Fabric Development Manager

BGF Industries, Inc; Altavista (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

BGF Industries, Inc. seeks a Fabric Development Manager to lead the design, development, and optimization of woven and engineered fabrics for demanding industrial applications.

You will work across manufacturing, operations, sales, and engineering to bring new textile solutions to life. The role requires extensive textile product development experience and a strong background in weaving, yarn development, and fabric construction.

Qualifications

• Degree in Textile Technology, Textile Engineering, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Strong knowledge of weaving, yarn development, fabric construction and textile processes.
• Experience with textile product development and manufacturing systems.
• Experience with ERP and development systems such as M3, AS400, Barco or similar platforms.
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• 10+ years of textile manufacturing or fabric development experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop fabrics to meet customer and product performance requirements.
• Develop yarn constructions and specifications to support fabric performance objectives.
• Coordinate prototype development, sample trials, and pre-production activities.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize product performance and manufacturability.
• Enhance and improve existing textile products through innovation and technical expertise.
• Maintain accurate fabric, yarn, and product development records and databases.
• Provide guidance and training related to fabric formation and weaving technologies.
• Manage and maintain master data across M3, AS400, Barco, Excel, and related systems.
• Support customer development initiatives and technical problem-solving activities.
• Work closely with operations, marketing, engineering, and sales teams on development projects.

Skills

Weaving

Yarn development

Fabric construction

Textile processes

Product development

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Project management

Education

Degree in Textile Technology

Equivalent textile manufacturing experience

Tools

M3

AS400

Barco

Job description

Join BGF Industries and help shape the future of advanced textile innovation. We are seeking a highly motivated and technically skilled Fabric Development Manager to lead the development, enhancement, and optimization of innovative woven and engineered fabrics used in demanding industrial and specialty applications. This is an exciting opportunity to work cross-functionally with manufacturing, operations, sales, engineering, and customers to bring new textile solutions to life.

BGF Industries – Altavista, Virginia

Why Join BGF Industries?

• Work for a respected leader in technical textiles and advanced material solutions
• Collaborate with experienced textile professionals across multiple manufacturing facilities
• Be part of a company that values innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence
• Opportunity to influence product development from concept through commercialization
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
• Career growth opportunities within a stable and growing manufacturing organization

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop fabrics to meet customer and product performance requirements
• Develop yarn constructions and specifications to support fabric performance objectives
• Coordinate prototype development, sample trials, and pre-production activities
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize product performance and manufacturability
• Enhance and improve existing textile products through innovation and technical expertise
• Maintain accurate fabric, yarn, and product development records and databases
• Provide guidance and training related to fabric formation and weaving technologies
• Manage and maintain master data across M3, AS400, Barco, Excel, and related systems
• Support customer development initiatives and technical problem-solving activities
• Work closely with operations, marketing, engineering, and sales teams on development projects

Qualifications

• Degree in Textile Technology, Textile Engineering, or related field preferred
• Equivalent textile manufacturing and product development experience considered
• Strong knowledge of weaving, yarn development, fabric construction, and textile processes
• Experience with textile product development and manufacturing systems
• Experience with ERP and development systems such as M3, AS400, Barco, or similar platforms
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• 10+ years of textile manufacturing or fabric development experience preferred

Work Environment

This role operates in both office and manufacturing environments and may involve exposure to industrial textile production areas. Candidates should be comfortable working around manufacturing equipment and wearing required personal protective equipment.

About BGF Industries

BGF Industries is a leading manufacturer of technical textile materials and engineered fabric solutions serving industrial, aerospace, transportation, recreation, and specialty markets. With decades of manufacturing excellence and innovation, BGF continues to develop advanced materials that support critical applications around the world.

If you are passionate about textile innovation and product development, we encourage you to apply and become part of the BGF team.

BGF Industries is an Equal Opportunity Employer.