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Research Development Textile Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DEKA Research & Development

CAD Designer

Manchester, NH · On-site

$27 - $37/hr

One hour from the beach, Boston, and the mountains, the historic Amoskeag Millyard once housed the largest textile mills in the world. It is now home to DEKA Research & Development, where we are ...

DEKA Research & Development

Quality Engineer

Manchester, NH · On-site

$71.70K - $92.60K/yr

One hour from the beach, Boston, and the mountains, the historic Amoskeag Millyard once housed the largest textile mills in the world. It is now home to DEKA Research and Development, where we are ...

Culp

Textile Designer

Stokesdale, NC · On-site

... R&D, design purchasing, and technical teams (including programmers and knit technicians), as well ... Education requirements : • Bachelor's degree (4-year) in Textile Design or a related field ...

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Research Development Textile information

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$48.5K

$101.8K

$165K

How much do research development textile jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for research development textile in the United States is $101,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Research Development Textile professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Development Textile professional, you need expertise in textile science, material properties, and product development, often supported by a degree in textile engineering or a related field. Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment, CAD software for textile design, and knowledge of industry standards are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills for innovating and bringing new textiles to market. These competencies enable the development of high-quality, innovative textile products that meet market demands and industry regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Research Development Textile, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Research Development Textile often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving material technologies, the need to balance innovation with cost-effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Staying updated with the latest advancements and fostering cross-departmental collaboration can help address these issues. Additionally, collaborating closely with suppliers, designers, and production teams ensures that innovative textile solutions are feasible for large-scale manufacturing while meeting quality and sustainability requirements.

What is a Research Development Textile professional?

A Research Development Textile professional is someone who focuses on creating, improving, and testing new textile materials and products. They work on developing innovative fabrics, enhancing existing materials, and finding solutions to challenges in textile production, such as sustainability or durability. These professionals typically collaborate with designers, engineers, and manufacturers to bring new textile technologies from concept to market. Their work often involves laboratory testing, material analysis, and staying updated with the latest trends and scientific advancements in the textile industry.

What does a textile researcher do?

A textile researcher studies and develops new fabrics, fibers, and textile materials by analyzing their properties, performance, and applications. They often work in laboratories or research facilities, utilizing tools like microscopes and testing equipment, and may collaborate with manufacturers to improve textile quality and innovation.

What is the difference between Research Development Textile vs Research Engineer Textile?

AspectResearch Development TextileResearch Engineer Textile
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Textile Engineering, Material Science, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Textile Engineering, Material Science, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D centers, manufacturing facilitiesLaboratories, R&D centers, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on developing new textile products and innovationsFocuses on testing, analyzing, and improving textile materials and processes
Common Search IntentResearch Development Textile vs Research Engineer Textile

Research Development Textile professionals primarily focus on creating new textile products and innovations, while Research Engineers Textile concentrate on testing and improving existing textile materials and processes. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments but differ in their core responsibilities within the textile industry.

More about Research Development Textile jobs
What cities are hiring for Research Development Textile jobs? Cities with the most Research Development Textile job openings:
What states have the most Research Development Textile jobs? States with the most job openings for Research Development Textile jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Research Development Textile jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Research Development Textile jobs are:
Research Development Textile jobs near you
Infographic showing various Research Development Textile job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 72% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,794 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Director, Fabric Development & Innovation

Director, Fabric Development & Innovation

Little Sleepies

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Us
Little Sleepies is one of the fastest growing companies in America, according to Inc. Magazine (#1 in retail)! We make days and nights easier with super-soft yet impressively durable, thoughtfully designed products that families love. Featuring prints kids are obsessed with and fabrics parents trust, every piece is made to feel good, fit right, and get worn on repeat. We're rooted in innovation and driven by care, with our signature fabrics, Lunaluxe® and Soluxe®, custom-developed to support the way kids move, sleep, and grow - because comfort isn't just how it feels, it's how it's made. Driven by creativity, passion, and the desire to do something extraordinary, we strive to bring joy and comfort to families around the world. We're excited to be doing this, and we hope you will be too. If our mission resonates, we would love to hear from you!
Location:
Hybrid, with three days minimum out of our brand new, state of the art headquarters in Los Angeles, CA
Visa Sponsorship:
This position is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.
The Role:
Little Sleepies is seeking an exceptional Director of Fabrication- a seasoned individual contributor who will own the company's fabric product innovation agenda. It is a high-impact strategic role for someone who is energized by thinking, building, and influencing - and who wants ownership of holistic fabric innovation capability at one of the most exciting growth brands in kids apparel.
What you'll do:
Materials & Fabric Innovation Pipeline
  • Partner closely with the Director of Product Development to build an 18-month materials innovation pipeline
  • Drive technical innovation by working directly with the vendor and mill base to identify next-generation fabric treatments, alternative fabric platforms, and construction innovations
  • Evaluate new materials against Little Sleepies' core brand promises - softness, durability, trust - and commercial feasibility
  • Own the process of moving promising materials from exploration to prototype to commercial integration

Market, Competitive & Consumer Intelligence
  • Be the internal authority on what is happening externally-fabric trend direction, competitive landscape, white space opportunities, emerging materials, best-in-class fabric development and innovation in the broader apparel market, and shifts in consumer behavior
  • Conduct regular apparel market and competitive analysis, trade show attendance, and market research to keep Little Sleepies ahead of the category
  • Translate external intelligence into internal product briefs, strategic recommendations, and innovation opportunities

Cross-Functional Innovation Leadership
  • Serve as the strategic bridge owning fabrication strategy between design (VP, Design) and product development (Director, PD) - ensuring innovation priorities are understood, embraced, and embedded in both teams' work
  • Partner with VP, Merchandising and VP, Design to ensure the fabric innovation roadmap is grounded in commercial reality and assortment strategy

What you'll bring to the team:
  • 10-12 years of progressive fabrication strategy, product development, or innovation experience within kids apparel or a closely adjacent consumer product apparel category
  • Background in fabric engineering, textile science, or materials development strongly preferred; hands-on experience with fabric construction, finishing, or performance testing a significant plus
  • Deep fabric and construction literacy - comfortable in vendor and mill conversations, able to evaluate materials technically and commercially
  • Proven experience owning a product strategy or innovation function, not just executing product, but defining what gets built and why
  • Strong external antenna. You shop the market obsessively, attend trade shows, and translate trend into product opportunity instinctively
  • Track record of driving category expansion within a high-growth brand
  • Exceptional ability to influence without authority - you build trust and alignment across creative and operational teams through the quality of your thinking
  • Comfortable as a senior individual contributor - energized by doing, not managing
  • Experience working in a fast-paced, high-output product environment; or DTC brand experience a strong plus
  • Ideally Bachelor's Degree in Textile Development, Textile Management.

What we're excited to offer you:
  • Ability to work cross functionally with a fast-growing team, with smile-sparking products that turn everyday moments into magical memories
  • A supportive environment that fosters and encourages new ideas and innovation
  • The opportunity to stock your drawers with Little Sleepies! Free pajamas & Play product when you join (and every year on your work anniversary!) and a generous employee discount all year long to keep you cozy

Benefits:
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off, vacation
  • Sick days
  • Paid holidays
  • Short and long-term disability
  • Life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Home office stipend
  • Internet stipend
  • Company discount
  • Team building activities
  • Company-issued computer

Little Sleepies is an equal-opportunity employer, and we value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Apply