1

Softgoods Manufacturing Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Textiles Engineer

Milwaukee, WI ยท On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Typical Advanced Engineering Flow Discovery: Identify unmet protection or durability needs; scout ... Strong supplier and factory engagement experience across textile and softgoods manufacturing.

Softgoods materials and assembly processes are very different than traditional engineering materials and manufacturing methods. If these are new to you, you will quickly learn by working closely with ...

Senior Textiles Engineer

Milwaukee, WI ยท On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Typical Advanced Engineering Flow Discovery: Identify unmet protection or durability needs; scout ... Strong supplier and factory engagement experience across textile and softgoods manufacturing.

The Softgoods Engineering Technologist will: * Design, develop, and fabricate new and innovative ... Seek new manufacturing techniques and innovative materials * Occasionally travel to other NASA ...

... engineering, or chemistry * Knowledge of flammability, offgassing, and toxicity standards (NASA-STD-6001) * Hands-on prototyping experience (softgoods manufacturing, adhesive bonding, finishing)

Product Design Engineer - Softgoods

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$133K - $160K/yr

Softgoods materials and assembly processes are very different than traditional engineering materials and manufacturing methods. If these are new to you, you will quickly learn by working closely with ...

Softgoods materials and assembly processes are very different than traditional engineering materials and manufacturing methods. If these are new to you, you will quickly learn by working closely with ...

Product Design Engineer - Softgoods

Boulder, CO ยท On-site

$133K - $160K/yr

Softgoods materials and assembly processes are very different than traditional engineering materials and manufacturing methods. If these are new to you, you will quickly learn by working closely with ...

Softgoods materials and assembly processes are very different than traditional engineering materials and manufacturing methods. If these are new to you, you will quickly learn by working closely with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Softgoods Manufacturing Engineering information

See salary details

$47.5K

$85.6K

$120K

How much do softgoods manufacturing engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for softgoods manufacturing engineering in the United States is $85,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Softgoods Manufacturing Engineering vs Textile Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectSoftgoods Manufacturing EngineeringTextile Manufacturing Engineering
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in manufacturing or quality controlEngineering degree, certifications in textile processes or quality assurance
Work EnvironmentFactories producing apparel, accessories, soft materialsTextile mills, fabric production facilities
Industry UsageFashion, apparel, soft goods industriesTextile and fabric industries

Softgoods Manufacturing Engineering focuses on the design, development, and production of soft products like apparel and accessories, while Textile Manufacturing Engineering centers on fabric and fiber production. Both roles require similar engineering skills and certifications but differ in their specific materials and production processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Softgoods Manufacturing Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Softgoods Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or industrial engineering, textile materials, and manufacturing processes, often backed by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software, ERP systems, and quality control tools, as well as knowledge of lean manufacturing principles, is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate across design, production, and quality teams. These competencies are crucial for optimizing production efficiency, ensuring product quality, and driving innovation in softgoods manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Softgoods Manufacturing Engineers when transitioning from prototype to full-scale production?

One frequent challenge for Softgoods Manufacturing Engineers is ensuring that prototype designs are scalable and manufacturable at volume without sacrificing quality or performance. Issues such as material sourcing, process consistency, and maintaining tight tolerances often require close collaboration with suppliers, designers, and production teams. Additionally, adapting to last-minute design changes while keeping production on schedule can be demanding. Engineers in this role typically work cross-functionally to troubleshoot problems and streamline workflows for efficiency.

What is softgoods manufacturing engineering?

Softgoods manufacturing engineering is a specialized field focused on the design, development, and production of products made from flexible materials such as textiles, leather, foam, and composites. Engineers in this area work to optimize manufacturing processes, select appropriate materials, and ensure quality standards for items like apparel, footwear, bags, and upholstery. They often collaborate with designers, production teams, and quality assurance specialists to bring softgoods products from concept to market efficiently and cost-effectively.
Infographic showing various Softgoods Manufacturing Engineering job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,613 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Softgoods Engineering Technologist

MbSolutions Inc

Houston, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Softgoods Engineering Technologist - (ADV000BN6)

Are you passionate about human space exploration, understanding the universe's origins, and working with a passionate and diverse team to make a difference? If you are, we need you!

We need your talent, teamwork, and energy to help us achieve great things that inspire people all over the globe. We need you to bring creative ideas and diverse backgrounds to help us envision, shape, and deliver systems that will enable space exploration while benefiting people here on Earth. We are excited about what we do, and we need you on our team as we take on exciting challenges for NASA's pursuits in deep space exploration. As NASA's largest engineering solutions provider working with NASA at centers across the United States.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Softgoods Engineering Technologist to join the team with JETS II teammate company, Nexus.

The Softgoods Engineering Technologist will:

  • Design, develop, and fabricate new and innovative functional softgoods articles for the manned spaceflight program such as stowage solutions, structural inflatables, ancillary space suit equipment, thermal blankets, and general deep space product design
  • Clearly and thoroughly present design concepts and considerations
  • Collaborate with engineers and designers to understand requirements of working on a variety of systems and hardware
  • Take ownership and show initiative to complete softgoods design tasks
  • Perform sewing machine maintenance, repair, and custom modifications to tailor the sewing machine for unique stitching operations
  • Create patterns and develop mockups for verifying fit and function of softgood articles
  • Interpret fabrication drawings to assemble sewn products, and review fabrication drawings before final release for flight fabrication
  • Seek new manufacturing techniques and innovative materials
  • Occasionally travel to other NASA centers to perform softgoods fabrication and installation
  • Ability to lift and transport materials and equipment
  • Ability to work in confined spaces, scale steps and ladders
  • Perform other duties as required

Requisition Qualifications:

This position has been posted at multiple levels. Depending on the candidate's experience, requirements, and business needs, we reserve the right to consider candidates at any level for which this position has been advertised.

  • Typically requires a HS diploma and 15 years of experience or BS in Engineering Technology or related field and 5 years of experience.
  • 3+ years' experience in a softgoods lab environment with emphasis in softgoods design and fabrication
  • Demonstrated capability to independently devise solutions to complex design problems by their own efforts, and by soliciting inputs from other technical experts
  • Expertise in a wide range of hands-on fabrication โ€“ sewing machines, laser cutters, fabric welders, 3D printers, band saws, drills, etc.
  • Demonstrated success working with a team
  • Proficiency utilizing Adobe, AutoCAD, and Rhino CAD software

Requisition Preferences:

  • BA, BFA, or BS in Industrial Design or equivalent is desired
  • Experienced in aerospace product design processes including ability to read, understand, and create fabrication drawings
  • Experienced with fabricating processes for prototyping and flight softgood products
  • Experienced in Adobe, AutoCAD, and Rhino CAD software
  • Familiar with the NASA/JSC Softgoods design and development and JETS Engineering Life Cycle processes

Job Posted by ApplicantPro