Lead Innovation Materials Designer Hybrid

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

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.