Outdoor Research is looking for a Materials Developer to research, source, develop, and commercialize raw materials and innovative technologies across in our technical material categories. This role will serve as the primary relationship holder for a given category and drive efficiencies in OR’s seasonal materials toolbox. You will work closely with your cross-functional partners in design, merchandising, product development, sourcing, QA and report directly to our Senior Materials Manager.

What you will do

• Research and develop industry-leading technical materials with yarn and finish forward performance that align with OR’s product strategy, design vision, problem solving for the end use and technical performance needs of our customers.
• Partner with Product Management and Design teams to strategically develop and source a toolbox of key materials that maximize efficiencies and profit across categories, support business needs, including long-range and speed to market opportunities, identify gaps within the toolbox and develop the future roadmap of materials
• Evaluate emerging material trends and technology across multiple industries and attend seasonal fabric fairs.
• Negotiate material cost, lead times, and MOQ and maintain the fabric library, materials database files, and supplier matrix for the assigned categories on a seasonal basis.
• Manage lab and field testing of textiles for the assigned categories, to ensure fabrics meet OR’s standards.
• Collaborate with cross functional team to ensure that all materials developments meet or exceed financial targets and corporate calendar deadlines. Effectively drive decisions, and problem solve for cross functional toolbox requests.
• Provide technical guidance on material transitions from development to bulk production, ensuring consistency and quality at commercialization
• Forge mutually positive relationships with raw materials suppliers, work directly with global mills to develop and commercialize fabrics, troubleshoot challenges, and maintain high execution standards.
• Assess risks and effectively communicate to senior leadership the seasonal material toolbox status.
• Provide materials expertise and education to cross-functional teams and partners across the business
• Coordinate material orders for prototypes and partner with the planning team to coordinate SMS yardage and greige planning.
• Collaborate cross functionally to drive sustainability goals through material category.

Experience and Qualifications

• BA or BS degree in You have a degree in Materials Science, Textile Technology, Product or Textile Design or equivalent industry experience
• 3-5 years of textiles development with experience in technical or performance knit and woven constructions, lamination and finishing techniques
• Thorough understanding of textile manufacturing, including dying, finishing, laminating, printing etc.
• Experience working directly with top tier mills to develop and commercialize materials.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of translating technical information for cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in Centric PLM systems and Excel for material tracking and development management.
• Knowledge of AATCC and ASTM testing protocols, ensuring fabrics meet performance expectations.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.

What do we bring to the table?

• 11 paid holidays each year and 3 floating holidays 
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision plans
• PTO and sick/safe time
• Paid volunteer time
• 401k with discretionary company match
• Transportation benefits
• Bouldering wall
• Product discounts
• Employee interest groups including various sports activities