Textile Product Development Engineer

Summary

Join Circ, a B Corp company pioneering sustainable textile technology, as a Textile Product Development Engineer. This critical role focuses on advancing sustainable textile initiatives using recycled materials. You will drive development in both natural and synthetic recycled fibers, build strong supplier partnerships, and support projects using Circ recycled materials. The ideal candidate possesses in-depth knowledge of textile manufacturing processes, particularly with polyester and man-made cellulosic fibers. Based on the East Coast of the US, this position requires frequent travel. Circ offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement savings options, and unlimited PTO.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or Engineering
• Strong understanding of textile manufacturing processes, with specific knowledge of recycled PET materials, polymer spinning, man-made cellulosic fibers and fiber-to-fabric processes
• Familiarity with weaving, knitting, and textile construction techniques, particularly those involving recycled materials
• Knowledge of sustainable material sourcing practices and the ability to evaluate suppliers based on environmental and quality standards
• Experience with both polyester fibers and man-made cellulosic fibers
• Experience in material characterization and performance assessment using design of experiments methodology
• Proven track record of managing R&D projects with the ability to balance independent work and teamwork in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
• Proficiency in data analysis to monitor supply chain performance and make informed supplier and process decisions
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities
• Willingness to travel frequently and adapt to diverse cultural environments

Responsibilities

• Direct experience working with PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) chips, especially recycled PET. Ideal candidates can discuss the enhancement of PET materials, the transformation of polyester pellets into fibers, and a solid understanding of the complete fiber development process
• Experience with man-made cellulosic fibers, such as lyocell or viscose is highly valued, candidate should be able to discuss how to leverage these fibers’ unique properties and understand their application across different textile process to optimize sustainability, functionality and product quality
• Proven experience collaborating with spinning and weaving/knitting mills, with a strong understanding of processes like dyeing and fiber spinning
• Candidates should be able to describe coordination across mills, management of recycled materials, and strategies for maintaining quality throughout production
• Build and sustain strong relationships with textile mills, oversee circular textile initiatives, and facilitate the onboarding of manufacturing partners to deliver sustainable textiles to brands
• As a representative of Circ’s technology, this role will help onboard new or support existing mill partners, ensuring alignment with material specifications and sustainable practices
• Support projects using Circ recycled materials (e.g., Circ lyocell, Circ rPET, and various blends), overseeing trials with mills to ensure successful integration of Circ materials into production processes
• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to increase their understanding of Circ’s PET chips, yarn samples, and other materials for successful product development outcomes
• Demonstrate a strong technical understanding of material properties, including fiber and fabric development. Familiarity with terms like recycled polymers, cellulose fibers, spinning processes, and material innovation reflects desired technical depth
• Identify and resolve production variances and work-in-process issues, with the ability to troubleshoot material quality and process issues in real time
• Conduct research, testing, data gathering, and analysis across office, lab, or manufacturing settings to support Circ’s material and product development functions
• Coordinate R&D efforts in testing and characterizing materials, interpreting physical testing results, and evaluating both raw materials and finished products
• This hands-on role requires curiosity and flexibility to engage across various disciplines within a collaborative environment

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with additional fabric construction techniques is a plus

Benefits

• Circ stock options
• Unlimited PTO, an average of 14 company holidays, in addition to an extended end-of-year break
• Volunteer time off
• Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance
• Employer HSA contribution on certain plans
• Access to health benefits such as a monthly wellness stipend and TalkSpace membership