Senior Materials R&D Lead, Textiles & Innovation

Alexander Wang; New York (NY); On-site; USD 125,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexander Wang in New York seeks a Senior Manager, Raw Materials R&D to lead the technical engine behind fabric and materials innovation. This hands‑on leader drives testing, specifications, and project execution from concept through mill trials to seasonal development.

The role combines textile science, sustainability, and manufacturing feasibility, translating briefs into concrete material solutions while managing budgets and timelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Science or related field with strong textile credentials.
• 7+ years in textile/materials R&D with hands‑on fiber science knowledge.
• Proven ability to take materials from concept through testing to production.
• Experience originating novel finishes, washes, dyes, or treatments beyond briefs.
• Understanding of costing structures and pricing matrices with early cost/margin implications.
• Experience managing lab dip submissions and development of core fabric bases.
• Strong knowledge of textile testing standards, regulatory compliance, and chemical safety.
• Established relationships with mills, labs, and suppliers; ability to run trials on-site.

Responsibilities

• Lead structured R&D projects for new fabrics, fibers, finishes, dyes, washes, and treatments from concept through validation.
• Translate innovation priorities into defined R&D briefs, specs, and timelines with Director support.
• Develop original material concepts and propose novel effects and techniques.
• Launch and manage seasonal lab dip processes to ensure on‑time readiness for production.
• Maintain a pipeline of active R&D projects prioritizing innovation value and calendar readiness.
• Document findings and trial outcomes to build institutional knowledge.

Skills

Textile science

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Textile Science

Portfolio / demonstrated textile development

Job description

Alexander Wang in New York seeks a Senior Manager, Raw Materials R&D to lead the technical engine behind fabric and materials innovation. This hands‑on leader drives testing, specifications, and project execution from concept through mill trials to seasonal development.

The role combines textile science, sustainability, and manufacturing feasibility, translating briefs into concrete material solutions while managing budgets and timelines.