Research & Development Executive - Fabric & Surface Development (Apparel)

Nicobar Design Pvt. Ltd.; Delhi; Vor Ort; INR 900.000 - 1.300.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Nicobar invites a curious and technically sharp R&D Executive – Fabric & Surface Development to join our Product Development team. You will research, source, and develop fabrics and surface techniques (embroidery, print, dyeing) in collaboration with weavers, artisans, mills, and the design team.

You will lead fabric development for heritage textiles, ensure quality, coordinate with mills, document trials, and stay ahead of global textile trends; experience in Indian textiles and craft is

Qualifikationen

• Graduate or postgraduate in Textile Technology, Fashion Technology, or a related field (NIFT, Pearl, etc.).
• 4–7 years of professional experience in fabric development, R&D, or sourcing in apparel/textile.
• Strong knowledge of woven and printed textiles, including fabric construction, dyeing, printing, and embroidery techniques.
• Good understanding of regional craft clusters and artisan techniques.
• A technical eye for detail: GSM, weave, count, shrinkage, fastness, and more.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Good communication and coordination skills, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with design and sourcing teams.
• Proficiency in MS Excel; knowledge of PLM tools and Adobe Illustrator is preferred.
• Experience with craft-based fabrics and sustainable textiles is a plus. Exposure to export houses, retail brands, or premium domestic brands is an advantage.

Aufgaben

• Fabric & Yarn Development: Source and develop new-age and heritage textiles such as Jamdani, tie-dye, Kala cotton, Khadi, handlooms, and yarn-dyed fabrics. Co-develop fabrics with weavers, artisans, and mills to meet the design brief, while exploring eco-friendly, sustainable, and regional techniques.
• Printing & Dyeing Development: Coordinate with mills and dye houses to develop solid-dyed and printed fabrics with a “Right First Time” approach. Finalise artwork, base fabric, and colour matching with accuracy, and guide strike-offs and lab dips while tracking approvals efficiently.
• Embroidery & Surface Techniques: Research and experiment with hand and machine embroidery and other surface embellishment methods. Evaluate techniques for scalability, cost-effectiveness, and production viability, and prototype new surfaces with vendors and the design team.
• Design Team Coordination: Act as the technical bridge between the design and sourcing teams, translating creative ideas into feasible textile solutions. Participate in design development meetings, suggest practical alternatives, and share swatch options with technical specifications.
• Mill & Vendor Interaction: Ensure fabric quality, shrinkage, GSM, weaving specifications, and finishes meet requirements. Conduct regular mill visits for development and production tracking, and resolve issues at the dyeing, weaving, or printing stages through technical problem-solving.
• Documentation & Research: Maintain detailed R&D records of fabrics, prints, embroidery trials, and strike-off performance. Stay updated with global textile trends, sustainable materials, and emerging technologies.

Kenntnisse

Fabric development

R&D

Sourcing

Vendor management

Communication

Ausbildung

Graduate or Postgraduate in Textile Technology or Fashion Technology

Tools

MS Excel

PLM tools

Adobe Illustrator

Jobbeschreibung

Department: Product Development / Sourcing / Design

Reports To: Head – Product Development / Sourcing Manager

Step Into the World of Nicobar

Founded in 2016 by Simran Lal and Raul Rai, Nicobar is a modern, mindful, design-led lifestyle brand from India.

“We wanted to create a new Indian sensibility that wasn’t necessarily Westernised.”

We’re reimagining a contemporary Indian way of living, dressing, and looking at the world—rooted in culture, shaped by design, and guided by intention. At Nicobar, we believe in culture as much as commerce, and that how we build is just as important as what we build.

Our studio is tucked away in Tulsi Farms, Chhatarpur, Delhi. Nestled among trees, seasonal gardens, a citrus grove, and our beloved dogs Nico & Dot, we call it “the Treehouse.” It earned its name when our architect reworked the blueprint to protect every single tree on the land. It’s a space where creativity brims and energy flows.

If you’re drawn to thoughtful design, a youthful and nourishing team culture, and the chance to grow a brand with heart—we’d love to hear from you.

Follow our journey: Instagram | LinkedIn | Nicobar.com | Watch our Co-founders, Raul & Simran talking about Nicobar

Your role in the story

We are looking for a curious and technically sharp R&D Executive – Fabric & Surface Development to join our Product Development team. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of Indian textiles and craft, and will be responsible for researching, sourcing, and developing unique fabrics and surface techniques (embroidery, print, dyeing) that bring Nicobar’s design vision to life, working closely with weavers, artisans, mills, and our design team.

Key Responsibilities

• Fabric & Yarn Development: Source and develop new-age and heritage textiles such as Jamdani, tie-dye, Kala cotton, Khadi, handlooms, and yarn-dyed fabrics. Co-develop fabrics with weavers, artisans, and mills to meet the design brief, while exploring eco-friendly, sustainable, and regional techniques.
• Printing & Dyeing Development: Coordinate with mills and dye houses to develop solid-dyed and printed fabrics with a “Right First Time” approach. Finalise artwork, base fabric, and colour matching with accuracy, and guide strike-offs and lab dips while tracking approvals efficiently.
• Embroidery & Surface Techniques: Research and experiment with hand and machine embroidery and other surface embellishment methods. Evaluate techniques for scalability, cost-effectiveness, and production viability, and prototype new surfaces with vendors and the design team.
• Design Team Coordination: Act as the technical bridge between the design and sourcing teams, translating creative ideas into feasible textile solutions. Participate in design development meetings, suggest practical alternatives, and share swatch options with technical specifications.
• Mill & Vendor Interaction: Ensure fabric quality, shrinkage, GSM, weaving specifications, and finishes meet requirements. Conduct regular mill visits for development and production tracking, and resolve issues at the dyeing, weaving, or printing stages through technical problem-solving.
• Documentation & Research: Maintain detailed R&D records of fabrics, prints, embroidery trials, and strike-off performance. Stay updated with global textile trends, sustainable materials, and emerging technologies.

Qualifications & Skills

• Graduate or postgraduate in Textile Technology, Fashion Technology, or a related field (NIFT, Pearl, etc.).
• 4–7 years of professional experience in fabric development, R&D, or sourcing in the apparel or textile industry.
• Strong knowledge of woven and printed textiles, including fabric construction, dyeing, printing, and embroidery techniques.
• Good understanding of regional craft clusters and artisan techniques.
• A technical eye for detail: GSM, weave, count, shrinkage, fastness, and more.
• Strong vendor management and negotiation skills.
• Good communication and coordination skills, with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with design and sourcing teams.
• Proficiency in MS Excel; knowledge of PLM tools and Adobe Illustrator is preferred.
• Experience with craft-based fabrics and sustainable textiles is a plus. Exposure to export houses, retail brands, or premium domestic brands is an advantage.