Apparel Test Engineer

REI; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 74,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

REI Co-op is seeking a Test Engineer to ensure products perform as intended, delivering exceptional experiences for customers. You will lead testing for apparel and softgoods, work with external labs, and develop new test methods while maintaining lab operations.

The role requires a 4-year engineering degree and 3+ years' experience, with strong knowledge of testing practices and materials properties. Collaboration across teams and ongoing learning are essential in this position.

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years in a similar position.
• Strong knowledge of testing practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Product knowledge of apparel, tents, packs, bags and other sewn products.
• Materials knowledge and properties.

Responsibilities

• Determine appropriate testing for apparel and softgoods; research, design and execute formal test plans.
• Establish test requirements for acceptable performance of materials, sub-assemblies, and whole products.
• Direct the efforts of outside testing labs to ensure adherence to industry and internal standards.
• Design and iterate sketches, drawings, specifications, models and prototypes to develop new test methods.
• Organize, update, and share internal procedures and standard test methods.
• Maintain the lab, including equipment calibration and maintenance.
• Read trade journals and attend meetings/trade shows to stay informed.

Skills

Problem solving

Technical aptitude

Effective communication

Innovation mindset

Data analysis

Education

Bachelors in Engineering or related field

Tools

ThermDAC

Instron

LabVIEW

Job description

Overview

REI Co-op is united around discovering, building and celebrating better ways of working in this world, all so that folks can find and pursue a love of the outdoors. As a Test Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring products perform as intended to deliver exceptional experiences for our customers. When you work for the co-op, you do your best work with the support to live your best life. And you play a part in shaping the future of the outdoors, for people and our planet.

Responsibilities And Qualifications

• Determine appropriate testing for apparel and softgoods; research, design and execute formal test plans
• In partnership with the Test Engineering team, establish test requirements for acceptable performance of materials, sub-assemblies, and whole products
• Direct the efforts of outside testing labs to ensure adherence to industry and internal standards
• Design and iterate sketches, drawings, specifications, models and working prototypes to develop new test methods in the absence of standardized test methods
• Organize, update, and share internal procedures and standard test methods
• Maintain the lab, including ensuring timely equipment calibration and maintenance
• Keep informed of the latest developments in the field by reading trade journals, communicating with industry peers, and attending appropriate meetings and/or trade shows

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in Engineering or related field
• 3+ years in a similar position
• Strong knowledge of relevant testing practices, procedures, and equipment
• Product Knowledge - Understanding of construction and quality of apparel, tents, packs, bags and other sewn products in general
• Materials Knowledge - Familiar with relevant materials and their respective properties
• Problem Solving - Effectively analyzing all aspects of a problem, gathering necessary data, consulting others, making an informed decision and communicating it to the appropriate people
• Technical Aptitude - Ability to perform professional testing assignments of wide variety and complexity
• Fostering Innovation - looking beyond the norm to develop new practices and embrace necessary change
• Effective Communication - analyze and interpret test data, provide clear communication to internal and external customers
• Experience and knowledge of testing and data acquisition software (such as ThermDAC, Instron, LabView, etc.) preferred
• Test Fabrication - Experience operating fabrication shop equipment preferred

Closing

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity - that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.

Pay Transparency

As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off.

Pay Range

$74,400.00 - $119,100.00 per year