Textile Engineer

Hunter Douglas is the world’s leading manufacturer of window coverings and a major manufacturer of architectural products. We are a brand that you know and trust. With more than 100 years of innovation, we’ve defined our industry with proprietary products that deliver revolutionary style and functionality and can be found in millions of homes and commercial buildings globally.

We are searching for candidates that are driven, intelligent, creative, and entrepreneurial. By offering challenging and accelerated opportunities for growth, powered by a shared hunger for success, we create a space for your career to thrive. In return for your expertise, we are committed to providing competitive and robust total compensation and benefit packages to ensure you feel valued. Our dream is to become the fastest growing, most loved, window covering company in the world. What’s yours?

Position Overview

Responsible for the development of fabric properties and the engineering of fabrics and fabric processes to meet the specifications suitable for production purposes of new fabrics and improve efficiencies of sustaining fabrics. Conducts and/or directs the laboratory testing to identify those fabrics that meet the specifications for new product development and line extensions. Researches fabric properties suitable for production purposes by the coordination of laboratory analysis. Analyzes and interprets laboratory findings and evaluates fabrics. Works closely with suppliers to engineer new fabrics as well as trouble shoot problems encountered during the testing and development process.

What you'll do

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. (These examples do not include all of the functions, which the employee may be expected to perform.)

• Monitors the process performance and yields of fabric currently being used in the production of window fashions. Communicates on a regular basis with fabric suppliers to insure that fabrics being purchased meet all company established standards and specifications necessary for production purposes.

• Assists representatives of other departments such as, Engineering, Marketing, Purchasing in sourcing fabric suppliers due to line extensions, and new product development. Develops specifications for performance testing of fabrics to be conducted by R&D Technicians or independent laboratories. Evaluates and reviews laboratory results. Presents evaluations to representatives of other departments such as, Marketing and Production to assist in the determination as to whether the fabric may be used.

• Supervises the work performed by R&D Technicians and provides direction and guidance during the testing process.

• Develops written specifications and recommendations for fabric usage from suppliers based upon analysis of laboratory tests that have been conducted. Fabric specifications are based upon their physical properties as defined by ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) and AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists). Evaluates fabric results for flammability, toxicity, gas emissions color accuracy, bending, flexing, stretching, fatigue, thermal product performance, resistance, lightfastness, durability, yield ratio and suitability for production purposes

• Analyzes and evaluates the physical and chemical laboratory findings on all fabrics as to adaptability to the actual production processes such as slitting, laminating, finishing and printing. Conducts production trial tests to determine whether fabric meets product specifications. Documents each phase of the testing and product fabric development process for ISO purposes.

• Assists representatives of the Marketing and Textile and Material design departments in establishing fabric product specifications based upon product design and makes final fabric selections for new collections.

• Works with fabric suppliers to improve and/or identify new fabrics non-aesthetic functional performance. Communicates with suppliers to trouble shoot fabric problems as defined during the testing and development process. Discusses capabilities and limitations of fabric production, production lead times, dye lot minimums and standards of quality in fabric production. Interacts with suppliers to insure standards of quality in their production of fabrics. Works with internal buyers in sourcing potential new suppliers to meet supply needs, to improve product performance, or to support new product development fabric needs.

• Estimates costs involved with tooling changes or additions made to production equipment or work processes due to the introduction of new fabrics or line extensions. Lends technical design assistance to representatives of the Engineering department on modifications to be made to production equipment or processes.

• Trouble shoots existing performance problems of fabrics with Production representatives and Equipment Operators. Works with representatives of Production, Engineering, Purchasing and fabric suppliers to investigate and identify the cause/effect of fabric related production problems.

• Attends and participates in daily production meetings with representatives from the Production Team and Engineering to discuss and receive feedback on problems encountered with fabrics, production equipment, and work processes. Works with equipment operators to trouble shoot and resolve fabric and production equipment problems.

• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.

• Position requires regular and predictable attendance.

• Employees are held accountable for all duties of this job.

Who you are

An employee in this position, upon appointment, should have the equivalent of the following:

• Solid knowledge of fabric, including wovens, knits, and nonwovens and the effect that production processes may have on the physical properties of the fabric.

• Solid knowledge of the production and manufacture of textiles.

• Solid knowledge of production equipment capabilities and production processes to produce window fashions.

• Solid knowledge of the principles of chemistry to analyze and interpret statistical data obtained from laboratory tests to determine color fastness, glue strengths, flammability, toxicity and gas emissions.

• Solid knowledge of the principles of project management to assign time lines to meet project objectives.

• Solid knowledge of the principles of research and development methodology.

• Solid knowledge of analysis report writing and research and development documentation.

• Solid knowledge of working with the import and export industry. In addition, to cultural diplomacy in conducting business internationally.

• Solid knowledge of computer use and software such as, Word, Excel and KAIZEN.

• Skill in developing and maintaining effective work relationships with representative of other departments and suppliers.

• Ability to analyze statistical information in evaluating cause and effect relationships of fabrics and production processes.

• Ability to organize and retain all documents associated with fabric development.

• Ability to establish time lines when working with suppliers, importers and exporters and being able to adapt and remain flexible when extensions and delays occur.

• Ability to supervise, coach and guide the laboratory work performed by R&D Technicians.

What's in it for you

• Annual base salary range: $75,000 - $85,000

• Bonus target range: 10%

• Generous benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability

• A company culture that prioritizes internal development and professional growth

• Time off with pay

• 401(k) plan with a degree of employer matching

• Paid parental leave

• Wellness programs and product discounts

Please note, all offers presented to candidates are carefully crafted to ensure market competitiveness, equity, and reflect the individual candidate’s education, experience, skills and potential.

Hunter Douglas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with applicable employment laws. EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled are encouraged to apply.

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