Senior Materials Designer Job at REI in Seattle

Overview We are seeking an exceptional, multi-disciplined Senior Materials Designer who will elevate our material organization through material trend research, operational excellence and advanced innovation. This role will carry out all aspects of material research and design to support the overall product creation process for REI’s private label apparel business.

The Senior Materials Designer will lead the overall material design process and work as a creative & strategic partner with our product design, product strategy and test engineering teams to achieve the industry’s leading outdoor products. Responsible for researching, curating and presenting material trends and competitive landscape analysis. As a member of the materials organization, this role will support advancing material innovation through participating in research, execution and testing. This individual will deliver on seasonal material briefs collaborating closely with our internal strategy & product design partners to ensure all aesthetic, performance and sustainability goals are achieved. They will maintain a strategic and collaborative partnership with our off-shore development teams to ensure seamless material commercialization and mill strategy excellence.

Responsibilities Material Trend Authority :

Research and curate emerging materials trends that inform annual and seasonal material direction

Possess understanding of activities and consumers. Seeks to gain understanding of future consumer

Identify material and market whitespace driving creative guidance to inform material brief direction

Support advanced concepting through partnership with product design

Operational Excellence

Collaborate with Design, Testing, Product Strategy & Product Development teams to create materials that meet product performance, aesthetic, sustainability and cost requirements

Integrate sustainability targets into every aspect of materials design and development

Evaluate initial test data to validate material meets product performance end use requirements

Manage the materials design calendar and process.

Evaluate the risk associated with all material developments and communicate them to the product teams.

Build strong partnership with Materials Developers to ensure fabric commercialization is successful

Continually engage with our supply chain through written communication, trade shows and suppliers visits

Develop and maintain a materials library including working and presentation tools

Create a collaborative, strategic partnership with overseas operations team to manage mill performance and relationships

Advanced Innovation

Collaborate with Testing team to advance material and market research

Research advanced material concepts and emerging material trends for apparel

Incorporate consumer Insights into advanced material concept and innovation to elevate REI members’ outdoor experience

Continuously build advanced materials expertise and work to create a network of contacts within the industry

Research and identify new material suppliers to enhance material innovation opportunity

Qualifications 6+ years’ work experience in textile manufacturing, development, or design

Diverse material experience and knowledge, including : Synthetics & Natural fibers, Wovens and knits

Ability to understand market trends and present to both large and small groups

Ability to make sense of material trends and apply it to products.

Comprehensive understanding of the textile manufacturing processes

Knowledge of appropriate textile testing methods, interpretation and application of results preferred.

Knowledge of performance textiles and the functional aspects of performance apparel.

Proven ability to meet deadlines within a product development calendar

Working knowledge of global fabric sourcing trends and strategy

Knowledge and / or experience in apparel development processes from inspiration to production including the technical and manufacturing side of product development.

Closing At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.

Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including : your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off. Click here (https : / / foryourbenefit-rei.com / ) for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.

Pay Range $85,400.00 - $120,700.00 per year

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