Textile Colorist: Shade Expert for Superior Garment Colors

Sitka Inc.; Elkton (MD); Hybrid; 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

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.