Sr. Material Innovation Engineer

Role: Sr Material Innovation Engineer  

Team: Materials R&D

Scope: Individual Contributor, P4

Years of Experience: 5-7+

Location: Ventura, CA, Hybrid  

General Summary:

Through research and partnership in materials science, fiber technology, textile engineering, and chemistry, the Materials Innovation team is charged with improving technical performance and reducing environmental impact of Patagonia products. As part of this team, the Material Innovation Engineer is responsible for the extensive research, identification, acquisition, and development of novel and sustainable chemistry and textile technologies for use in the Patagonia’s product lines. S/he must use academic and industry knowledge, supplier networks, publications, and research to develop applicable technologies that benefit Patagonia’s product lines through enhanced performance, sustainability, and intellectual property.  The Material Innovation Engineer must understand the competitive strategy and position of each product line to guide innovative materials solutions into each of Patagonia’s product categories.  This position is equal parts scientific researcher, consultant, and project manager pertaining to advanced innovation concepts.

What You’ll do:

• Develop and manage relationships with external innovation partners and stakeholders (Technology Partners and Vendors).
• Strategize and manage projects within external relationships to drive milestone execution.
• Working within the Materials Innovation Team through collaboration and iterative technology development to create relevant, innovative chemistry, textile and process solutions.
• Maintain contact and collaboration with internal stakeholders (Materials R&D, Designers, Business Unit Directors, Product Developers, Quality, Production, Social and Environmental Responsibility) to ensure innovation research has supply chain relevance and feasibility.
• Lead Scale up and supplier engagement
• Validate Manufacturability, cost, and quality
• Oversee pilot runs and troubleshoot issues
• Work to develop and commercialize a variety of new chemicals, formulations, and chemical products within product categories.
• Understand and implement forms of relevant legal documents/agreements (NDA, JDA, exclusivity).
• Work directly with 3rd party labs, supplier labs, and Patagonia Lab to test our innovation technologies to make sure they meet our company criteria and are fit for use.
• Maintain contact with Patagonia Field testing to get feedback on field needs and product performance.
• Liason with the Lab and Field testing to help ensure the lab data and field results correlate.
• Attend key trade shows and conferences to build a broad range of knowledge and network.

Who You Are:

• Environmentalist - Deeply passionate and committed to saving our home planet
• Methodical- Ability to gather appropriate input and make clear, well-reasoned decisions
• Team Player- Strong collaborative tendencies and team development skills
• Adaptable- Ability to remain flexible to change within the work environment and scope of responsibility
• Resilient - Able to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines.

Experience You Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Textile Chemistry, Polymer Science or Materials Science. Advanced degrees preferred.
• 5+ years in chemistry development or polymer science industry. 
• Experience in outdoor and/or sports equipment development.
• Experience working with textiles, apparel, softgoods and hardgoods a plus. 
• Extreme attention to detail required and a proven ability to establish and maintain schedules and deadlines.
• Working knowledge of personal computers with demonstrated experience in the use of such programs as: Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, Quark, Word, Excel, Outlook and Web PDM.
• Strong collaborative tendencies and team development skills.
• Ability to gather appropriate input and make clear, well-reasoned decisions.
• Comfortable with team-based work structure; ability to remain flexible to change within the work environment and scope of responsibility.

Hiring Range: $119,000-$140,000 USD Annual

At Patagonia, pay ranges are assigned to a job based on the location specific market median of similar jobs according to 3rd party salary benchmark surveys. Individual pay within that range can vary for several reasons including skills/capabilities, experience, and available budget. Note the full pay range for this role ranges from: $119,440.00 - $179,160.00 USD Annual. The Hiring Range reflects where in the range we intend to hire for this role. 

Benefits

Patagonia offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement and leave of absence plans. Benefit plans may vary slightly depending on the nature of your employment. 

Workplace Location Overview

• This position is Hybrid, with a standard schedule of Tuesday - Thursday on-site and remote work on other days. Occasional additional office visits may be required for team events or critical meetings.

Employee ConductIt is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, customers and vendors.