Color Architect for Iconic Athletic Gear

Aquent; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent collaborates with a global leader in athletic apparel to seek a Color Developer who will guide color strategy, manage lab dips, and ensure color accuracy across products. You’ll work with design, product development, and engineering teams to align color direction with brand vision and technical feasibility.

The role emphasizes precision, timeline discipline, and strong communication as you influence color decisions for iconic apparel and gear across multiple lines.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience in color, textile, or product development.
• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel, Textiles, or a related field, OR 2 additional years of relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• Strong foundational knowledge of textiles and various dye methods.
• A clear understanding of digital color measurement techniques for reviewing and approving lab dips.
• Proficiency with PLM systems, color management software (e.g., Natific), digital color review tools (e.g., Spectro), and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including effective meeting facilitation and presentation abilities.
• Proven ability to thrive under pressure and consistently meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build positive working relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and global partners.
• A self-starter attitude combined with strong organizational and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to successfully pass the Munsell Hue color test, demonstrating visual color acuity.

Responsibilities

• Analyze color developments with precision, ensuring optimal execution and on-time approvals for commercialization.
• Collaborate closely with design, product development, and engineering teams to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks in color development, fostering innovation.
• Facilitate and meticulously track lab dips for seasonal initiatives, promptly addressing key issues and challenges to maintain project momentum.
• Leverage your deep color knowledge to execute seasonal color direction, ensuring perfect alignment with creative vision and technical feasibility.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with cross-functional partners, establishing yourself as a go-to expert and trusted advisor in color development.
• Contribute significantly to the successful delivery of products across a wide range of categories, from high-performance apparel to lifestyle collections, shaping the visual identity of future products.

Skills

Color development

Textile knowledge

Product development

Lab dip coordination

Color measurement techniques

Communication skills

Munsell Hue test

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Apparel/Textiles

2+ years of relevant experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Natific (color management)

Spectro (digital color review)

Excel

Word

PLM systems

Job description

Aquent collaborates with a global leader in athletic apparel to seek a Color Developer who will guide color strategy, manage lab dips, and ensure color accuracy across products. You’ll work with design, product development, and engineering teams to align color direction with brand vision and technical feasibility.

The role emphasizes precision, timeline discipline, and strong communication as you influence color decisions for iconic apparel and gear across multiple lines.