As part of our Material team your role as Materials Designer will require you to carry out all aspects of research, design and development in materials to support the overall product creation process for REIs Private Label gear/Outerwear lines. You’ll be responsible for researching and executing advanced material concept and innovation, and in-season material needs. You’ll work closely with our internal and external partners to ensure our material and sustainability goals are achieved. You’ll be involved in the overall material design process and work as a strategic partner with our designers and product management team to achieve the industry’s leading outdoor products. You will collaborate with partners across REI and overall supply chain to ensure design vision and intent is delivered to REI’s members.

• Research advanced material concepts and emerging material trends for gear and equipment
• Collaborate with fabric, fiber and chemical suppliers, as well as academic and private research institutions on material innovations
• Research new material suppliers to enhance material innovation opportunity
• Incorporate consumer Insights into advanced material concept and innovation to elevate REI members’ outdoor experience
• Participate in seasonal material direction for gear and outerwear to achieve end use-based performance requirements and price structure
• Collaborate with Product Design, Product Management, Materials Development, Sustainability and Product Development to create materials that achieve specifics around product functionality, performance, aesthetics and sustainability requirements
• Partner with Design team, Test Engineers and Materials Development team to ensure total material package is suitable for end use
• Integrate sustainability targets into every aspect of materials design and development to achieve Co-op Brands’ sustainability goals
• Work closely with Materials Development team to ensure fabric commercialization process is successful within calendar deadlines
• Create a collaborative and strategic partnership with material development team and overseas operations team to manage mill performance and relationships
• Develop and maintain a materials library with up-to-date materials, testing history, and inspirational fabrics
• Evaluate the risk associated with all material developments and communicate them to the product teams
• Participate in concept reviews and design reviews to achieve best product oversight.

Qualifications

• BS in Textile Design or related field; may be substitute with relevant experience.
• 2+ years’ work experience in textile manufacturing, development, or design.
• Ability to understand market trends and present to both large and small groups.
• Understanding of the textile manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of appropriate textile testing methods, interpretation and application of results.
• Knowledge of high-performance textiles and the functional aspects of gear materials.
• Ability to meet deadlines within a product development calendar.
• Working knowledge of global fabric sourcing trends and strategy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, demonstrating effective listening through concise, clear verbal and written communication.
• Understanding of the big picture and an aptitude for cross function team collaboration.
• Innovative thinking and the ability to use sound judgment to resolve problems.
• Willingness to go above and beyond by diving into the details, improving products and processes and helping whenever necessary.
• Computer proficiency: Word, Excel, PDM system, Illustrator, Textile Design Software, Outlook, etc
• A passion for the outdoors, creating production and living our values.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.

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 for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.