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Synthetic Leather Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adidas

Manager Materials Development - Golf

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$118K - $148K/yr

Identify, source, develop and commercialize textiles, synthetics, leathers, foams, linings, reinforcements, coatings, trims and other relevant materials. * Manage material development from concept ...

Adidas

Manager Materials Development - Golf

Carlsbad, CA

$118K - $148K/yr

Identify, source, develop and commercialize textiles, synthetics, leathers, foams, linings, reinforcements, coatings, trims and other relevant materials. * Manage material development from concept ...

adidas

Manager Materials Development - Golf

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$118K - $148K/yr

Identify, source, develop and commercialize textiles, synthetics, leathers, foams, linings, reinforcements, coatings, trims and other relevant materials. * Manage material development from concept ...

Achilles USA

Plant Manager

Everett, WA

$100K - $130K/yr

Achilles USA is part of The Achilles Corporation, a global leader in specialized plastic films and synthetic leather manufacturing. BASIC FUNCTIONS The Plant Manager provides strategic leadership and ...

Achilles USA Inc.

Plant Manager

Everett, WA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Achilles USA is part of The Achilles Corporation, a global leader in specialized plastic films and synthetic leather manufacturing. BASIC FUNCTIONS The Plant Manager provides strategic leadership and ...

New

US Department of War

Orthotist

San Antonio, TX · On-site

Make patterns, impressions, and molds to fabricate orthotic devices, utilizing a variety of materials such as plastic, aluminum, leather, resins, korex, synthetic fabrics and neoprene. Receive ...

Apple

Product Design Engineer - Softgoods

Boulder, CO

$150K - $277K/yr

Preferred Qualifications Knowledge of soft goods materials (synthetics, leather, adhesives) Knowledge of soft goods assembly process (bonding, cutting, stitching) MS degree in Engineering Minimum ...

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Synthetic Leather information

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$5

$19

$35

How much do synthetic leather jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for synthetic leather in the United States is $19.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is synthetic leather?

Synthetic leather, also known as faux leather or artificial leather, is a material designed to mimic the appearance and feel of real leather but is made from plastic-based materials like polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is commonly used in the production of clothing, shoes, upholstery, automotive interiors, and accessories due to its affordability, versatility, and ease of maintenance. Unlike genuine leather, synthetic leather is generally more resistant to water and stains, but it may not be as durable over time. Many consumers choose synthetic leather as a cruelty-free and more sustainable alternative to real leather.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a synthetic leather production specialist?

To thrive as a Synthetic Leather Production Specialist, you need a background in chemical engineering or materials science, along with knowledge of polymer processing and quality control. Familiarity with manufacturing machinery, lab testing equipment, and safety certifications such as OSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are essential soft skills for maintaining product standards and collaborating with other departments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality synthetic leather production.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in synthetic leather manufacturing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in synthetic leather manufacturing often face challenges related to maintaining product quality while adhering to environmental standards and cost targets. Issues such as ensuring consistent texture, color matching, and durability can arise, particularly when scaling up production or introducing new materials. Staying updated with advancements in eco-friendly processes and collaborating closely with R&D and quality assurance teams can help address these challenges. Additionally, fostering open communication with suppliers and regularly reviewing production protocols can lead to more efficient problem-solving and improved final products.

What is the difference between Synthetic Leather vs Leather Worker?

AspectSynthetic LeatherLeather Worker
CredentialsNo formal certification typically requiredSkills in leather crafting, sometimes certifications in leatherworking
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, factoriesWorkshops, leather studios, factories
Industry UsageManufacturing of synthetic materials for fashion and upholsteryCreating and repairing leather products
Job FocusProduction of synthetic leather materialsDesign, cut, sew, and finish leather goods

While Synthetic Leather involves manufacturing synthetic materials used in various products, Leather Workers focus on crafting and repairing leather items. Both roles are integral to the leather industry but differ in skills, environment, and job functions.

How to work with synthetic leather?

Working with synthetic leather involves cutting, sewing, and finishing the material using specialized tools like rotary cutters and sewing machines designed for synthetic fabrics. It is important to handle the material carefully to avoid damage and to use appropriate adhesives and finishes for durability. Knowledge of material properties and safety precautions is essential for quality results.

What other helpful pages are available for Synthetic Leather?

Other pages related to Synthetic Leather:

Infographic showing various Synthetic Leather job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Temporary. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $41,538 per year, or $20 per hour.

Senior Raw Materials Developer, Accessories

Commerce, CA • On-site

ALO
See more jobs at ALOexternal

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

WHY JOIN ALO?
Mindful movement. It's at the core of why we do what we do at ALO-it's our calling. Because mindful movement in the studio leads to better living. It changes who yogis are off the mat, making their lives and their communities better. That's the real meaning of studio-to-street: taking the consciousness from practice on the mat and putting it into practice in life.
OVERVIEW
The Senior Raw Material Developer, Accessories is responsible for developing, engineering, and commercializing raw materials for accessories categories such as bags, hats, socks, belts, soft accessories, packaging-related trims, and small goods. This role ensures materials meet brand design intent, quality, performance, cost, sustainability, and manufacturability standards. The position partners closely with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, Quality, and suppliers to bring innovative and scalable materials to market on time.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Material Development
  • Lead raw material development from concept through commercialization for accessories categories.
  • Source and evaluate new materials including wovens, knits, leather, synthetic leather, coated fabrics, webbings, mesh, foams, linings, fillings, labels, trims, hardware, and specialty components.
  • Translate design intent into technical material requirements including handfeel, appearance, structure, durability, weight, functionality, and finish.

Technical Development and Testing
  • Establish material specifications and validate against performance requirements such as abrasion, colorfastness, tensile and tear strength, pilling, crocking, coating adhesion, dimensional stability, wash durability, and corrosion resistance for hardware where applicable.
  • Partner with Quality and Product Integrity teams to ensure materials meet testing, safety, and regulatory requirements.
  • Troubleshoot raw material issues such as delamination, cracking, peeling, color migration, tarnishing, shrinkage, distortion, coating failure, odor, or inconsistency in finish.
  • Support color approval and bulk consistency across soft materials, trims, and hardware finishes.

Cost Management
  • Own raw material cost targets and partner with suppliers to negotiate pricing, MOQs, and feasible alternatives without compromising brand intent.
  • Support should-cost thinking across material and trim packages, identifying cost drivers and optimization opportunities.
  • 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 suppliers, hardware vendors, coating and finish suppliers, and finished goods manufacturers.
  • Assess supplier capability and align on standards for quality, compliance, traceability, and execution.
  • Communicate material options, risks, and trade-offs clearly to internal teams, balancing aesthetic, cost, speed, and performance.
  • Maintain development trackers, approval logs, and issue-resolution follow-up with suppliers and cross-functional teams.

Systems and Documentation
  • Create and maintain complete documentation including material specifications, BOM details, test reports, compliance certificates, TDS and MSDS where needed, finish references, and approval history.
  • Ensure PLM or equivalent systems are accurate for material codes, attributes, supplier information, lead times, pricing, and approval status.
  • Support creation of material standards and playbooks for core accessory platforms and carryover materials.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Industrial Design, Product Development, Fashion Merchandising, or related field, or equivalent experience preferred.
  • 4+ years of raw material development experience in accessories, handbags, soft goods, trims, or related product categories.
  • Strong understanding of soft materials, trims, and hardware used in accessories construction.
  • Experience with testing requirements and common failure modes relevant to accessories materials.
  • Experience managing suppliers and commercialization across multiple vendors and regions.
  • Proficiency in PLM, Excel, and development tracking tools.
  • Strong technical problem-solving and material judgment.
  • Ability to balance aesthetics, quality, cost, and manufacturability.
  • Clear and effective communication across technical and non-technical teams.
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple development timelines.
  • Collaborative mindset with strong supplier and stakeholder management skills.
  • Continuous improvement orientation with the ability to build standards and scalable processes.
  • Experience with leather and alternative leather developments.
  • Knowledge of trim and hardware development including plating, coating, and finish durability.
  • Familiarity with sustainability initiatives such as recycled content, bio-based materials, traceability, and certification management.
  • Understanding of chemical compliance frameworks and restricted substances relevant to accessories materials and finishes.

The base salary range for this position is $110,000-$145,000 per year which represents the current range for the base salary for this exempt position. Please note that actual salaries will vary based on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. As such, on occasion and when applicable, there is the possibility that the final, agreed-upon base salary may be outside of the upper end of the range. Please also note the range listed is just one component of the company's total rewards package for exempt employees. Other rewards may include performance bonuses, long term incentives, a PTO policy, and many other progressive benefits.
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