PD Engineer (Softgoods Materials)

We are seeking a highly skilled Textile Engineer to provide critical expertise in textile development and engineering. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in textiles, working with mills, and softgoods. With a strong understanding of textile properties, testing methods, and material selection.

This role requires excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex textile information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Core Responsibilities:

Collaborate with cross-function teams Textile Engineers, Product Design Engineers, and in region CMF teams to develop and source textiles and related softgoods components that meet functional, cosmetic and reliability targets.

Serve as liaison between Textile Engineers and mills, visiting mills, troubleshoot issues, maintain quality control, and ensuring day-to-day communication.

Manage version control of textile developments and ensure assembly partners have the most up-to-date information.

Source new mills and vendors to improve supplier base and relationships.

Design, execute, and analyze testing protocols to ensure compliance with industry standards and company requirements.

Coordinate material testing both in-house and with third-party partners, and maintain detailed records of all testing results.

Communication and Collaboration:

Communicate technical guidance and priorities to vendors, and serve as a key point of contact for vendors throughout the product development process.

Develop clear and concise reports and presentations to communicate test results and textile performance to stakeholders.

Supporting Responsibilities:

Procure new material samples that support programs and have them built into testable formats.

Provide short time frame support on mini-programs that serve the immediate low volume needs of internal proof of concept and prototyping teams.

Communicate with vendors regarding timelines, volumes, and technical data, and maintain detailed records of all communications.

Strategic Responsibilities:

Develop and maintain relationships with mills and vendors to ensure timely delivery of high-quality materials.

Collaborate with internal teams to develop and implement sustainable textile practices.

Stay up-to-date with industry trends, new technologies, and emerging materials to identify opportunities for innovation.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer

Programming, Materials Science, or related technical field. Candidates with non-traditional backgrounds who demonstrate strong technical aptitude and hands-on experience with textile machinery are strongly encouraged to apply.

5+ years of experience in textile development, testing, and manufacturing, preferably in a technical environment, OR equivalent technical experience working with textile machinery including:

Circular knitting equipment and processes

Warp knitting systems and operations

Weaving machinery and techniques

Braiding equipment and methodologies

Non-woven manufacturing processes

Technical machinery expertise: Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, optimize, and work hands-on with complex textile manufacturing equipment.

Preferred preexisting mill relationships and sourcing connections in the APAC region.

Knowledge of textile standards and regulations (e.g., ISO, ASTM).

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in designing and executing testing protocols OR equivalent technical problem-solving experience in physics, engineering, or programming environments.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to effectively convey complex technical information to non-technical stakeholders.

Strong presentation skills, with ability to build clear and concise presentations and reports

Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product development, and manufacturing.

Strong attention to detail, with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize competing deadlines.

Experience working with vendors and suppliers domestic and international, with ability to communicate technical requirements and expectations.

Knowledge of product development and manufacturing processes.

Programming/automation experience is a plus, particularly as it relates to textile machinery control systems and process optimization.

Experience and knowledge in the consumer electronics development process is a plus.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome candidates of all backgrounds and experiences