Textile Research Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Description
Springs Window Fashions is hiring for a Textile Product Development Engineer II at our Corporate Headquarters in the Madison, WI area.
This is an onsite role, remote work is not an option
Company Overview
Springs Window Fashions is a leader in the custom window treatment industry since 1939. Headquartered in Middleton WI, we have 6,000 associates with locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Our custom window treatments are available under the Bali, Graber, SunSetter and Mecho brands in nearly every major retailer, in thousands of designer showrooms, and showcased in large commercial buildings.
Our company has made significant investments to become a leader in product innovation. As North America's premier window covering company, we're committed to creating a "Best Experience" for our consumers, channel partners and associates. We are bringing new innovations to the market at an accelerated pace and have a variety of offerings to consumers who want to improve their home décor.
Job Summary
Responsible for the development, qualification, and validation of fabrics to meet specifications for both new product development and continuous improvement of existing products. This role coordinates activities related to new fabric introductions for assigned product lines and collaborates closely with cross-functional internal teams and external suppliers to ensure successful implementation and deliver high-quality, manufacturable textile solutions.
Supports assigned product line(s) throughout the product lifecycle, including quality, manufacturing, and product launch qualification related to textiles. Ensures alignment with customer and product requirements through accurate specification, application of quality tools and methodologies, and a strong focus on continuous improvement in product and process design. Responsibilities may span multiple product categories across the SWF portfolio of brands. This position reports to the Textile Engineering Manager.
Responsibilities
Product & Process Specifications (25%)

• Supports the development and maintenance of textile specifications to ensure consistent product quality, performance, and manufacturability across all product lines
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs) and associated documentation for textile processes and testing
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with key suppliers to support material development, performance alignment, and issue resolution
• Contributes to the development of test methods to characterize fabric attributes and improve prediction of in-use performance

Problem Solving & Quality Improvement (35%)

• Provides technical expertise to identify root cause and resolve ongoing textile quality and performance issue
• Supports continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives related to textile materials, processes, and supplier performance
• Collaborates with suppliers and cross-functional teams to improve product performance, reduce waste, and enhance manufacturing efficiency
• Executes textile testing and qualification activities associated with new suppliers or material changes to ensure compliance with specifications
• Analyzes test data and production feedback to support data-driven decisions and implementation of corrective actions

New Product Introduction (30%)

• Collaborates with Textile Engineering leadership and Product Management to review and evaluate new fabric development submissions
• Executes textile qualification activities for new materials and collections through the TR3 process
• Develops and implements textile qualification plans, including test requirements, material quantities, build matrices, timelines, and milestones
• Partners with manufacturing, product engineering, and suppliers to evaluate trial results and support successful product launches
• Coordinates laboratory testing to assess textile performance and ensure materials meet qualification requirements
• Assists in establishing textile specifications for new materials and suppliers, including coordination with procurement for specification approval
• Analyzes test data to support risk assessments and recommendations for new textile adoption
• Prepares technical summaries, project updates, and supporting documentation for stakeholders
• Supports manufacturing process validation and provides direction to laboratory technicians as needed

Administration & Continuous Improvement (10%)

• Maintains accurate and organized documentation of projects, studies, and work activities to support traceability and future reference
• Analyzes production and quality data and provides updates to stakeholders as needed
• Stays current on textile technologies, materials, and industry trends through research, supplier engagement, and professional development
• Ensures data and documentation systems are maintained in an organized and accessible manner

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Responsible for the development and continuous improvement of textile materials within assigned product categories to ensure performance, quality, and manufacturability requirements are met
• Accountable for supporting the technical evaluation, specification, and application of textiles used in assigned product lines, including collaboration with cross-functional teams and suppliers
• Exercises independent judgment in day-to-day technical decisions within established guidelines and specifications
• Makes recommendations on material selection, specifications, and process improvements; escalates higher-risk decisions or significant changes to senior engineering leadership
• Works within defined project scope and timelines, seeking guidance when technical challenges or business impacts exceed assigned authority

Requirements
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, or a related field, with experience in product development, material science, and testing. Equivalent experience will be considered, including candidates with a textile design background and strong analytical capabilities
• Minimum of 5 years of practical experience in manufacturing and engineering, with a focus on designing, developing, and improving textile-related products and processes

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

1. Demonstrated attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong time management skills required to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines
2. Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple medium- to large-scope projects simultaneously while meeting established timelines
3. Applies a methodical approach to work and adapts to changing priorities
4. Communicates effectively and ensures accurate documentation of fabric qualification activities and test procedures.
5. Strong foundation in engineering principles, mathematics, and statistical analysis, including Design of Experiments (DOE) and structured problem-solving methodologies
6. Working knowledge of textile materials and processes, including wovens, knits, nonwovens, manufacturing methods, finishing, coating, and performance testing
7. Experience with R&D methodologies and product development processes, including sample preparation, testing, data collection, and validation
8. Ability to analyze data and generate clear, accurate technical reports and documentation, supported by strong technical writing skills
9. Understanding of color measurement and evaluation, along with textile performance characteristics
10. Proficiency in computer tools including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and project management software (e.g., Smartsheet) for data analysis and project tracking
11. Knowledge of project management principles with the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage timelines while adapting to changing requirements and constraints
12. Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and build strong relationships with internal teams and suppliers
13. Strong ownership mindset with the ability to drive work forward independently and deliver results

How We Work to Deliver a Best Experience: Our Culture

• Our Core Value: We do the right thing, always
• Our Seven Cultural Behaviors
• Empowerment - We trust our people.
• Ownership - We take 100% responsibility for our roles actions, and results.
• Leadership - We all lead by example and talk direct with respect (DWR).
• One Team - We are One Springs Team.
• Customer First - We consider our customers' needs before every decision.
• Continuous Innovation - We are constantly learning, innovating, and improving.
• Speed - We define priorities and operate with a sense of urgency and agility.

Benefits: The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% company match of eligible contributions, life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short-term disability insurance, paid vacation time, paid holidays, and one paid volunteer day off per year.
This posting is anticipated to remain open until a qualified candidate is hired.