Senior Materials Innovator — Hybrid, Sustainability

patagonia; Ventura (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Patagonia is seeking a Senior Material Developer in Ventura, CA, hybrid role, to lead development and commercialization of advanced materials. You will evaluate fiber and textile innovations, drive material concepts, and collaborate across design, product development, and supply chains to meet performance and sustainability goals.

The role requires deep material expertise, strategic thinking, and ability to influence external partners while ensuring traceability and alignment with Patagonia's

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in material development.
• Deep understanding of material performance and supply chain capabilities.
• Experience bringing materials to market from development to commercialization.
• Ability to influence cross-functional partners and suppliers.
• Knowledge of outerwear materials including fabric construction, DWR, insulation systems.

Responsibilities

• Independently lead development and commercialization of key materials and strategic projects.
• Anticipate risks and adjust development strategies to meet timelines and business needs.
• Stay informed on emerging technologies in fibers, yarns, textiles, insulation, and chemical treatments.
• Develop material concepts that support future product strategies and roadmaps.
• Collaborate with Design, Product Development, Quality, Production, and Innovation teams to ensure material solutions meet requirements.
• Maintain traceability of material and supply chain information from source to finished fabric.
• Apply material testing data to guide selection, performance, and improvements.
• Identify innovation opportunities aligned with category strategies and long-term needs.
• Build strong supplier relationships and evaluate suppliers for quality, sustainability, capability and cost.

Skills

Material development

Cross-functional collaboration

Supplier relationship management

Material testing & interpretation

DWR & insulation knowledge

Traceability & documentation

Job description

Patagonia is seeking a Senior Material Developer in Ventura, CA, hybrid role, to lead development and commercialization of advanced materials. You will evaluate fiber and textile innovations, drive material concepts, and collaborate across design, product development, and supply chains to meet performance and sustainability goals.

The role requires deep material expertise, strategic thinking, and ability to influence external partners while ensuring traceability and alignment with Patagonia's