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Textile Research Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Research and develop new yarns for sweater applications, focusing on trend, innovation, and ... Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Fiber Science, or related field. * 5+ years of experience ...

R & D Material Manager

New York, NY · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

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 ...

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Textile Research Scientist information

See salary details

$50.5K

$130.1K

$174K

How much do textile research scientist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for textile research scientist in the United States is $130,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Textile Research Scientists when developing new materials?

Textile Research Scientists often encounter challenges such as balancing innovation with manufacturability, ensuring new materials meet performance and sustainability standards, and navigating the lengthy process of testing and certification. Collaborating across multidisciplinary teams—including product designers, engineers, and manufacturers—can also present communication and coordination hurdles. Staying current with rapid technological advancements and evolving industry regulations is essential for success in this role.

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

To thrive as a Textile Research Scientist, you need a strong background in textile engineering, chemistry, or materials science, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, textile testing protocols, and data analysis software such as MATLAB or statistical tools is essential. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are key soft skills for collaborating with teams and presenting research findings. These skills ensure the development of innovative textile solutions and support advancements in material performance and sustainability.

What is the difference between Textile Research Scientist vs Textile Technologist?

AspectTextile Research ScientistTextile Technologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Textile Engineering, Chemistry, or related fieldsBachelor's degree in Textile Engineering or related discipline
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, academic institutionsManufacturing facilities, textile mills, production units
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, textile companiesTextile manufacturing companies, production plants
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding research roles in textilesUnderstanding production and process roles in textiles

The main difference between a Textile Research Scientist and a Textile Technologist lies in their focus. Textile Research Scientists primarily conduct research to develop new materials and improve textile properties, often working in labs or academic settings. In contrast, Textile Technologists focus on applying existing technologies to manufacturing processes, ensuring efficient production. Both roles require relevant degrees, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What is a Textile Research Scientist?

A Textile Research Scientist is a professional who studies the properties, performance, and production of fibers, yarns, textiles, and related materials. They conduct experiments and analyze data to develop new fabrics, improve existing materials, and enhance manufacturing processes. Their work often involves collaborating with engineers, manufacturers, and designers to create innovative textile solutions for various industries, such as apparel, automotive, aerospace, and medical. Textile Research Scientists play a crucial role in advancing the science and technology of textiles to meet consumer demands and sustainability goals.
More about Textile Research Scientist jobs
Infographic showing various Textile Research Scientist job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 98% Full Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,117 per year, or $62.6 per hour.
Senior R&D Engineer Technical Nonwovens - 1455

Senior R&D Engineer Technical Nonwovens - 1455

SP Associates

Gastonia, NC • On-site

$95K - $131K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to support the design, development, and commercialization of innovative technical nonwoven products within a fast-paced manufacturing and product development environment. This role will play a key part in driving new product innovation, evaluating new material applications, supporting raw material qualification initiatives, and contributing to the company's long-term growth strategy.
The ideal candidate will possess strong technical expertise within nonwovens, fibers, polymers, textiles, or related engineered materials industries and have experience managing product development activities from concept through implementation. This individual will collaborate closely with Operations, Production, Quality, Procurement, and Sales teams to successfully develop and launch new products and technologies.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead and support the design and development of new technical nonwoven products and material solutions.
  • Plan, coordinate, document, and execute product development projects in collaboration with cross-functional departments.
  • Evaluate new raw materials, product applications, and process technologies to support innovation and product performance improvements.
  • Conduct product trials, laboratory testing, and process evaluations related to new product development activities.
  • Document experimental results, technical findings, and development activities.
  • Assist with intellectual property documentation and patent-related activities as needed.
  • Monitor project timelines, milestones, and deliverables to ensure successful project execution.
  • Support raw material qualification efforts and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Serve as a technical resource for Production and Operations teams on chemistry, materials, and process-related matters.
  • Provide technical support to Sales and Procurement teams regarding product capabilities, material selection, and customer applications.
  • Collaborate closely with manufacturing teams to support product scale-up, process optimization, and commercialization efforts.
  • Maintain compliance with internal quality, safety, and documentation standards.

Qualifications
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, Polymer Science, Chemistry, or related technical field required.
  • Advanced degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of experience in R&D, product development, or technical engineering within nonwovens, textiles, polymers, fibers, or related manufacturing industries.
  • Experience within technical nonwovens or engineered materials strongly preferred.

Preferred experience with:
  • Technical nonwovens
  • Fibers and polymers
  • Product development and commercialization
  • Material testing and evaluation
  • Process optimization
  • Raw material qualification
  • Manufacturing support
  • Laboratory testing and documentation
  • Technical project management

Skills & Competencies
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Excellent technical documentation and reporting skills
  • Strong project coordination and organizational skills
  • Ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously
  • Effective cross-functional communication and collaboration skills
  • Self-motivated with strong initiative and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams