We are seeking an entry-level Fabric Research & Development Assistant to support the Fabric/Textile team across our women’s wholesale ready-to-wear business. This is an excellent opportunity for a highly organized, detail-oriented candidate looking to build a career in fabric research, textile development and sourcing.
The Fabric R&D Assistant will work closely with Design, Production, Textile and external mill partners to support fabric development from initial research and sampling through pre-production.
Responsibilities
- Support the Fabric/Textile team with seasonal fabric research and development.
- Partner with Design to understand seasonal fabric direction and development needs.
- Communicate with domestic and overseas mills regarding fabric developments, pricing, minimums, widths, content and availability.
- Request and maintain Fabric Data Sheets (FDS) for all sampled and developed qualities.
- Request swatches, headers, sample yardage and sub-proto yardage from mills and local suppliers.
- Assist with counter sourcing and identifying alternative fabric options as needed.
- Maintain accurate records of fabric developments from initial submission through pre-production.
- Track fabric submissions, approvals, sample yardage and development status.
- Assist with ordering and tracking sample yardage for market and seasonal development.
- Receive, organize, label and distribute incoming fabric samples and yardage.
- Cut and prepare fabric swatches and reference samples for Design boards, internal libraries and development records.
- Assist designers with pulling fabric and yardage for sample cutting.
- Maintain seasonal fabric binders, swatch libraries and digital development records.
- Organize fabric selections by mill, category, season and division.
- Maintain an organized sample yardage and fabric storage area.
- Save and maintain fabric documentation within company shared drives and systems.
- Provide daily follow-up with mills and internal teams regarding outstanding fabric developments.
- Support additional fabric, textile and product development projects as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Associate degree in Textile Development, Fashion Merchandising, Fashion Design, Product Development or related field preferred.
- Internship, academic or entry-level experience within textiles, fabric development, sourcing, apparel production or product development preferred.
- Basic understanding of woven and knit fabrics, fabric construction and textile terminology.
- Strong interest in women’s ready-to-wear and the apparel development process.
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong follow-up skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Comfortable communicating with mills, vendors and cross-functional internal teams.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Experience with PLM systems and/or Adobe Photoshop is a plus.
- Strong aesthetic sense and an interest in fabric, color, print and seasonal fashion trends.
- Must be proactive, dependable and comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
This is an hourly, non-exempt position, with compensation up to approximately $62,000 annualized, depending on experience and qualifications.
We are an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.