Apparel Materials Developer II

MILWAUKEE ELECTRIC TOOL CORP; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance

401(k) savings plan

Education assistance

On-site wellness and café services

Job summary

Milwaukee Tool is seeking a Materials Developer to shape the future of Jobsite Apparel by identifying and commercializing innovative textile solutions. You will work at the intersection of material science, design, sourcing, and manufacturing to translate product needs into durable materials for professional trades.

You will lead fabric and trim development, manage PLM data and testing, coordinate with suppliers and labs, and drive milestones from concept through production.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design or Textile Design or equivalent experience.
• Strong textile knowledge across fibers, yarns, fabrics, finishes and performance tech.
• Experience translating design briefs into material sourcing recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead seasonal sourcing and development of fabrics and trims from concept to approval.
• Develop new fabric concepts and technologies aligned to user needs and business priorities.
• Translate trade show insights and design briefs into material sourcing recommendations.
• Maintain material data in PLM including MOQs, lead times, color and pricing.
• Own fabric and trim testing standards and test plans for performance and compliance.
• Manage supplier, lab and in‑house testing, tracking and follow‑up.
• Analyze test results and escalate risks with mitigation plans.
• Track material development milestones and ensure timely approvals and communication.
• Coordinate daily supplier communication for lab dips, testing and strike‑offs.
• Lead raw material supplier relationships and meetings to ensure alignment.
• Plan and book raw materials for prototypes, SMS, and bulk production.
• Execute material orders supporting sourcing, development and marketing needs.

Skills

Textile knowledge

Development mindset

Cross-functional collaboration

Strong communication

Materials science

Education

Bachelor's degree in Apparel/Textile Design

Tools

PLM software

Job description

Job Description: At Milwaukee Tool, Jobsite Apparel is built for the demands of professional trades. Our team develops performance-driven apparel by combining user insight, material innovation, technical development, and rigorous validation to solve real problems on the jobsite.

Your Role on Our Team: We are looking for a Materials Developer who will help shape the future of Milwaukee Tool Jobsite Apparel by identifying, developing, testing, and commercializing innovative textile solutions across our apparel portfolio. This role will work at the intersection of material science, product design, technical development, sourcing, and manufacturing, translating product needs and jobsite challenges into materials that deliver measurable performance. The ideal candidate brings strong textile knowledge, curiosity, and a hands‑on development mindset. They will partner closely with Design, Technical Design, Product Management, Engineering, suppliers, mills, and testing laboratories to move materials from early exploration through validation and production. This is an opportunity to do more than source fabrics. You will help build Milwaukee Tool’s material capabilities, influence future product platforms, and create differentiated solutions designed specifically for the professional trades.

You’ll be DISRUPTIVE through these duties and responsibilities:

• Lead seasonal sourcing and development of all fabrics and trims, from concept through approval.
• Lead research and development of new fabric and trim concepts and technologies, proactively proposing solutions aligned to user needs, trends, and business priorities.
• Translate insights from trade shows, supplier visits, market research, and design briefs into clear material sourcing recommendations for cross‑functional partners.
• Maintain complete and accurate material data in product lifecycle management (PLM) software, including quality, pricing, color, minimum order quantities (MOQs), and lead times.
• Own fabric and trim testing standards and test plans, ensuring alignment with product performance and compliance requirements.
• Manage all supplier, third‑party, and in‑house laboratory testing, including submits, tracking, and follow‑up.
• Compile, analyze, and communicate test performance results, escalating risks and driving resolution.
• Manage material development milestones to meet the Design & Development calendar, ensuring timely approvals, documentation, and clear communication with suppliers and partners.
• Manage daily supplier communication and status tracking for lab dips, testing, and strike‑offs to keep development on schedule.
• Lead raw material supplier relationships, proactively scheduling and leading meetings to strengthen alignment, capability, and performance.
• Manage raw material planning and booking, including greige planning and material commitments for prototypes, SMS, and bulk production.
• Execute and communicate material orders for prototypes, testing, SMS, and bulk production, while supporting sourcing, vendor meetings, development, and marketing needs throughout the material lifecycle.
• Proactively identify manufacturing risks related to materials and trims and drive mitigation plans in partnership with suppliers and internal teams.

The TOOLS you’ll bring with you:

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Textile Design, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Ability to travel up to 25% Strong technical knowledge across textile development, including fibers, yarns, fabric construction, finishes, and performance technologies.
• Strong knowledge of industry testing standards.
• Experience with PLM software is preferred but not required.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and seasonal development cycles simultaneously.
• Strong commitment to our brand, professional users, and innovation.

We provide these great perks and benefits:

• Robust health, dental and vision insurance plans
• Generous 401 (K) savings plan
• Education assistance
• On‑site wellness, fitness center, food, and coffee service
• And many more, check out our benefits site HERE.

Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.

Milwaukee Tool, founded in 1924, is a global leader in delivering innovative solutions to the professional construction trades that increase productivity and safety.

Milwaukee® is known for their world‑leading M12™, M18™, and MX FUEL™ cordless systems, the ground‑breaking performance of their cordless innovations, safety solutions, battery‑powered outdoor power equipment, jobsite lighting and clean‑up, time‑saving accessories, and innovative hand tool and PACKOUT™ Modular Storage Products.

The company is dedicated to delivering a steady stream of advanced, trade‑specific solutions.

Milwaukee Tool is a Brookfield, Wisconsin‑based subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. (TTI) (HKEx stock code: 669, ADR symbol: TTNDY).

For more information on the full line of Milwaukee® products, please call 1-800-SAWDUST or visit Milwaukee Tool.