Apparel Test Engineer: Innovate & Validate Gear

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

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.