Apparel Materials Developer II

Milwaukee Tool • Milwaukee, MT

6d

About The Position

Milwaukee Tool’s Jobsite Apparel team develops performance-driven apparel for professional trades by combining user insight, material innovation, technical development, and rigorous validation. The Apparel Materials Developer II identifies, develops, tests, and commercializes textile solutions across the apparel portfolio, working across material science, product design, technical development, sourcing, and manufacturing to translate product needs and jobsite challenges into measurable material performance.

The role partners with Design, Technical Design, Product Management, Engineering, suppliers, mills, and testing laboratories to move materials from early exploration through validation and production. It contributes to Milwaukee Tool’s material capabilities, influences future product platforms, and develops differentiated solutions for professional trades.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Textile Design, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
• Strong technical knowledge of textile development, including fibers, yarns, fabric construction, finishes, and performance technologies.
• Strong knowledge of industry testing standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build collaborative relationships.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and seasonal development cycles simultaneously.
• Strong commitment to the brand, professional users, and innovation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with PLM software is preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead seasonal sourcing and development of fabrics and trims from concept through approval.
• Research and develop new fabric and trim concepts and technologies, proposing solutions aligned with user needs, trends, and business priorities.
• Translate insights from trade shows, supplier visits, market research, and design briefs into material sourcing recommendations for cross-functional partners.
• Maintain complete and accurate material data in PLM software, including quality, pricing, color, minimum order quantities, and lead times.
• Own fabric and trim testing standards and test plans, ensuring alignment with product performance and compliance requirements.
• Manage supplier, third-party, and in-house laboratory testing, including submissions, tracking, and follow-up.
• Compile, analyze, and communicate test performance results, escalating risks and driving resolution.
• Manage material development milestones to meet the Design & Development calendar, ensuring timely approvals, documentation, and communication with suppliers and partners.
• Manage daily supplier communication and status tracking for lab dips, testing, and strike-offs to keep development on schedule.
• Lead raw material supplier relationships and schedule and lead meetings to strengthen alignment, capability, and performance.
• Manage raw material planning and booking, including greige planning and material commitments for prototypes, SMS, and bulk production.
• Execute and communicate material orders for prototypes, testing, SMS, and bulk production, and support sourcing, vendor meetings, development, and marketing needs throughout the material lifecycle.
• Identify material and trim manufacturing risks and drive mitigation plans with suppliers and internal teams.

Benefits

• Robust health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous 401(k) savings plan.
• Education assistance.
• On-site wellness and fitness center, food, and coffee service.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level