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Outdoor Gear Material Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

24 Seven Talent

Sewing Designer

Carlisle, IN · On-site

$15 - $18.50/hr

... duty materials. * Experience operating straight-line sewing machines and pattern sewing machines. * Background in designing and creating prototypes for tactical gear, outdoor equipment, tents ...

Metroparks Toledo

Outdoor Skills Programmer

Swanton, OH · On-site

$14.50/hr

You like getting all the materials ready and putting things back where they belong. * You like ... gear, fishing poles, archery equipment, adaptive equipment, mountain bikes and ramps, mobile rock ...

Metroparks Toledo

Outdoor Skills Programmer

Swanton, OH · On-site

$14.50/hr

You like getting all the materials ready and putting things back where they belong. * You like ... gear, fishing poles, archery equipment, adaptive equipment, mountain bikes and ramps, mobile rock ...

RTIC Outdoors

Forklift Driver

Katy, TX · On-site

$17 - $19/hr

That's why we engineer high-quality products, like coolers, drinkware, and outdoor gear, that are ... Safely operate forklifts to load, unload, and move materials or products within the facility.

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Outdoor Gear Material Engineer information

See salary details

$38K

$100.7K

$158K

How much do outdoor gear material engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for outdoor gear material engineer in the United States is $100,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an outdoor gear material engineer do?

An Outdoor Gear Material Engineer specializes in developing and testing the materials used in outdoor equipment, such as tents, backpacks, jackets, and footwear. Their job involves selecting, designing, and improving fabrics and components to ensure they are durable, lightweight, water-resistant, and suitable for various outdoor conditions. They work closely with product designers and manufacturers to innovate and meet safety and performance standards, often conducting field tests to ensure reliability. This role is essential in bringing high-quality, functional, and sustainable gear to the market.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an outdoor gear material engineer?

To thrive as an Outdoor Gear Material Engineer, you need a strong background in materials science, mechanical engineering, and product design, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, material testing equipment, and industry-specific standards like ISO or ASTM is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication are critical soft skills for collaborating with designers and manufacturers. These skills and qualities ensure the creation of innovative, durable, and functional outdoor products that meet safety and performance expectations.

What types of teams and departments do outdoor gear material engineers typically collaborate with during product development?

Outdoor Gear Material Engineers frequently work alongside product designers, quality assurance teams, and supply chain specialists to ensure that materials meet both performance and sustainability standards. Collaboration with designers is essential to balance material properties with usability and aesthetics, while coordination with suppliers ensures that chosen materials can be sourced reliably and cost-effectively. Regular communication with testing and QA teams is also crucial for addressing any durability or safety concerns that arise during prototyping and field testing.

What is the difference between Outdoor Gear Material Engineer vs Outdoor Gear Product Designer?

AspectOutdoor Gear Material EngineerOutdoor Gear Product Designer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Materials Science, Engineering, or related field; certifications in materials testingBachelor's in Industrial Design, Product Design, or related field; portfolio of design projects
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, manufacturing facilities, outdoor testing sitesDesign studios, prototyping labs, outdoor environments for testing
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers of outdoor gear, outdoor apparel companiesOutdoor gear brands, outdoor equipment companies, design consultancies

While both roles focus on outdoor gear, the Outdoor Gear Material Engineer specializes in developing and testing materials for durability and performance, whereas the Outdoor Gear Product Designer focuses on creating functional and user-friendly gear designs. Both collaborate closely to ensure products are innovative, durable, and meet consumer needs.

Is there a demand for outdoor gear material engineers?

Outdoor gear material engineers are in demand as companies seek to develop innovative, durable, and lightweight materials for outdoor equipment. The industry values expertise in textiles, polymers, and sustainable materials, with opportunities growing in product development, research, and testing roles.

What are popular job titles related to Outdoor Gear Material Engineer jobs?

For Outdoor Gear Material Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Outdoor Gear Material Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,738 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Sewing Designer

Carlisle, IN • On-site

24 Seven Talent
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about 24 Seven Talentexternal

$15 - $18.50/hr

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Our client, a military tactical accessories company, is seeking a hands-on Sewing Designer / Product Manager with experience developing and prototyping sewn products made from heavy-duty materials. This individual will help take products from concept to production while supporting and improving existing development and manufacturing processes.


Location: Carlisle, IN

Type: Full-Time, Salaried


The ideal candidate has experience designing and building prototypes for tactical gear, outdoor equipment, sports bags, backpacks, tents, covers, or similar sewn products. This is an onsite position requiring attendance five days per week.


Key Requirements

  • Strong sewing experience with heavy-duty materials.
  • Experience operating straight-line sewing machines and pattern sewing machines.
  • Background in designing and creating prototypes for tactical gear, outdoor equipment, tents, backpacks, sports bags, covers, or similar products.
  • Solid knowledge of pattern development, product construction, and sewn-product manufacturing.
  • Ability to create production-ready designs, patterns, and technical documentation.
  • Experience mentoring, training, or providing technical guidance to sewing or product development teams.
  • Strong problem-solving and process improvement skills.
  • Ability to refine and improve existing workflows without disrupting established processes.
  • Onsite availability five days per week.


Primary Responsibilities

  • Develop products from concept through prototyping, testing, refinement, and production.
  • Create and review patterns, specifications, and technical documentation.
  • Support product development and manufacturing teams with technical expertise.
  • Improve product quality, manufacturability, and production efficiency.
  • Assist with training, best practices, and process standardization.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product launches.


Preferred Background

  • Tactical gear, military/law enforcement equipment, outdoor gear, industrial textiles, backpacks, bags, or load-carry systems.
  • Experience with CAD, pattern development software, or PLM systems.
  • Leadership experience in product development, sewing operations, or manufacturing environments.


Apply