Associate Technical Raw Material Developer

Position Details

Title:

Associate Technical Raw Material Developer
Department:
Global Product

Reports to:

Sr. Manager, Technical Raw Materials

Location:

Dearborn
Job Classification:
Hybrid
FLSA Status:
Exempt
Job Band:
Professional

The Associate Technical Raw Material Developer, in a support role to the Technical Raw Material team, collaborates with Design and Merchandising teams to assist with development of new materials and execute against seasonal timelines. In this role, the Associate Technical Raw Material Developer will assist with developments, development status meetings, and assigned projects, while having general knowledge of raw material development with emphasis on building material technical knowledge.

This role builds and fosters collaboration with the Technical Raw Material team and cross‑functional partners.

At Carhartt, the values of hard work—dependability, honesty, and trust—are rooted in the legacy of our founder, Hamilton Carhartt. His commitment to serving hardworking people continues to inspire everything we do. Guided by his legacy and our mission—We serve and protect all hardworking people by building durable products—we remain dedicated to upholding these principles in every decision we make and every product we create.

• Assist in all new seasonal and resource raw material developments to support Tech RM Team, including initiating developments, tracking development status, and coordinating testing of materials and results analysis.
• Analyze and interpret raw material test results based on development specifications in a timely manner, and work with manager to communicate and troubleshoot development challenges with supplier.
• Ensure timely completion of assigned products following the predetermined product development calendar and provide regular updates on all developments to managers, internal and external partners as appropriate.
• Assist RM team to partner with Sourcing to troubleshoot any developments including but not limited to manufacturing locations, pricing, MOQ, delivery issues, and lead time; and stage materials for on time Prototype and SMS (salesman sample) deliveries.
• Assist and prepare hand‑off of approved raw material (standard, specs, and testing) to Quality team to execute bulk production.
• Collaborate with manager to present raw material trend direction and lifecycle analysis to Design and Merchant partners, and research and develop materials based on seasonal strategies and innovation needs of the business.
• Develop and foster key relationships with counterparts in Global Supply Chain, Design, Technical Design, Color Management, Sourcing, and Quality.
• Arrange and participate in supplier meetings with cross‑functional teams including Product Development and Design.

• Bachelor's degree in Textile Engineering, Apparel, or related field; or equivalent years of related experience in lieu of degree.

• Experience in product development within the Apparel or Textile industry preferred.
• Knowledge of fabric and trim development.
• Exposure to product testing and fabric/yarn specific materials/constructions, including but not limited to natural and synthetic woven and knit constructions, as well as mechanical and performance finishes preferred.
• Proficient in technology including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Illustrator, etc.
• PLM experience preferred.
• Good analytical skills and aptitude.
• Ability to learn quickly and work in a team environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to be flexible, solution oriented and adaptive to changing priorities.

• Normal office environment, extended periods of sitting/standing or typing at a computer is required.
• Willing to work some weekends if necessary.
• National and International travel required (15%).
• Light lifting may be required, up to 25 lbs.
• This position has a Hybrid location:
  Associate will work on‑site regularly as needed for work activities.
• Carhartt is a tobacco free workplace.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All associates are required to understand and act in accordance with the Carhartt Core Values. Carhartt reserves the right to change, modify, suspend, interpret or cancel in whole or in any part, the job duties outlined above at any time and without advance notice to the employee.