Senior Development Engineer - Innovation Center

Burlington Industries; Dunean (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Elevate Textiles, Inc. is seeking a Senior Development Engineer for the Innovation Center in Greenville, SC, to support Burlington and Safety Component brands.

You will lead development programs, evaluate new fibers and finishes, and translate lab discoveries into manufacturing solutions. The role requires 5+ years in textile R&D, strong analytical and leadership skills, and the ability to manage lab operations and accreditation activities, with 10–20% travel.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Textile Engineering, Textile Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or closely related field.
• 5+ years of experience in textile R&D, lab management, or similar manufacturing role.
• Ability to independently define and execute technical investigations and translate results into practical recommendations.
• Hands-on lab experience with data quality, interpretation and equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience with natural and synthetic fiber and yarn manufacturing processes (spinning, texturizing, twisting, weaving).
• Strong writing, communication and project-management skills, with safety and scientific integrity.
• Travel approx. 10–20% for plant trials and technical work.

Responsibilities

• Own development projects from experimental design through data analysis and actionable recommendations.
• Develop, validate, transfer, and troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation.
• Launch lab operations by equipment installation, qualification and method transfer.
• Lead readiness for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation and related activities.
• Plan and support manufacturing trials involving dyeing, finishing, and wet processing.
• Provide day-to-day technical leadership and mentor laboratory staff.
• Scout new materials, processes, and testing technologies with partners.
• Communicate findings clearly to manufacturing, product development, and customers.

Skills

Experimental reasoning

Technical writing

Communication

Project management

Education

MS or PhD in Textile/chemistry/related field

Tools

GC-MS

Ion chromatography

FTIR

Thermal analysis

Analytical instrumentation

Job description

Elevate Textiles, Inc. is a global, diversified textile manufacturer and leading supplier of industrial, consumer, and technical threads and woven fabrics. Elevate focuses on manufacturing essential components used across various end-use markets-including cut-and-sew operations, the automotive and aviation industries, bedding manufacturers, global branded apparel companies, distributors, and more. The company operates a portfolio of premium textile brands including American & Efird (A&E), Burlington, Cone, Gutermann, and Safety Components.

The company is looking for Senior Development Engineer to work as part of its Innovation Center in Greenville, SC supporting the Burlington and Safety Component brands.

Turn technical challenges into next-generation textile solutions.

Bring your curiosity, analytical expertise, and hands-on problem-solving skills to the Technical Fabrics Innovation Center. In this lead technical role, you'll develop and evaluate new fibers, yarns, fabrics, finishes, and emerging technologies-translating laboratory discoveries into practical manufacturing solutions.

Go beyond routine testing: own development programs, help build a laboratory's capabilities, guide technical personnel, and lead the technical work supporting ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. Collaborate with product development and manufacturing teams supporting facilities in the USA and Asia.

What You'll Do

• Own product-development and technical-investigation projects from experimental design and testing through data analysis and actionable recommendations.
• Develop, validate, transfer, and troubleshoot analytical methods and instrumentation, including assigned GC-MS and combustion ion chromatography capabilities.
• Help launch laboratory operations through equipment installation, qualification, commissioning, and method transfer; establish safe practices, technical procedures, and reliable data systems.
• Lead technical readiness for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, including measurement uncertainty, traceability, proficiency testing, competency documentation, and assessment support.
• Plan and support manufacturing trials involving dyeing, finishing, and wet processing; investigate failures and help scale promising technologies.
• Provide day-to-day technical leadership, prioritize laboratory work, and train, mentor, and supervise laboratory technicians.
• Scout new materials, processes, and testing technologies with suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and external laboratories.
• Communicate clear, defensible technical findings to manufacturing, product development, Quality, commercial teams, and customers while protecting confidentiality and data integrity.
• Participate in ASTM International, NFPA, AATCC, AAMI, and other standards activities as the laboratory matures, following the initial accreditation assessment.

What You Bring - Required

• Master of Science or PhD in Textile Engineering, Textile Chemistry, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Polymer Science, Materials Science, or a closely related scientific or engineering discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in textile research and development, laboratory management, or a similar manufacturing-industry role.
• Proven ability to independently define and execute technical investigations and translate results into practical recommendations.
• Hands-on laboratory or analytical instrumentation experience, with accountability for data quality, interpretation, and equipment troubleshooting.
• Experience with natural and synthetic fiber and yarn manufacturing processes, including spinning, texturizing, twisting, and weaving.
• Strong experimental reasoning, technical writing, communication, and project-management skills, supported by sound judgment and a commitment to safety and scientific integrity.
• Ability to travel approximately 10%-20% and accommodate production schedules for plant trials and critical technical work.

Preferred Experience - Trainable

• GC-MS, ion chromatography, FTIR, thermal analysis, or comparable analytical technologies; performance-textile testing.
• ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation or ISO 13485 / QMSR-aligned systems; experience building or maintaining these systems is especially valued.
• Laboratory startup, equipment commissioning and qualification, or method transfer.
• ASTM, NFPA, AATCC, AAMI, ISO, or EN test methods and standards; committee, task-group, or ballot participation.
• Statistical experimental design and analysis of multivariable technical data.

Ready to put your technical expertise to work? Help shape new textile technologies and build the laboratory capabilities that bring them to life.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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