation and deliver high-quality, manufacturable textile solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Supports the development and maintenance of textile specifications to ensure consistent product quality, performance, and manufacturability across all product lines
  • Builds and maintains effective relationships with key suppliers to support material development, performance alignment, and issue resolution
  • Contributes to the development of test methods to characterize fabric attributes and improve prediction of in-use performance
  • Provides technical expertise to identify root cause and resolve ongoing textile quality and performance issues
  • Supports continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives related to textile materials, processes, and supplier performance
  • Collaborates with suppliers and cross-functional teams to improve product performance, reduce waste, and enhance manufacturing efficiency
  • Executes textile testing and qualification activities associated with new suppliers or material changes to ensure compliance with specifications
  • Analyzes test data and production feedback to support data-driven decisions and implementation of corrective actions
  • Collaborates with Textile Engineering leadership and Product Management to review and evaluate new fabric development submissions
  • Executes textile qualification activities for new materials and collections through the TR3 process
  • Develops and implements textile qualification plans, including test requirements, material quantities, build matrices, timelines, and milestones
  • Pairs with manufacturing, product engineering, and suppliers to evaluate trial results and support successful product launches
  • Coordinates laboratory testing to assess textile performance and ensure materials meet qualification requirements
  • Aids in establishing textile specifications for new materials and suppliers, including coordination with procurement for specification approval
  • Analyses test data to support risk assessments and recommendations for new textile adoption
  • Prepares technical summaries, project updates, and supporting documentation for stakeholders
  • Supports manufacturing process validation and provides direction to laboratory technicians as needed

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, or a related field, with experience in product development, material science, and testing
  • Minimum of 5 years of practical experience in manufacturing and engineering, with a focus on designing, developing, and improving textile-related products and processes
  • Working knowledge of textile materials and processes, including wovens, knits, nonwovens, manufacturing methods, finishing, coating, and performance testing
  • Experience with R&D methodologies and product development processes, including sample preparation, testing, data collection, and validation
  • Understanding of color measurement and evaluation, along with textile performance characteristics
  • Proficiency in computer tools including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and project management software (e.g., Smartsheet) for data analysis and project tracking
  • Strong foundation in engineering principles, mathematics, and statistical analysis, including Design of Experiments (DOE) and structured problem-solving methodologies
  • Knowledge of project management principles with the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage timelines while adapting to changing requirements and constraints
  • Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and build strong relationships with internal teams and suppliers
  • Strong ownership mindset with the ability to drive work forward independently and deliver results

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