Senior Materials R&D Leader, Textiles & Innovation

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

Job summary

Alexander Wang seeks a Senior Manager, Raw Materials R&D to lead the technical engine behind fabric and materials innovation. This hands-on leadership role owns science, testing, and execution turning concepts into viable materials, balancing innovation with price targets.

The role spans experimental design, mill collaboration, lab dips, and development handoffs. Expect cross-functional partnerships, budget oversight, and travel to mills and fabric fairs as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Science, Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or related field; portfolio or demonstrated record preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in textile/materials R&D, technical development, or fabric innovation with hands-on fiber science knowledge.
• Proven track record of taking materials from concept through testing to commercial production.
• Experience originating novel finishes, washes, dyes, or treatments beyond executing predefined briefs.
• Understanding of costing structures and pricing matrices; ability to flag cost and margin implications early.
• Experience managing lab dip submissions, reviews, and approvals and developing core fabric bases.
• Strong knowledge of textile testing standards, regulatory compliance, and chemical safety requirements.
• Established relationships with mills, labs, and technical suppliers; comfortable running trials on-site.
• Strong project management skills and ability to run multiple R&D initiatives concurrently.
• Ability to translate briefs into technical specifications and feasible execution plans.
• Experience partnering cross-functionally with Design, Development, Merchandising, and Quality teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead structured R&D projects for new fabrics, fibers, finishes, dyes, washes, and treatments from concept to validation.
• Translate innovation priorities into defined briefs, specs, and timelines with the Director.
• Propose novel effects and concepts beyond predefined briefs to drive differentiation.
• Manage the seasonal lab dip process from submission to approval ahead of bulk production.
• Develop new core fabric bases that balance innovation with cost and price targets.
• Collaborate with mills and technical partners on fiber blends, sustainable substrates, and new technologies.
• Maintain a pipeline of R&D projects across maturity stages and prioritize by value and calendar readiness.
• Document findings and trial outcomes to build institutional knowledge.

Skills

Textile science

Materials R&D

Project management

Lab dip management

Finishes and dyeing

Supplier relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree in Textile Science/Engineering or Materials Science

Job description

Alexander Wang seeks a Senior Manager, Raw Materials R&D to lead the technical engine behind fabric and materials innovation. This hands-on leadership role owns science, testing, and execution turning concepts into viable materials, balancing innovation with price targets.

The role spans experimental design, mill collaboration, lab dips, and development handoffs. Expect cross-functional partnerships, budget oversight, and travel to mills and fabric fairs as needed.