Sr. Fabric R&D Associate

Job Description

Fabletics is looking for a Sr. R&D Associate.

How do you fit in? 

As the Sr. R&D Associate you would be responsible for managing fabric and print development, innovation, and processes globally. This role ensures that bulk materials meet our brands standards and cost targets and works with production to ensure on time delivery of bulk production. In addition, the Sr. R&D Associate will work cross-functionally with the Designers, Production, Merchandising and Product Development teams in meeting aesthetic, timing, cost and testing parameters related to all materials. This role is critical in ensuring that raw material suppliers meet our high-quality standards and deliver on time, while enabling our accelerated supply chain strategy.

The Sr. R&D Associate will report to Sr. Director Fabric Development, Innovation, & Sourcing.

What you will do: 

Material Development & Innovation

• Lead fabric and print developments, working directly with vendors to execute the right quality at the right cost. Negotiate cost and lead time for materials.
• Translate product needs to vendors, ensuring we create the best quality and aesthetics.
• Engineer fabric and print developments to optimize cost – partner with internal and external teams to drive the best outcome.
• Partner with vendors to manage material development from idea through production, while navigating production quality and timeline challenges.
•  Use your expertise to identify and mitigate potential quality risks.
• Identify material trends and emerging technologies and link them to business opportunities.
• Explore and identify emerging technologies, materials, and trends.

Project & Process Management

• Manage and prioritize multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Adapt to changing project requirements and challenges.
• Maintain dashboards and reports to monitor progress and communicate findings.
• Communicate complex findings to senior management and stakeholders.
• Responsible for end-to-end projects or processes as a key contributor to team milestones, high level of independence and resourcefulness.
• As a Senior Individual Contributor, lead projects and processes through effective collaboration with cross functional teams.
   

What you can bring: 

• Advanced knowledge of textile development through education or related experience
• 3-5 years of experience developing materials with an in-depth understanding of knits, wovens, yarns, dyes, finishes, and printing techniques.
• A strong ability to translate lab and wear test results to customer experience and use fabric expertise to problem solve issues as they arise.
• Process creation and project management expertise.
• Color acuity
• Strong communication and influence skills with immediate team members and external partners.
• 3-5 years of experience with cross functional collaboration, trend analysis abilities, problem solving skills, learning mindset and ability to coach and review work of more Jr. team members.

Compensation & Total Rewards: 

At Fabletics, we believe work and life should fit together! We continue to build a culture of flexibility, to empower you to do your best and put yourself first. Our Total Rewards program rewards employees for their hard work, supporting their health, well-being, families, and ultimately their life journey. Total Rewards at Fabletics includes:  

-Hybrid Work Schedule*   

-Discretionary Paid Time Off*   

-Summer Fridays*   

-Healthcare Plans   

-Employee Discounts   

-401k   

-Annual Bonus Program   

-Equity Program*   

-And More   

*Varied for retail and fulfillment roles  

Where we are:

• This role will be based at our HQ in El Segundo, CA, 3 days per week.

The annual base salary range for this position is from $75,000-$90,000. The range provided includes the base salary that Fabletics expects to pay for the role. Offered base salary will be dependent on factors including the scope and complexity of the role, candidate’