Outdoor Gear Lab Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

At 5.11, we design gear for those who live ready - for work, the outdoors, and everything in between. 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 oversees the full development process - from early concept to production hand-off, with a focus on quality, consistency, and performance. You’ll work closely with product, design, sourcing, and vendor partners to guide materials from the idea stage to final execution. If you’re someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, has a sharp eye for technical detail, and knows how to balance innovation with practical execution, this role offers a chance to make a lasting impact.

What You’ll Do:

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—balancing performance, cost, and sourcing strategies.
• Stay current on material innovations and work with vendors to introduce relevant technologies.
• Ensure materials meet performance expectations through lab, garment, and wear testing.

Color, Compliance & Standards

• Oversee the color development process from selection to approval.
• Ensure all materials comply with applicable standards (NFPA, ANSI, EN, and country-specific regulations).
• Troubleshoot fabric issues with mills and ensure materials pass all required testing.

Process, Documentation & Tracking

• Maintain accurate material specs, test data, and commercialization status in PLM and internal trackers.
• Collaborate with sourcing and development teams to manage timelines and communicate material readiness across categories.
• Consolidate overlapping materials where possible to streamline development and reduce complexity.
• Support ISO and internal documentation standards for materials.

Cross-Functional Support

• Act as a key technical resource for materials questions across product teams.
• Join product meetings to align on material needs, risks, and development timelines.
• Support special projects related to product innovation or team objectives.

Team & Vendor Management

• Lead and mentor a small team of material developers.
• Partner with the HK sourcing team to ensure vendor performance and material quality.
• Manage material budgets and support planning for seasonal and long-term development.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed to support development and sourcing.

What You’ll Bring:

• Degree in a related field or equivalent experience in material or fabric development.
• 5+ years in technical fabric or trim development, preferably with a focus on high-performance or outdoor gear.
• Strong understanding of the end-to-end fabric lifecycle - from sourcing and dyeing to finishing and testing.
• Familiarity with fabric testing standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ability to identify and resolve color discrepancies and construction issues.
• Experience working with PLM systems, Excel, and fabric documentation tools.
• Experience with hardline materials (plastics or composites) is a plus.

Pay Range: $100,000- $115,000 annually plus bonus based on experience

5.11 Tactical offers a best-in-class benefits program including: medical, dental and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including: Hospital Indemnity/Accident insurance; Flexible Spending Account/Health Saving Account; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off/Paid Holidays/Sick Time; Casual Dress Code; and Employee Discounts.

*If you are a regular full-time employee working at least 30 hours per week, you and your eligible dependents may participate in 5.11’s benefits program.*

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