← All roles

Material Developer, Apparel

Brooks Running· Apparel – Apparel Development
Apply on company site
Seattle, WA$91.9k - $137.9kFull-timePosted 2mo ago

About the role

The Materials Developer partners with cross-functional teams to advance seasonal material development from concept to commercialization, leveraging knowledge of material properties, constructions, testing, costing, and supplier partnerships to optimize product performance and value.

Responsibilities

  • Partner on material and trim development from concept brief through commercialization and production, ensuring alignment with seasonal milestones and product objectives.
  • Manage workload according to the seasonal material development calendar and contribute to development process execution and continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with Product Line Management, Design, Development, and cross-functional partners to define and deliver materials, trims, performance attributes, features, and benefits that support seasonal product objectives.
  • Collaborate with the Apparel Development team to evaluate material and trim prototypes, wear-test issues, and review milestones throughout the development process.
  • Support the Materials team with special projects, off-calendar initiatives, and future strategic goals.
  • Apply knowledge of material specifications, construction, identification, and industry testing standards to support development decisions that optimize product performance, quality, consumer experience, and cost targets.
  • Manage material and trim documentation in Flex system data, ensuring FDS, TDS, Test Reports, and approval information are accurate, complete, and current throughout the development process.
  • Maintain an organized material and trim reference library, including approved materials, technical specifications, and approval records.
  • Partner with mills and suppliers to support seasonal costing objectives and material development strategies.
  • Partner with materials testing teams to ensure materials and trims meet performance requirements and commercialization standards within seasonal timelines.
  • Collaborate with Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility partners to support alignment between material development activities and long-term sustainability goals.
  • Maintain strong working relationships with material and trim suppliers to support development, quality, testing, innovation, and seasonal calendar commitments.
  • Identify and evaluate emerging materials, trims, technologies, and manufacturing capabilities, partnering with suppliers and the Materials team to translate opportunities into commercial applications that support brand and product goals.
  • Participate in domestic and international supplier visits, development trips, and tradeshows to support material innovation and supplier partnerships.
  • Coordinate vendor visits, supplier meetings, and tradeshow appointments for the Materials Team.
  • Track, coordinate, ship, and receive domestic and international material and trim shipments in a timely manner to support development and commercialization timelines.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product quality, development processes, team effectiveness, and speed-to-market.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design or related field; equivalent combination of education and years of experience can be considered in lieu of degree(s)
  • 5+ years of experience in engineering, troubleshooting, and testing performance knits and wovens
  • Deep understanding and proven success working textile testing methods, a range of material constructions, and material processes
  • Proficient in PLM systems to build, support, and maintain digital material library
  • Computer proficiency with MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Keynote, and Illustrator
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and influence in a collaborative, cross-functional group to meet strategic objectives
  • Effective project management skills and experience, including the ability to articulate goals and objectives, manage projects independently, and the ability to network and utilize internal and external resources
  • Keen attention to detail in planning, organizing, and execution of tasks (self and through others), while still seeing the big picture
  • Outstanding communication skills, verbal and written
  • Advanced ability to communicate new ideas, concepts, and functional expertise within project teams and to external stakeholders
  • Ability to anticipate how a decision made can affect customers, partners, products, or other departments’ operations and/or morale; “connecting the dots”
  • Curious and open-minded; always open for a challenge, inventive, creative; willing to dive into details and challenge status quo
  • Demonstrated ability to develop highly positive relationships across diverse disciplines and backgrounds
  • Embraces Brooks values and culture

Skills

Required:Material and trim developmentPLM systemsProject management

Benefits

  • Benefits - Including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401K Savings Plan and match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.
  • Paid Time Off - Five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, and paid sick and parental leave.
  • Bonus - Annual bonus potential based on company performance.
  • Perks - Product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, volunteer and donation benefits.
  • Location - 4 days per week in Seattle office
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.
Brooks Running logo

About Brooks Running

Shop superior running shoes and apparel for men and women with free shipping and returns. Your search for great running gear starts and ends with Brooks Running.

Shop superior running shoes and apparel for men and women with free shipping and returns. Your search for great running gear starts and ends with Brooks Running.

Running shoesApparelGearRunning
Company profileWebsite

More open roles at Brooks Running