Lead Innovation Materials Designer

SportAtlas; Ventura (CA); Hybrid; USD 149,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Comprehensive benefits

Job summary

Patagonia seeks a Lead Innovation Materials Designer in Ventura, CA to drive the development of sustainable, high-performance materials. You will lead projects across soft and hard goods, collaborating with internal teams and external partners to translate cutting‑edge research into scalable solutions.

You will evaluate emerging technologies, manage partnerships, and guide testing/validation to shape long-term materials strategy and drive breakthrough material concepts.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree required in a relevant discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in material research and development, preferably in apparel/outdoor industries.
• Strong knowledge of performance materials and environmentally responsible processes.
• Familiarity with garment/equipment construction and production processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead research, development, testing, and validation of innovative performance materials.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate new materials into products.
• Identify and evaluate emerging fiber, textile, and material construction technologies.
• Lead prototyping and iterative testing using performance data and feedback.
• Scout new vendors, materials, and technologies; present insights to stakeholders.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry material technologies and fabrication techniques.
• Generate meaningful intellectual property.

Skills

Environmental stewardship

Innovative thinker

Cross-functional collaboration

Leadership

Education

Advanced degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Materials Engineering

Job description

Role: Lead Innovation Materials Designer

Team: Advanced Concept Design Scope: Individual Contributor (P5) Experience: 10+ years Location: Ventura, CA - Hybrid

At Patagonia, our purpose is clear: We’re in business to save our home planet. Product sits at the heart of that mission- and how we innovate is just as important as what we create. As performance expectations evolve and new challenges emerge, we are called to think radically, act boldly, and push beyond incremental improvement to imagine entirely new possibilities.

This role challenges conventional thinking and drives the identification, research, design, and development of innovative materials across Patagonia’s product ecosystem.

As the Lead Innovation Materials Designer, you will lead the creation of sustainable, high-performance materials and ensure their seamless integration into product lines. Working closely with Materials Development, Design, Product Impact, Advanced Concepts, and Commercial Production teams, you will translate cutting-edge research into scalable material solutions. Projects will span both soft goods and hard goods, leveraging deep academic knowledge, industry experience, and hands‑on experimentation.

You will identify and evaluate emerging material technologies, manage partnerships with research institutions, startups, and suppliers, and oversee rigorous testing and validation processes. By presenting findings and strategic insights to senior leadership, you will help shape Patagonia’s long‑term materials innovation strategy.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the research, development, testing, and validation of innovative performance materials aligned with Patagonia’s quality and sustainability standards.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Materials Development, Design, Advanced Concepts, Production, and Product Impact teams to integrate new materials into products.
• Identify and evaluate emerging fiber, textile, and material construction technologies relevant to core sports and business platforms.
• Contribute to the innovation pipeline-from early ideation through implementation-ensuring a continuous flow of breakthrough materials.
• Lead prototyping and iterative testing, refining material concepts using performance data and stakeholder feedback.
• Explore new and adjacent market segments beyond existing category boundaries.
• Proactively identify challenges and propose new solutions using Patagonia’s design methodology.
• Partner with elite brand ambassadors and athletes on activity-specific material innovation projects.
• Provide and receive material feedback with a strategic mindset, prioritizing community needs and business objectives.
• Build strong partnerships with inline Materials Developers and Designers to align on concept initiatives.
• Scout new vendors, materials, and technologies, presenting insights and recommendations to key stakeholders.
• Maintain current knowledge of industry material technologies, research literature, and fabrication techniques through ongoing education and hands‑on work.
• Apply a science-based approach to develop novel and differentiated material solutions.
• Generate meaningful intellectual property.

Who You Are

• Environmental Steward – Deeply committed to protecting our planet through responsible and innovative material design.
• Highly Experienced – Demonstrated success bringing innovative materials from concept to market.
• Innovative Thinker – Strong collaborator with a proven ability to solve complex problems creatively.
• Resilient & Self-Directed – Effectively manages multiple priorities and delivers results in fast-moving environments.
• Adaptable – Flexible and open to pivoting in response to evolving business needs while honoring design intent.
• Detail-Oriented Communicator – Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including clear and compelling presentations.
• Self-Aware & Inclusive – Reflective and receptive to diverse perspectives; adjusts behaviors to support an inclusive workplace.

Experience You Bring

• 10+ years of experience in material research and development, preferably within the apparel or outdoor industry.
• Advanced degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, or Materials Engineering
• Deep knowledge of performance materials and environmentally responsible manufacturing processes.
• Strong understanding of product performance requirements and the ability to create solutions that establish new performance paradigms.
• Familiarity with Patagonia fabrication tools and processes, including sewing, adhesive lamination, RF welding, 3D printing, laser cutting, and seam taping.
• Knowledge of garment, equipment, and accessory construction.
• Strong understanding of production processes and technical manufacturing equipment.
• Familiarity with factory assembly processes, procedures, and environments.
• Experience collaborating with high-level athletes on activity-specific development projects.
• Comfortable working in a team-based environment with evolving responsibilities and priorities.
• Confident communicating across the organization, including for education and marketing purposes.
• Current with new innovations, technologies, and processes in fiber, yarn, finish, print, fabric and trims

Hiring range: $148,500-165,000 USD Annual

At Patagonia, pay ranges are assigned to a job based on the location specific market median of similar jobs according to 3rd party salary benchmark surveys. Individual pay within that range can vary for several reasons including skills/capabilities, experience, and available budget.

Benefits

Patagonia offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement and leave of absence plans. Benefit plans may vary slightly depending on the nature of your employment.

Workplace Location Overview

This position is Hybrid, with a standard schedule of Tuesday - Thursday on-site and remote work on other days. Occasional additional office visits may be required for team events or critical meetings.

Employee Conduct

It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, customers and vendors.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.