Textile Colorist

Sitka Inc.; Elkton (MD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

W. L. Gore & Associates, Elkton, MD, seeks a motivated Textile Colorist to join our Fabrics Organization. You will provide expert color analysis from sample development through bulk production for SITKA and GORE-TEX products.

The role demands high color acuity, strong communication, and project management to meet deadlines. The position is located at our Elkton facility with a hybrid work arrangement. Requires 2+ years in color development, and familiarity with COLORFLOW and PLM systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Textile Science, Fashion or related discipline.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in color development.
• Must achieve a superior rating on Farnsworth Munsell 100 hue test post interview.
• Strong knowledge of color theory, evaluation and factors influencing color across fibers, fabrics, dyes, finishes and washes.
• Experience reviewing lab dips, strike-offs, and color submissions against standards.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Familiar with Outlook, PLM platforms, IQ color systems, COLORFLOW.
• Ability to travel 5%.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate color analysis from sample development to bulk production.
• Collaborate with CAD and Fabric teams on print colors, layout and strike-off comments.
• Maintain approval records to monitor multiple fabrications for color consistency and seasonal palettes.
• Communicate approvals, corrections and rejections within calendar timelines to vendors and factories.
• Maintain seasonal color reference library for lap dips and bulk swatches.
• Support daily shade lab activities such as Production Shade Testing and Visual Review.
• Liaise with customers and suppliers.
• Onboard new customers and vendors.
• Cross-functional interaction with IS, Planning, QA, sourcing, PDM.

Skills

Color development

Color theory

Lab dips evaluation

Color management systems

Project coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design or related

Tools

Outlook

PLM platforms

IQ color systems

COLORFLOW

Job description

We are looking for a motivated and passionate Textile Colorist to join our Fabrics Organization in Elkton MD. In this role, you will work closely with cross functional teams to provide color expertise ensuring robust shade quality for our SITKA and GORE-TEX® product portfolio. The color and shade capabilities provided by this role are critical in enabling our products to meet customers and end-user needs to ensure our gear provides protection and comfort in the toughest conditions. The ideal candidate will possess high color acuity, strong interpersonal communication skills both internally and externally, and project management skills to meet the technical color demands of the business and marketplace.

This position will be located at our facility in Elkton, Maryland .

Pay and Benefits:

• $75,000 - $80,000 per year
• Factors considered in extending an offer within this pay range include (but not limited to) education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits effective on Day 1 of employment! We offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive benefits. More details are available at www.gore.com/careers/benefits

Responsibilities

• Responsible for providing accurate color analysis from sample development to bulk production
• Collaborate with CAD, Fabric teams on print colors, layout and strike-off comments
• Maintain accurate approval records to monitor multiple fabrications to ensure consistency of color within garments as well as seasonal color palette to meet product development milestones and calendar due dates
• Communicate approval, correction and rejection as necessary within calendar timeline to fabric vendors and factories overseas to meet product development milestones and calendar due dates
• Maintain seasonal color reference library for lap dips and bulk swatches
• Support daily shade lab activities such as Production Shade Testing and Visual Review
• Liaison for customer and supplier communication
• New customer and new vendor onboarding
• Cross functional interaction (IS, Planning, QA, sourcing, PDM)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Textile Science, Fashion or related discipline
• Minimum 2 years of experience in color development
• Must achieve a superior rating on the Farnsworth Munsell 100 hue test post interview
• Strong knowledge of color theory, color evaluation, and factors that influence color across fibers, fabric constructions, dyes, finishes and washes
• Experience reviewing and evaluating lab dips, strike-offs, and color submissions against established standards
• Excellent organizational skills required
• Must be familiar with Outlook, PLM platforms, Equipment Software – IQ color systems
• Experience with digital color management systems such as COLORFLOW®
• Work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to travel 5%

This position requires access to export-controlled areas and information. Candidates must be "U.S. persons" as that term is defined in 8 USC §1324b(a)(3). The term "U.S. persons" includes US citizens, resident aliens ("green‑card" holders) as well as certain refugees, asylum‑holders and residents qualifying for temporary residence under the terms of 8 USC §1255a.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement in the country from which the Associate is employed. Eligibility is dependent on the responsibilities of the role and business needs, and the Associate must agree to comply with Gore’s work arrangement policies.

Desired Qualifications

• Brand experience is highly desirable
• Color development experience in apparel textiles or fabric R&D is preferred

For over 65 years, Gore has improved lives through discovery, product innovation and rewarding careers for Associates. We push the boundaries of what's possible — not just through our products and technologies but also through individual growth and development.

We believe in the strength of a diverse and inclusive workplace. With diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences, we uncover new possibilities and make a greater impact in the world. Our Associates build on a rich history of innovation, upholding Gore’s values and supporting an inclusive work environment where we treat each other and our external partners with fairness, dignity and respect.

Copyright 2025 W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.