Research and develop new products for Maharam, Knoll Textiles, and Edelman Leather across a range of categories including woven upholstery, nonwoven upholstery, panel, woven wallcovering, nonwoven wallcovering, window covering, privacy curtain, rugs, and leather. Work cross-departmentally to address any product issues that arise during development and troubleshoot any production issues.

Essential Functions

• Research and stay apprised of new materials and methods of manufacturing.

• Identify new component parts for products including yarns, fibers, substrates, and finishes.

• Design and draft weave structures, picks per inch, ends per inch, and yarn sizes to achieve desired textile quality.

• Act as a consultant to designers to provide the technical assistance necessary for products in development.

• Research and manage information and make decisions for optimal chemistry, dying, and finishing.

• Identify and develop relationships with potential new resources and maintain close relationships with current resources.

• Keep track of fiber, polymer, and yarn prices to negotiate product pricing as needed on new products and work with Resource Management to negotiate yearly price increases on existing products.

• Administer contracts such as exclusivity and non-disclosure agreements.

• Work with Design, Product Management, Quality Assurance, and Resource Management to provide technical knowledge and information during and after product introduction.

• Work with Product Development Associates to verify all technical and environmental data provided by the resource for each product.

• Act as technical advisor to the Quality Assurance team to address product, testing, or resource related issues.

• Act as an advisor to resources regarding manufacturing, yarns, weaves, looms, production problems, finishing and testing.

• Ensure products meet technical and environmental requirements to support company’s goals.

• Travel required as needed to visit tradeshows and resources.

Magnitude and Relationship Reporting
This position reports to the Design Director.

Contacts Inside and Outside the Organization
This position requires close contact with Design, Product Management, Quality Assurance, Resource Management, and other departments and regular and ongoing contact with all suppliers. 

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of textile technology, including fabric construction, yarns and finishes.

• Ability to draft weave constructions.

• Understanding of textile processes and manufacturing from fiber to finish.

• Knowledge of United States and European physical and flammability testing including ISO and Association for Contract Textiles standards.

• Understanding of wallcovering installation and participation in test hangs.

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple products and projects across all product categories.

• Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal.

• Strong organizational and follow up skills.

• Travel flexibility and valid driver’s license required.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in textile engineering.

• Minimum of 5 years related work experience.

Compensation range for this role is $105,750.00 - $137,500.00. Relevant salary considerations will include candidate qualifications and experience, other business/organizational needs and market factors . You may also be eligible to receive a geographic premium, annual discretionary incentive and equity awards which are subject to the rules governing these programs. The company offers a full spectrum of benefits including Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account, Dependent Day Care Savings Account, Life Insurance, Disability and Other Insurance Plans, Paid Time Off (including Vacation and Parental Leave), Holidays, 401(k), and Short/Long Term Disability, in addition to other special perks reserved for our associates.