Associate Staff Engineer, Product Development
BD
Senior Materials Developer
Cotopaxi
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Salt Lake City • Utah • 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteSalary
💰 $85,000 - $95,000 per year
Job Level
Senior
Tech Stack
SaltStack
About the role
- Lead and manage the end-to-end materials development process across apparel and accessories categories.
- Collaborate closely with the Design team to ensure material selections align with aesthetic vision, quality standards, cost targets, and lead-time requirements.
- Deliver a fully commercialized line of materials and trims in alignment with the seasonal product development calendar.
- Build and maintain the fabric library, materials database, and global supplier matrix to support long-term innovation and speed-to-market initiatives.
- Develop and maintain a core toolbox of key materials to support fabric platforming, maximize efficiency, and improve margin across categories.
- Evaluate material trends, sustainability innovations, and new technologies; recommend opportunities that align with brand and business goals.
- Lead supplier negotiations on cost, lead times, and minimums to ensure business objectives are met.
- Partner with Quality Assurance and Compliance to uphold material performance and brand standards across all developments.
- Own material ordering for prototypes and wear test samples; collaborate with Product teams to apply wear test results to material decision-making.
- Manage the lab dip process from supplier communication to final approval; ensure timely coordination with the Color Design team.
- Support Planning by assisting with Sales Sample material orders when needed.
- Build strong, collaborative relationships with cross-functional partners to ensure a cohesive and efficient development process.
- Develop and maintain strong global partnerships with existing material suppliers while actively sourcing new vendors as needed.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Apparel Development, or Design, or equivalent experience.
- 7–10 years of experience in materials development, ideally within the outdoor or lifestyle apparel industry.
- Comprehensive knowledge of material testing standards and the ability to define and implement testing processes.
- Established network of go-to material suppliers relevant to the outdoor apparel space.
- Strong knowledge and passion for sustainable materials and responsible sourcing practices.
- High passing score on the Farnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test (color accuracy).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, and Photoshop.
- Experience working in PLM systems; Centric PLM preferred.
- Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects, meet strict timelines, and work under pressure.
- Comfortable working independently and navigating ambiguity to drive timely decisions and resolutions.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills across all levels of the organization and with global vendors.
- Open to feedback and capable of integrating input from team members, partners, consumers, and field testers.
- Ability to work onsite at Cotopaxi’s Salt Lake City HQ at least three days per week as part of a hybrid schedule.
- Willingness to travel domestically and internationally to visit suppliers and partners as needed.
Benefits
- Medical, dental and vision benefits with HSA, FSA, and DCSA options.
- Company paid basic life insurance with the option to purchase additional coverage.
- Voluntary short-term and long-term disability coverage.
- Voluntary accident and critical illness insurance.
- Company paid employee assistance program.
- Company paid mental health benefits.
- Company paid volunteer time.
- 401(k) plan with employer match.
- Unlimited responsible PTO.
- Two company-wide days off to recharge, reconnect, and embrace what inspires you.
- Enjoy deep product discounts with 60% off Cotopaxi gear—perfect for living out your next adventure in style.
- Gear up for the outdoors with exclusive discounts from partner outdoor and lifestyle brands.
- Grow personally and professionally through thoughtfully curated learning and development opportunities.
- Stay connected and celebrate often with regular in-person and virtual events that bring our team together, no matter where you work.
- Be part of a vibrant, values-driven culture that champions people, innovation, and adventure in everything we do.
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
materials developmentmaterial testing standardssustainable materialsresponsible sourcing practicesfabric platformingsupplier negotiationslab dip process managementwear test decision-makingproject managementcolor accuracy
Soft skills
collaborationorganizationindependencecommunicationfeedback integrationrelationship buildingproblem-solvingtime managementadaptabilitydecision-making
Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in TextilesBachelor’s degree in Apparel DevelopmentBachelor’s degree in DesignFarnsworth-Munsell 100 Hue Test
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