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Textile R&D Jobs (NOW HIRING)

R & D Material Manager

New York, NY ยท On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

General Shift lead the research, development, and sourcing of innovative fabrics, trims, finishes, and raw materials for home textiles (table linens, kitchen, pillows, rugs, mats, bedding, bath)

Perform other duties related to laundry production and textile care as assigned. W H O Y O U A R E Qualifications & Experience R e q u i r e d * Ability to safely handle cleaning chemicals and follow ...

... textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines. We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 ... Background in manufacturing, life sciences, chemicals, CPG, or other R&D-intensive, data-complex ...

... textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines. We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 ... Background in manufacturing, life sciences, chemicals, CPG, or other R&D-intensive, data-complex ...

Data Director

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$140 - $220/hr

... textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines. We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 ... Background in manufacturing, life sciences, chemicals, CPG, or other R&D-intensive, data-complex ...

... textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines. We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 ... Background in manufacturing, life sciences, chemicals, CPG, or other R&D-intensive, data-complex ...

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Textile R D information

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How much do textile r&d jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for textile r&d in the United States is $16.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $16.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Textile R&D professional?

Textile R&D (Research and Development) professionals are specialists who focus on innovating and improving textile materials, processes, and products. They conduct experiments, develop new fabrics, test properties like durability or sustainability, and collaborate with designers and manufacturers to bring new textiles to market. Their work helps create advanced materials for fashion, industrial, medical, and technical applications. Textile R&D roles require a strong background in materials science, chemistry, or textile engineering, and are essential for driving progress in the textile industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Textile R&D professional?

A Textile R&D professional needs a strong background in textile engineering, materials science, and product development, usually supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with textile testing equipment, CAD software for textile design, and knowledge of industry standards are essential technical requirements. Creativity, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills that help drive innovation and successful project outcomes. These competencies ensure the development of high-quality, market-driven textile products that meet evolving industry and consumer demands.

What are some common challenges faced in a Textile R&D role, and how can job seekers prepare to address them?

Professionals in Textile R&D often encounter challenges such as keeping pace with rapidly evolving materials technology and meeting sustainability standards. Adapting to frequent changes in client requirements and collaborating closely with production, design, and quality teams are also key aspects of the role. Job seekers can prepare by staying updated on industry trends, developing strong problem-solving skills, and gaining experience with interdisciplinary teamwork. Proficiency with lab testing equipment and familiarity with sustainable materials can provide a competitive edge.

What is the difference between Textile R&D vs Textile Technologist?

AspectTextile R&DTextile Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Textile Engineering, Chemistry, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in Textile Engineering or related discipline
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development centers, innovation departmentsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, production facilities
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, textile companies focusing on new product developmentTextile mills, apparel manufacturers, quality assurance teams

Textile R&D professionals focus on developing new fabrics, innovative materials, and advanced textile processes through research and experimentation. Textile Technologists typically work on applying existing technologies in production, ensuring quality, and optimizing manufacturing processes. While both roles require a background in textiles, R&D is more research-oriented, whereas Technologists focus on practical application and production support.

How to become a textile researcher?

To become a textile researcher, typically a bachelor's degree in textile engineering, materials science, chemistry, or a related field is required, often followed by a master's or Ph.D. for advanced roles. Skills in laboratory testing, data analysis, and familiarity with textile manufacturing processes are important, along with experience using testing equipment and software. Gaining internships or research experience can also enhance job prospects in this field.

What kind of job can you get with a textile R&D degree?

A degree in textile R&D can lead to roles such as textile researcher, product developer, or quality control specialist in industries like apparel, automotive, or home furnishings. These jobs often require knowledge of fabric properties, testing methods, and familiarity with textile machinery and software tools.
More about Textile R D jobs

What cities are hiring for Textile R&D jobs?

Cities with the most Textile R&D job openings:

Infographic showing various Textile R&D job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,300 per year, or $16.5 per hour.

R & D Material Manager

New York, NY โ€ข On-site

TiltEdge Solutions LLC
Recruiting and Staffing Servicesย โ€ขย 1 - 10 employees

$100K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Position: R&D Material Manager
Work Location: New York, NY
Salary: $100,000 - $110,000/year
Duration: Full-time
Shift: General Shift
 
Job Description:
lead the research, development, and sourcing of innovative fabrics, trims, finishes, and raw materials for home textiles (table linens, kitchen, pillows, rugs, mats, bedding, bath). This role ensures that the company remains competitive by identifying new material technologies, driving sustainability initiatives, and developing cost-effective, compliant, and high-quality materials aligned with brand and customer requirements. serves as a critical link between design, product development, sourcing, and suppliers/fabric mills to deliver differentiated and market-leading product offerings.
 
Key Responsibilities:
Material Development & Innovation
  • Research, source, and develop new fabrics, yarns, finishes, and treatments that align with brand positioning, cost targets, and quality standards.
  • Analyze Trend Reports – WGSN, Fashion snoops etc and curate global textile trends, innovations, and emerging technologies based on the business needs (e.g., performance finishes, sustainable fibers, recycled content).
  • Propose new materials and constructions to design and merchandising teams for seasonal assortments.
  • Co-develop new fabrics, weaves, finish with fabric mills and optimize material cost and explore options on cost savings.
  • Understand raw material performance standards like color fastness, pilling, tensile and tear strength, flammability etc.
Sustainability & Compliance
  • Partner with sustainability teams to identify eco-friendly and certified material solutions (e.g., GOTS, OEKO-TEX, BCI, GRS recycled polyester).
  • Ensure all materials comply with regulatory, safety, and retailer-specific requirements (flammability, chemical restrictions, testing protocols).
Supplier & Vendor Engagement
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with global textile mills, material suppliers, and innovation partners.
  • Evaluate vendor capabilities for new material development and manage seasonal innovation briefs.
  • Negotiate lead times, minimum order quantities, and development costs for materials.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with design and product development to integrate innovative materials into collections.
  • Work with costing and sourcing to ensure materials meet cost parameters and production feasibility.
  • Collaborate with quality and compliance teams to test and validate material performance.
Process & Database Management
  • Establish and maintain a material library/database, including test results, and supplier information.
  • Develop standardized procedures for material development, testing, and approvals.
  • Provide material training and trend presentations to design, merchandising, and sourcing teams.
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Material Science, Textile Engineering, or related field.
  • 7–10 years of experience in material development, R&D, or sourcing within the home textile, apparel, or soft goods industry.
  • Strong knowledge of textile fibers, weaving/knitting techniques, dyeing/finishing processes, and fabric testing standards.
  • Experience with sustainable and innovative material initiatives.
  • Established network of mills, suppliers, and material innovators across key production regions (India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Egypt , Portugal, etc.).
  • Excellent project management skills with ability to juggle multiple material developments across categories and timelines.
  • Proficiency in PLM/ERP systems and advanced Excel; CAD or textile design software a plus.
  • Strong communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
Key Competencies:
  • Curiosity and passion for innovation in textiles
  • Strong technical expertise in fabric development and testing
  • Ability to balance creativity with cost and feasibility
  • Strong vendor management and relationship-building skills
  • Detail-oriented with a structured approach to R&D processes