Yarn Product R&D – Developer
Yahoo
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Portland • Oregon, Texas • 🇺🇸 United States
Visit company websiteSalary
💰 $65,000 - $85,000 per year
Job Level
Mid-LevelSenior
Tech Stack
Yarn
About the role
- Lead the research, planning, and execution of new yarn development projects in alignment with brand goals and seasonal strategies.
- Identify and source appropriate fibers, blends, spinning techniques, and dye methods to create high-quality, innovative yarns.
- Work closely with the design and marketing teams to ensure yarn launches are aligned with pattern collections, color stories, and campaign timelines.
- Manage relationships with mills and fiber suppliers worldwide.
- Oversee sampling and lab dips, and ensure production meets quality, consistency, and sustainability standards.
- Coordinate approvals for base yarns, colors, and treatments, ensuring accuracy in final product specifications.
- Create and maintain technical product documentation including spec sheets, fiber content data, gauge ranges, and care instructions.
- Assist in testing colorfastness, performance (swatching), yardage accuracy, and washability.
- Ensure clear communication with internal teams and external vendors on yarn performance expectations and issues.
- Provide yarn education, talking points, and technical background to the marketing and customer service teams.
- Support go-to-market plans with materials for kits, pattern support, and retail partners.
- Stay informed on fiber and yarn trends, sustainability innovations, and industry best practices.
- Explore new spinning methods, dye techniques, and material sourcing opportunities aligned with brand values and maker needs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Knitwear Design, or related field
- 5+ years of experience in yarn or textile product development, sourcing, or production management.
- Deep knowledge of yarn construction, fiber properties, and dyeing processes (natural and synthetic).
- Hands-on familiarity with knitting and/or crochet.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities with domestic and international suppliers.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and spreadsheet management.
- Ability to manage timelines, troubleshoot production issues, and meet quality standards.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team.
- Experience in the hand-knit/craft yarn industry.
- Understanding of the maker community and product lifecycle from fiber to finished object.
Benefits
- Multiple medical, dental and vision plan options after 30 days **(with company contributions to the premium costs)**
- Healthcare Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts
- Company-paid Life, Short and Long-Term Disability, and worldwide travel assistance benefits
- Voluntary life and income replacement plans
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan **with Employer Match**
- Generous paid time off and holiday pay policies
- **Employee discounts at all Local Crafts companies!**
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard skills
yarn developmentfiber sourcingspinning techniquesdye methodscolorfastness testingperformance testingspec sheets creationfiber content analysisgauge range measurementwashability testing
Soft skills
project managementorganizational skillscommunication skillsrelationship-buildingindependent workteam collaborationtroubleshootingattention to detailcreativityadaptability
Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in TextilesBachelor’s degree in Knitwear Design