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Material Development Trims Apparel Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Polaris, Inc.

Material Development Manager

Rigby, ID · Hybrid

As a Materials Development Manager at Teton Outfitters, a Polaris Inc. company, you will lead the ... Deep understanding of apparel manufacturing processes, costing, and material application. * Travel ...

New

TiltEdge Solutions LLC

R & D Material Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

General Shift lead the research, development, and sourcing of innovative fabrics, trims, finishes ... home textile, apparel, or soft goods industry. * Strong knowledge of textile fibers, weaving ...

511 Inc

Materials Development Manager

Costa Mesa, CA

$120K - $135K/hr

Material Development & Innovation * Lead fabric and trim development across Apparel, Gear, Footwear, and Logowear. * Partner with internal teams and mill vendors to bring new materials to life ...

The Berne Apparel Corpo

Apparel Designer

Ossian, IN · On-site

Berne Apparel is a manufacturer and distributor of durable work and outdoor apparel, proudly ... Trim & Detail Development: Collaborate with Material Developers to propose and select buttons ...

ALO

Raw Materials Developer, Accessories

Commerce, CA

$90K - $110K/yr

Ensure on-time raw material readiness against seasonal calendars and development milestones. Supplier and Cross-Functional Management * Build and maintain relationships with mills, tanneries, trim ...

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Material Development Trims Apparel information

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$101.5K

$148.5K

How much do material development trims apparel jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for material development trims apparel in the United States is $101,454.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $129,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Material Development Trims Apparel Specialist, you need expertise in textile science, materials sourcing, and garment manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in textiles, fashion, or a related field. Familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems, textile testing standards, and supplier management tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, project management skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with cross-functional teams distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure the consistent quality, functionality, and timely delivery of trims that are essential for successful apparel production.

What are Material Development Trims in Apparel?

Material Development Trims in apparel refer to the process of designing, sourcing, and developing the small components used in garments, such as buttons, zippers, labels, threads, and elastics. These trims are essential for both the functionality and aesthetics of clothing items. Professionals in this role collaborate with designers, suppliers, and manufacturers to ensure that trims meet quality, performance, and sustainability standards. Their work impacts the final look, durability, and overall quality of apparel products.

What is the difference between Material Development Trims Apparel vs Material Sourcing Specialist?

AspectMaterial Development Trims ApparelMaterial Sourcing Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in fashion, textiles, or related fieldOften requires a degree in supply chain, business, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, development labs, manufacturing facilitiesProcurement offices, supplier meetings, warehouses
Industry UsageFocuses on creating and testing trims, fabrics, and materials for apparelFocuses on sourcing and purchasing materials from suppliers

Material Development Trims Apparel professionals focus on designing and testing trims and fabrics to meet product specifications, while Material Sourcing Specialists handle the procurement process, sourcing materials from suppliers to ensure quality and cost efficiency. Both roles are essential in apparel production but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Material Development Trims professionals in the apparel industry, and how are they typically addressed?

Material Development Trims professionals often encounter challenges such as aligning trim selections with both design vision and production feasibility, managing supplier lead times, and ensuring trims meet quality and compliance standards. To address these, they closely collaborate with designers, sourcing teams, and suppliers to balance creative ideas and technical requirements. Regular communication, early sample approvals, and diligent testing processes help minimize delays and ensure trims are delivered on schedule and to specification.
Infographic showing various Material Development Trims Apparel job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,454 per year, or $48.8 per hour.
Apparel Materials & Trim Developer, Advanced

Apparel Materials & Trim Developer, Advanced

Brooks Running

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Who We Are:

At Brooks, we believe movement is the key to feeling more alive. That's why we're driven to create gear and experiences that take people to the place that makes them feel more alive - whether it's a headspace, a feeling, or a finish line. 

Everyone who works at Brooks is propelled by a company culture that sparks excitement, fuels collaboration, inspires creativity, and ignites innovation.

Our brand values help bond us together and drive our success:  

  • Runner First 
    • We act in the best interest of the runner
  • Word is Bond 
    • We do what we say we'll do 
  • Champion Heart  
    • We give our all in everything we do  
  • There is no "I" in Run 
    • We stay generous with our humanity 
  • Keep Moving 
    • We find ways to move every day, because joy is kinetic!

We welcome everyone from every walk of life looking to inspire others through the power of movement - because we're all moving towards something. Let's run there.   


Your Job:

As the Apparel Materials Trim Developer, Advanced at Brooks, you play an important role in supporting innovation by applying athlete insights and contributing to world-class material and trim solutions that advance the Apparel line. You will help bridge the gap between long-term material development and quick-to-market products by partnering globally with mills, factories, athletes, and the inline team to develop and inform advanced material concepts. Using your extensive knowledge of different material and trm constructions and processes, you will help create advanced concepts from yarn to concept and hand-off to the in-season team for production scaling. Over the next two to three years, you will support the in-depth exploration of material execution that enhance performance and comfort for the run, contributing insights and independent analysis to inform future development.

Your Responsibilities:
  • Drive apparel material and trim innovation approximately two to three years ahead of inline development by independently executing advanced development work and partnering closely with the Manager, Material Development and Advanced Innovation Design.
  • Execute and iterate advanced material concepts from early exploration through validated handoff to inline teams, ensuring readiness for commercialization.
  • Collaborate with T2 mills and T1 vendors to assist in the co-creation of new constructions, finishes, and technologies that meet Brooks' functional, aesthetic, and brand standards.
  • Maintain a toolbox of items and keep up to date a reference library of textiles and trim concepts including FDS, lead time and cost.
  • Work with vendors to request, track, and evaluate material developments aligned to design and performance needs.
  • Utilize technical material specification and identification skills to make informed decisions to deliver effective outcomes for performance concepts and innovations.
  • Collaborate closely with Design, Development, PLM, and Product teams to identify long-lead material opportunities and align resources effectively.
  • Work with Asia materials team for testing standards, optimizing mill and vendors labs for extended testing.
  • Drive rapid prototyping through in-house sewing labs and external vendors to enable proof of concept, wear testing, and athlete evaluation in collaboration with the Run Research Lab.
  • Use working knowledge of industry testing standards to influence development decisions and deliver effective outcomes in performance attributes to enhance the run.
  • Collaborate with the Corporate Responsibility team to ensure effective evaluation and compliance of new sources in line with Brooks' established code of conduct.
  • Travel frequently to work hands-on with athletes, attend industry trade fairs, and collaborate on-site with T1 and T2 partners to advance and validate material concepts.
  • Support broader Materials Team priorities in between project demands, contributing to cross- functional initiatives.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Textile Design or related field; equivalent years of experience can be considered in place of degree(s)
  • 5+ years of experience in engineering, troubleshooting, and testing performance knits and wovens
  • Deep understanding and proven success working with textile testing methods, a range of material constructions, and material processes
  • Proficient in PLM systems to build, support, and maintain digital material library
  • Computer proficiency with office software: MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Keynote, and Illustrator
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and influence in a collaborative, cross-functional group to meet strategic objectives
  • Effective project management skills and experience, including the ability to articulate goals and objectives, manage projects independently, and the ability to network and utilize internal and external resources
  • Keen attention to detail in planning, organizing, and execution of tasks (self and through others), while still seeing the big picture and understanding how all the pieces fit together and affect one another
  • Outstanding communication skills, verbal and written, with advanced ability to communicate new ideas, concepts, and functional expertise within project teams and to external stakeholders
  • Ability to anticipate how a decision made can affect our customers, our partners, our products or other departments' operations and/or morale; "connecting the dots."
  • Curious and open-minded; always open to a challenge, inventive, and creative with the ability to challenge the status quo - always looking at improving our products and processes while also displaying a willingness to dive into the details
  • Demonstrated ability to develop highly positive relationships with individuals and teams that are made up of diverse disciplines and cultural backgrounds, resulting in effective working relationships across the company
  • Passionate participation in Brooks' sports activities a plus, overridden by the ability to understand and empathize with the runner to develop loyal, engaging relationships with our customers and the Brooks community
  • Travel 10% throughout the year, domestically and internationally
  • Embraces and lives the Brooks values!
Compensation: The pay range for this position, based out of the Brooks Seattle HQ, is $91,931 - $137,896 per year. Base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. 

Other:
Brooks is proud to offer a robust benefits package to our employees and their families!  
Benefits - Including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401K Savings Plan and match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.  
Paid Time Off - Brooks offers generous time off, including five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, and paid sick and parental leave. 
Bonus - In addition to base pay, Brooks employees may also be offered an annual bonus based on company performance.   
Perks - Including product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, volunteer and donation benefits. 
Location - You will spend 4 days per week in our Seattle offices, as we believe our organization flourishes when connections, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and celebrations happen in person.

At Brooks, we celebrate diversity & equity. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment, and encourage people of all backgrounds, perspectives, experiences, and skills to apply. Brooks is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, two-spirit identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, the presence of a physical, mental, or sensory disability, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), caste, citizenship or immigration status, honorably discharged veteran or military status, actual or perceived victims of domestic violence, harassment, sexual assault or stalking, HIV or Hepatitis C infection, political ideology, use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability, or on any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, or any other non-merit based factors.

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