Senior Materials R&D Lead, Textiles & Innovation

alexanderwang llc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

Alexander Wang LLC is seeking a Sr. Manager, Raw Materials, R&D to lead the technical research and development behind the brand's fabric and materials innovation.

This hands-on role owns the science, testing, and execution of new fiber blends, finishes, washes, and performance technologies into production‑ready materials. You will manage structured R&D programs from concept through mill trials, collaborate with Design, Development, and Sourcing, oversee lab dips and core fabric bases, and mentor

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in textile/materials R&D.
• Experience taking materials from concept through testing to production.
• Experience with finishes, washes, dyes, or treatments.
• Knowledge of pricing matrices and cost implications.
• Experience managing lab dip submissions and core fabric bases.
• Knowledge of textile testing standards and regulatory compliance.
• Cross-functional collaboration with Design, Development, Merchandising, and Quality.
• Willingness to travel to mills and fabric fairs.

Responsibilities

• Lead structured R&D projects for new fabrics, fibers, finishes, dyes, washes, and treatments, from concept through feasibility, prototyping, and validation.
• Translate innovation priorities into defined R&D briefs, technical specifications, and project timelines.
• Develop core fabric bases balancing innovation against cost and price-point targets.
• Manage lab dips, supplier trials, and partnerships with mills and testers.
• Document findings and build institutional knowledge.

Skills

Textile science

Materials science

Project management

Textile engineering

R&D leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field

Tools

Lab testing equipment

Job description

Alexander Wang LLC is seeking a Sr. Manager, Raw Materials, R&D to lead the technical research and development behind the brand's fabric and materials innovation.

This hands-on role owns the science, testing, and execution of new fiber blends, finishes, washes, and performance technologies into production‑ready materials. You will manage structured R&D programs from concept through mill trials, collaborate with Design, Development, and Sourcing, oversee lab dips and core fabric bases, and mentor