R&D Material Specialist -fabric & trims for outdoor apparel and backpacks

Job description
You will be part of a small and focused Design and Production team in Åre, Sweden. Working to secure the highest standard of our inline collection and the trim and fabric developments.
We expect premium quality and have high demands on function, sustainability, and durability. It is vital that we constantly evolve and develop our products to achieve a premium level.
We are seeking a skilled and motivated R&D Material Specialist to join our Purchase & Production team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in material science, chemistry, or a related field. A passion for developing innovative materials (fabric & trims for outdoor products) that enhance product performance, sustainability, and cost-efficiency. The R&D Material Specialist will work cross-functional within the company to develop, test, and implement new materials for our product lines.
It helps to be an outdoor enthusiast to fully understand our mission.

Key Responsibilities:
Fabric & Trim Development:
Collaborate with product design and development teams to source and develop materials that meet the performance, aesthetics and sustainability goals of our products
Provide regular updates and reports to the product development team and management
Ensure that our materials meet regulatory and safety standards
Ensure that all material product cards in the PLM system are up to date and accurate
Negotiate prices (incl. surcharges), lead times and minimum order quantities with suppliers

Quality Assurance & Testing:
Develop and implement testing protocols to assess material performance under various conditions
Conduct and coordinate rigorous testing and evaluation of fabrics & trims to ensure they meet Klättermusen's standards, including data from suppliers and third-party testing labs
Work with quality assurance teams to ensure consistent material quality in production
Keep detailed records of test results
Review fabric shipping samples

Sustainability Initiatives:
Identify opportunities to incorporate sustainable materials and practices into product development.
Ensure environmental impact reduction through material innovation/choices
Ensure sustainability data for materials are up to date and accurate in the PLM system
Contribute to sustainability initiatives and other science-driven projects.

Other:
Establish and maintain relationships with key material suppliers
Support the commercial team with sustainability and material data


Qualifications:
Minimum of 5 years of experience in fabric and trims development within Outdoor/sport or technical textile industry, preferable within apparel and packs
Bachelor’s degree in Textile Engineering, Material Science or a related field
Strong knowledge of textile manufacturing processes, material properties, testing methods, and fabric construction
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities with attention to details
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with cross-functional teams
Excellent project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously
Experience with sustainable materials and practices in the apparel industry
Proficiency in relevant software tools (e.g. Microsoft Office, PLM systems)
Business-level proficiency in written and oral English communication