Fabric Engineer

Target•Minneapolis, MN

2d•$73,000 - $132,000•Hybrid

About The Position

At the heart of one of the world’s best loved and most recognizable brands is an impeccable Owned Brand Product Design & Management organization. We thrive on the magic of discovering that just-right thing, and we infuse everything we do with our passion for affordable chic. We concept, develop, make and deliver the stylish new favorites that Target guests expect and deserve. We are uber-savvy trend and style experts who stay ahead of the curve, proactively identifying our market’s needs and exceeding them, every time. Join one of our dynamic and inventive teams to influence the style, quality and value that decisively position Target above the competition. Your input will have a direct and positive effect, apparel categories. Here, you’ll be close to the action of dreaming up and bringing to life the Target-owned brands that surprise and gratify guests, wherever and whenever they love to shop. A role with the Raw Materials Development team means a big opportunity to start from scratch and create something truly original. Are you a fabric expert who can support your business by staying one step ahead of industry trends, new materials and techniques? Can you demonstrate the utmost attention to detail and create products that are unprecedented in the marketplace for their design and quality for the price? Then you’ll have success with our Raw Materials Development team who owns the development of all Target-owned brands, from apparel. In close partnership with our design and sourcing counterparts, you’ll drive brand cohesion and continuity, ensuring that our products meet the merchant line plans, assortment strategies, price points and overall creative direction.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Textiles, Design, or Product Development, or equivalent experience
3–5 years in fabric development or related field
Strong knowledge of textile construction and manufacturing processes (knit, woven, dyeing, printing, finishing)
Experience developing fabrics that meet performance, quality, and sustainability standards
Knowledge of textile testing methods and standards
Strong understanding of fabric trends, market shifts, and competitive landscape
Ability to influence products through a material-first, guest-focused lens
Strong problem-solving skills, applying technical expertise to product outcomes
Effective collaborator with the ability to influence cross-functional partners
Strong communication, organization, and project management skills
Operates with urgency and manages multiple priorities
Proactive, solutions-oriented, and stays closely connected to the work

Responsibilities

Define and drive fabric strategy aligned to brand vision, seasonal direction, and guest needs
Bring a strong point of view on materials, informed by trend, market, and consumer insights
Partner with Design to influence fabric direction at key moments in the product creation process
Translate design intent into material solutions that balance aesthetics, performance, and cost
Research and develop raw materials that bring innovation and differentiation to product
Create and communicate technical fabric specifications to support development and production
Collaborate with global vendors and suppliers to develop and execute fabrics with consistency and precision
Apply fabric construction, testing, and manufacturing knowledge to guide decisions and resolve challenges
Own progress against development timelines, ensuring milestones are met with clear, timely communication
Translate material priorities into clear direction for cross-functional and global partners