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Fabric Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fabric Specialist, R&D Sourcing

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$70.20K - $99.70K/yr

Responsibilities POSITION OVERVIEW The Fabric Specialist, R&D & Sourcing supports Research and Design teams with ongoing research, managing development, daily communication with cross-functional and ...

Fabric R&D Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

The Fabric R&D Assistant will utilize his or her exceptional organizational skills to support the Fabric Research and Development team. He or she will comprehend the fabric development process and ...

Fabric Coordinator This role, under the guidance of the Fabric Manager, will support the fabric development and sourcing process for A&F. You will partner closely with the Fabric Manager to learn how ...

Fabric Coordinator

Columbus, OH · Hybrid

$47.80K - $65.70K/yr

Company Description This role, under the guidance of the Fabric Manager, will support the fabric development and sourcing process for A&F. You will partner closely with the Fabric Manager to learn ...

The Sr. Fabric Manager supports the development and execution of the organization's long-term material strategy. The role is responsible for data gathering, analytics, and foundational research that ...

Sr. Fabric Manager

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

The Sr. Fabric Manager supports the development and execution of the organization's long-term material strategy. The role is responsible for data gathering, analytics, and foundational research that ...

Manager, R&D, Knitwear

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Job Summary At Rag & Bone, product starts with fabric. We are looking for a Knitwear R&D Manager to lead the research, development, and sourcing of materials across our women's, men's and outlet ...

Collaborate with Fabric R&D to guide new fabric development within the sourcing strategy and support departmental GBB architecture. * Partner with design and cross functional teams as needed on cost ...

Collaborate with Fabric R&D to guide new fabric development within the sourcing strategy and support departmental GBB architecture. Partner with design and cross functional teams as needed on cost ...

Product Development Coordinator

Columbus, OH · On-site

$23.25 - $29/hr

Collaborate with Fabric R&D to guide new fabric development within the sourcing strategy and support departmental GBB architecture. * Partner with design and cross functional teams as needed on cost ...

Materials Development Manager

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$120K - $135K/hr

As our Materials Manager, you'll lead fabric and trim development across categories, ensuring the materials we use are functional, durable, and ready for the demands of real-world use. This role ...

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Fabric Development information

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How much do fabric development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for fabric development in the United States is $21.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fabric Development Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fabric Development Specialist, you need a strong understanding of textile science, garment construction, and industry standards, typically supported by a degree in textiles, fashion, or a related field. Proficiency with fabric testing equipment, CAD software, and knowledge of textile manufacturing processes is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with suppliers and design teams are crucial soft skills. These competencies are vital for ensuring innovative, high-quality fabrics that meet both design and performance requirements in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges faced in a Fabric Development role, and how can I prepare to address them?

Fabric Development professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing innovation with cost-effectiveness, managing tight production timelines, and ensuring quality consistency across different batches. Working closely with designers, suppliers, and manufacturing teams is crucial to address these issues. To prepare, familiarize yourself with textile testing standards, enhance your communication skills for cross-functional collaboration, and stay updated on new fabric technologies and sustainability trends. Proactively seeking feedback and building strong supplier relationships can also help you navigate these challenges successfully.

What is fabric development?

Fabric development is the process of designing, creating, and testing new textiles for use in clothing, furnishings, or industrial applications. This involves selecting fibers, determining fabric construction methods (like weaving or knitting), and finishing techniques to achieve specific properties such as texture, durability, and appearance. Fabric developers work closely with designers and manufacturers to ensure the end product meets quality standards and functional requirements. They also keep up with trends, sustainability practices, and technological advances in textile production.

What is the difference between Fabric Development vs Textile Design?

AspectFabric DevelopmentTextile Design
Primary FocusCreating and developing fabric types, textures, and propertiesDesigning patterns, colors, and visual aesthetics of textiles
Skills & CertificationsTextile engineering, fabric science, CAD for textilesDesign software, color theory, artistic skills
Work EnvironmentFabric mills, research labs, manufacturing facilitiesDesign studios, fashion houses, print workshops
Industry UsageUsed by textile manufacturers and product developersUsed by fashion designers and textile artists

Fabric Development focuses on creating new fabrics with specific properties, while Textile Design emphasizes the visual and aesthetic aspects of textiles. Both roles are essential in the textile industry but serve different purposes in the product creation process.

More about Fabric Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Fabric Development jobs? Cities with the most Fabric Development job openings:
What states have the most Fabric Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Fabric Development jobs include:
Infographic showing various Fabric Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,409 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Fabric Specialist, R&D Sourcing

Express

Manhattan, NY

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Overview About PHOENIX PHOENIX Retail, LLC is a retail platform operating the Express and Bonobos brands worldwide. About Express Express is a multichannel apparel brand dedicated to a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style whether dressing for work, everyday or special occasions. Since its launch in 1980, the brand has embraced a design philosophy rooted in modern, confident and effortless style.

Express ensures you look and feel your best, wherever life takes you. The Company operates over 400 retail and outlet stores in the United States and Puerto Rico, the express.com online store and the Express mobile app. Responsibilities POSITION OVERVIEW The Fabric Specialist, R&D & Sourcing supports Research and Design teams with ongoing research, managing development, daily communication with cross-functional and overseas partners, the management of data entry, and maintaining files

This role is very skilled at data entry in BeProduct and can facilitate a fast flow of accurate information from the conception of the raw material idea through the bulk standard setup. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Partner with Sr Manager Raw Materials in building seasonal fabric boards and assists in leading presentations representing current market trends and developments for the department, including ELT member audiences. Work with the greater design team in all knit/woven fabric categories to support larger design direction goals & objectives.

Partner with greater Sourcing & Production Team in all knit/woven fabric categories to drive departmental strategies which meet/exceed financial objectives Support the Knit/Woven Fabric Research and Design partners in all aspects of fabric research and development, including independently meeting with fabric vendors, submitting design requests, being responsible for development correspondence with overseas vendors/suppliers, tracking development and swatch card ready dates Independently communicates daily with cross functional teams and overseas offices to assist in workload and management of fabric development status. Takes initiative in managing the inputs and outputs of departmental communication. Give external vendors and mills guidance with authority to approve/deny recommendations based on our design esthetic.

Own the education of external vendors and mills on design esthetic, utilizing prior industry experience to create learning opportunities Lead seasonal fabric reporting with Sourcing & Production team to support lead time and departmental Average Unit Cost (AUC) strategies. Assists in developing new administrative strategies, seeking better procedures and efficiencies when necessary Responsible for accurate data entry and daily management of all relevant raw material data into BeProduct Ensures sample yardage ready dates for all seasonal raw materials are on time for ISR sample making Maintains seasonal filing folders/binders, swatch cards, and bins are organized, labeled, and accurate Assists management with physical data and documentation related to the fabric and raw materials database including electronically save in BeProduct, FAS, ITR correspondence with mills, and seasonal fabric swatches Strong business acumen with ability to read and interpret reports from cross functional teams and external vendors, and provide recommendations where opportunities for improved business results are discovered Understand the overall strategy and financial architecture of the company in order to identify and action on opportunities for cost savings, growth, and overall commercialization of product, with the ability to articulate and present to ELT members REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's Degree in a textile related field 3-5 years of experience in textile industry CRITICAL SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES Strong Communication skills Understanding of design nuance between brands, with keen eye for identifying trends and quality in the fabric industry Ability to anticipate next Work with agility and embrace change Ability to collaborate with multiple team members. Positive attitude Sense of accountability and strong work ethic Punctuality and dependable attendance Proficiency or willingness to learn BeProduct, Microsoft and Google products Efficiency, accuracy and focus on all data entry work Organized through process applied to all tasks Benefits and Compensation: PHOENIX offers a range of benefits to help protect full-time associate's health and long-term financial security including: Medical, pharmacy, dental and vision coverage 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with Company match Merchandise discount Paid Time Off Parental leave for new moms and dads For part-time associates, PHOENIX is partnering with LIG Solutions to help associates obtain individual insurance coverage that best fits their needs and budget, including major medical, dental, vision, supplemental insurance, life Insurance and more.

Additionally, part-time associates may be eligible to receive paid sick leave, public health emergency leave and to participate in the 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with Company match. Part-time associates are also eligible to receive an Express merchandise discount, participate in our Learn & Earn incentive program, and choose voluntary benefits through YouDecide. Actual compensation offered is dependent upon a number of factors including, but not limited to, work location, education, relevant skills and experience of the candidate.

Pay Range $70,200 - $99,700 annually Closing If you would like to know more about the California Consumer Privacy Act click here. Applicants must be currently authorized to work full-time in the United States. PHOENIX does not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this position

An equal opportunity employer, PHOENIX does not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or any other terms and conditions of employment hiring on the basis of any federal, state, or locally protected characteristic. PHOENIX only hires individuals authorized for employment in the United States. PHOENIX is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities.

If you need an accommodation to search and apply for a job position due to a disability, please call 1-800-964-9793 and say 'Associate Relations' or send an e-mail to AssociateRelations@Express.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Notification to Agencies: Please note that PHOENIX does not accept unsolicited resumes or calls from third-party recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Master Service Agreement and approval from HR to submit resumes for a specific requisition, PHOENIX will not consider or approve payment to any third-parties for hires made

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