LEAD TEXTILE AND MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER - Lawrence, United States

https://jobs.newbalance.com/job/lawrence/lead-textile-and-material-development-engineer/810/1509361

Overview

New Balance has a history of 100 years of enduring performance and is still running strong today. Part of what makes New Balance so unique is our commitment to making products that not only provide performance, but also superior fit and comfort. The same attention that is placed on our athletic shoes and apparel is also placed on our associates. New Balance thrives because of the passion and dedication of the people we hire. We rely on our associates to match our enthusiasm for the business and to help drive consumers to move further, faster and more frequently. We seek associates who are always on the move. Associates who push themselves forward and are motivated to move New Balance forward. Ask yourself: Are you ready to move the world?

The Lead Textile and Material Development Engineer will lead the innovation teams through all phases of materials development. This person will leverage their knowledge of materials, equipment, and process to enable the execution of industry leading new products. In this role you will lead material research activities aimed at creating products designed to improve athlete performance. You will generate concepts through interaction and insights from athletes and the innovation team. Developing and refining solutions by working with all levels of development and the supply chain will be critical for success.  You will also lead the validation the final product and create standards used to commercialize it.

This position will bring hands on technical experience and expertise to knit, woven, non woven and synthetic design, development and manufacturing. As the technical lead of a cross functional team you will develop new products, tools, equipment, processes and standards with machine manufacturers and material suppliers.  

Responsibilities

• Responsible for leading the engineering of new textile, non-woven, and synthetic products and specifying technical requirements for materials utilized in product designs.
• Responsible for working with material vendors and consultants to understand their capabilities and constraints and translating this information to the design and development teams.
• Responsible for researching new equipment, tools and processes utilized to execute product designs.
• Act as team expert and problem solver for all textile initiatives and challenges.
• Responsible for developing written new product materials specifications.
• Review product requirements with design, marketing and engineers and recommend optimal materials specifications to meet product design requirements and quality goals.
• Serve as a project manager by managing timelines, costs and performance criteria.
• Create new product material specifications and work with material and component suppliers in their implementation.
• Develop materials test procedures as necessary to evaluate new product requirements.
• Responsible for evaluating new product /materials applications to improve cost, reduce environmental impact or improve quality of NB products.
• Stays abreast of new technology and competitive products by attending material and machine shows.
• Lead outside consultants

Qualifications

• MS or equivalent experience in Textile Engineering, Materials Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Chemistry, or Textile Chemistry.
• Minimum of 10 years experience in the design and engineering of knitted, woven and synthetic fabrics.
• Expertise in textile, synthetic manufacturing technologies (i.e. flatbead, circular, and warp knitting, woven and non-woven technologies)
• Experience developing new products, tools, equipment, processes and standards with machine manufacturers and material suppliers.
• Experience in using analytical methods to improve manufacturing processes.
• High level of knowledge of footwear textile, non-woven, and synthetic materials specifications, applications and test methods is preferred.
• High level of knowledge of materials testing and evaluation of test results.
• Excellent communication skills
• Domestic and International travel required

We believe our associates are meant to grow through the development of their talents and to capitalize on opportunities to share their passion for the business. New Balance rewards associates with generous, industry-leading benefit and development opportunities, which support our associates' health, wealth and overall well-being. In addition to a comprehensive medical and vacation benefit package, we offer: Development Programs, Discounted Health Club Membership, Fitness Reimbursement, Employee Discounts, Tuition Reimbursement, Corporate Gift Matching and 5 % Matching 401 K Program.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.