Textile Product Development Engineer II

Springs Window Fashions; Town of Middleton (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

Volunteer day

Job summary

Springs Window Fashions in Madison, WI is seeking a Textile Product Development Engineer II to lead fabric qualification and validation for new and existing products. The role requires coordinating with cross-functional teams and suppliers to deliver manufacturable textile solutions aligned with customer requirements.

You will drive textiles testing, SOP development, and qualification plans across product lines, supporting lifecycle activities and continuous improvement in product and process

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

• Develops textile specifications to ensure quality and manufacturability across product lines.
• Creates SOPs for textile processes and testing.

Skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Cross-functional

Communication skills

DOE

Statistical analysis

Engineering principles

Analytical skills

Technical writing

Problem solving

Education

B.S. Chemical Eng

Textile Engineering

Materials Science

Tools

Excel

Smartsheet

Word

PowerPoint

Project management

Job description

Job Overview

Springs Window Fashions is hiring for a Textile Product Development Engineer II at our Corporate Headquarters in Madison, WI. This is an onsite role; remote work is not an option.

Company Overview

Springs Window Fashions is a leader in the custom window treatment industry since 1939. Headquartered in Middleton, WI, we have 6,000 associates with locations in North America, Europe, and Asia. Our custom window treatments are available under the Bali, Graber, SunSetter, and Mecho brands in nearly every major retailer, in thousands of designer showrooms, and showcased in large commercial buildings. Our company has made significant investments to become a leader in product innovation. As North America’s premier window covering company, we’re committed to creating a “Best Experience” for our consumers, channel partners and associates. We are bringing new innovations to the market at an accelerated pace and have a variety of offerings to consumers who want to improve their home décor.

Job Summary

Responsible for the development, qualification, and validation of fabrics to meet specifications for both new product development and continuous improvement of existing products. This role coordinates activities related to new fabric introductions for assigned product lines and collaborates closely with cross‑functional internal teams and external suppliers to ensure successful implementation and deliver high‑quality, manufacturable textile solutions. Supports assigned product line(s) throughout the product lifecycle, including quality, manufacturing, and product launch qualification related to textiles. Ensures alignment with customer and product requirements through accurate specification, application of quality tools and methodologies, and a strong focus on continuous improvement in product and process design. This position reports to the Textile Engineering Manager.

Responsibilities

Product & Process Specifications (25%)

• Supports the development and maintenance of textile specifications to ensure consistent product quality, performance, and manufacturability across all product lines.
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures (SOPs) and associated documentation for textile processes and testing.
• Builds and maintains effective relationships with key suppliers to support material development, performance alignment, and issue resolution.
• Contributes to the development of test methods to characterize fabric attributes and improve prediction of in‑use performance.

Problem Solving & Quality Improvement (35%)

• Provides technical expertise to identify root cause and resolve ongoing textile quality and performance issue.
• Supports continuous improvement and cost‑reduction initiatives related to textile materials, processes, and supplier performance.
• Collaborates with suppliers and cross‑functional teams to improve product performance, reduce waste, and enhance manufacturing efficiency.
• Executes textile testing and qualification activities associated with new suppliers or material changes to ensure compliance with specifications.
• Analyzes test data and production feedback to support data‑driven decisions and implementation of corrective actions.

New Product Introduction (30%)

• Collaborates with Textile Engineering leadership and Product Management to review and evaluate new fabric development submissions.
• Executes textile qualification activities for new materials and collections through the TR3 process.
• Develops and implements textile qualification plans, including test requirements, material quantities, build matrices, timelines, and milestones.
• Partners with manufacturing, product engineering, and suppliers to evaluate trial results and support successful product launches.
• Coordinates laboratory testing to assess textile performance and ensure materials meet qualification requirements.
• Assists in establishing textile specifications for new materials and suppliers, including coordination with procurement for specification approval.
• Analyzes test data to support risk assessments and recommendations for new textile adoption.
• Prepares technical summaries, project updates, and supporting documentation for stakeholders.
• Supports manufacturing process validation and provides direction to laboratory technicians as needed.

Administration & Continuous Improvement (10%)

• Maintains accurate and organized documentation of projects, studies, and work activities to support traceability and future reference.
• Analyzes production and quality data and provides updates to stakeholders as needed.
• Stays current on textile technologies, materials, and industry trends through research, supplier engagement, and professional development.
• Ensures data and documentation systems are maintained in an organized and accessible manner.

Scope of Responsibility

• Responsible for the development and continuous improvement of textile materials within assigned product categories to ensure performance, quality, and manufacturability requirements are met.
• Accountable for supporting the technical evaluation, specification, and application of textiles used in assigned product lines, including collaboration with cross‑functional teams and suppliers.
• Exercises independent judgment in day‑to‑day technical decisions within established guidelines and specifications.
• Makes recommendations on material selection, specifications, and process improvements; escalates higher‑risk decisions or significant changes to senior engineering leadership.
• Works within defined project scope and timelines, seeking guidance when technical challenges or business impacts exceed assigned authority.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Engineering, or a related field, with experience in product development, material science, and testing. Equivalent experience will be considered, including candidates with a textile design background and strong analytical capabilities.
• Minimum of 5 years of practical experience in manufacturing and engineering, with a focus on designing, developing, and improving textile‑related products and processes.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrated attention to detail, critical thinking, and strong time management skills required to manage multiple priorities and meet project deadlines.
• Demonstrates strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple medium‑to‑large‑scope projects simultaneously while meeting established timelines.
• Applies a methodical approach to work and adapts to changing priorities.
• Communicates effectively and ensures accurate documentation of fabric qualification activities and test procedures.
• Strong foundation in engineering principles, mathematics, and statistical analysis, including Design of Experiments (DOE) and structured problem‑solving methodologies.
• Working knowledge of textile materials and processes, including wovens, knits, nonwovens, manufacturing methods, finishing, coating, and performance testing.
• Experience with R&D methodologies and product development processes, including sample preparation, testing, data collection, and validation.
• Ability to analyze data and generate clear, accurate technical reports and documentation, supported by strong technical writing skills.
• Understanding of color measurement and evaluation, along with textile performance characteristics.
• Proficiency in computer tools including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and project management software (e.g., Smartsheet) for data analysis and project tracking.
• Knowledge of project management principles with the ability to plan, prioritize, and manage timelines while adapting to changing requirements and constraints.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross‑functionally and build strong relationships with internal teams and suppliers.
• Strong ownership mindset with the ability to drive work forward independently and deliver results.

Benefits

The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan with up to 5% company match of eligible contributions, life insurance, long‑term disability insurance, short‑term disability insurance, paid vacation time, paid holidays, and one paid volunteer day off per year.