Contract Textile Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Why join us?

Maharam is the leading creator of textiles for interiors. Recognized for its rigorous and holistic commitment, Maharam embraces a range of disciplines, from product, graphic, and digital design to art and architecture. Known for its aesthetic and industrial innovation, Maharam's work is guided by five main principles: utility, technology, tradition, luxury, and environmental impact.
Our purpose is design for the good of humankind. It's the ideal we strive toward each day in everything we do. Being a part of Maharam means being a part of something larger than your work team, or even your brand. We are redefining modern for the 21st century. And our success allows Maharam to support causes that align with our values, so we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for everyone.

Research and develop new products for Maharam, Knoll Textiles, and Edelman Leather across a range of categories including woven upholstery, nonwoven upholstery, panel, woven wallcovering, nonwoven wallcovering, window covering, privacy curtain, rugs, and leather. Work cross-departmentally to address any product issues that arise during development and troubleshoot any production issues.

Essential Functions

• Research and stay apprised of new materials and methods of manufacturing.

• Identify new component parts for products including yarns, fibers, substrates, and finishes.

• Design and draft weave structures, picks per inch, ends per inch, and yarn sizes to achieve desired textile quality.

• Act as a consultant to designers to provide the technical assistance necessary for products in development.

• Research and manage information and make decisions for optimal chemistry, dying, and finishing.

• Identify and develop relationships with potential new resources and maintain close relationships with current resources.

• Keep track of fiber, polymer, and yarn prices to negotiate product pricing as needed on new products and work with Resource Management to negotiate yearly price increases on existing products.

• Administer contracts such as exclusivity and non-disclosure agreements.

• Work with Design, Product Management, Quality Assurance, and Resource Management to provide technical knowledge and information during and after product introduction.

• Work with Product Development Associates to verify all technical and environmental data provided by the resource for each product.

• Act as technical advisor to the Quality Assurance team to address product, testing, or resource related issues.

• Act as an advisor to resources regarding manufacturing, yarns, weaves, looms, production problems, finishing and testing.

• Ensure products meet technical and environmental requirements to support company's goals.

• Travel required as needed to visit tradeshows and resources.

Magnitude and Relationship Reporting
This position reports to the Design Director.

Contacts Inside and Outside the Organization
This position requires close contact with Design, Product Management, Quality Assurance, Resource Management, and other departments and regular and ongoing contact with all suppliers.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of textile technology, including fabric construction, yarns and finishes.

• Ability to draft weave constructions.

• Understanding of textile processes and manufacturing from fiber to finish.

• Knowledge of United States and European physical and flammability testing including ISO and Association for Contract Textiles standards.

• Understanding of wallcovering installation and participation in test hangs.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple products and projects across all product categories.

• Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal.

• Strong organizational and follow up skills.

• Travel flexibility and valid driver's license required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in textile engineering.

• Minimum of 5 years related work experience.

Who We Hire?
Simply put, we hire qualified applicants representing a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. Maharam is comprised of people of all abilities, gender identities and expressions, ages, ethnicities, sexual orientations, veterans from every branch of military service, and more. Here, you can bring your whole self to work. We're committed to equal opportunity employment, including veterans and people with disabilities.

Compensation range for this role is $105,750.00 - $137,500.00. Relevant salary considerations will include candidate qualifications and experience, other business/organizational needs and market factors . You may also be eligible to receive a geographic premium, annual discretionary incentive and equity awards which are subject to the rules governing these programs. The company offers a full spectrum of benefits including Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Dependent Day Care Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability and Other Insurance Plans, Paid Time Off (including Vacation and Parental Leave), Holidays, 401(k), and Short/Long Term Disability, in addition to other special perks reserved for our associates.This organization participates in E-Verify Employment Eligibility Verification. In general, MillerKnoll positions are closed within 45 days and are open for applications for a minimum of 5 days. We encourage our prospective candidates to submit their application(s) expediently so as not to miss out on our opportunities. We frequently post new opportunities and encourage prospective candidates to check back often for new postings.

MillerKnoll complies with applicable disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact MillerKnoll Talent Acquisition at careers_help@millerknoll.com.