Raw Materials & Innovation Designer

Bandit Running•New York, NY

3d•$125,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

Bandit Running is a pioneering technical performance brand committed to creating innovative, high-quality apparel & gear for goal-driven runners. Our mission to “Evolve Running” guides everything we do, always putting the needs of the global running community first. As the fastest-growing brand in the sport, we challenge conventional brand-building norms, prioritizing an extremely high-bar for disruptive excellence across product, experiences & content. Our vision is to build an enduring, iconic brand that breaks down barriers & inspires greater passion & participation in the sport we love. We are seeking a forward-thinking Raw Materials & Innovation Designer to join our team—someone who lives at the intersection of technical innovation and refined execution. As the Raw Materials & Innovation Designer, you will lead the research, development, and execution of fabrics, trims, and material techniques that set our brand apart. You will drive innovation rooted in athlete insight and lab-tested performance, working cross-functionally to ensure material concepts are not only future-forward, but also executable at scale. You’ll track performance through wear tests and lab testing, and use results to inform product and design decisions. This role requires curiosity, precision, and a self-starter mindset—perfect for someone who thrives in a fast-moving, iterative environment.

Requirements

4–6+ years of experience in textile innovation, materials development, or apparel design with a technical focus.
Expertise in knit and woven constructions, performance finishes, innovation, and advanced trims.
Ability to translate trend, performance, and brand needs into innovative material solutions.
Experience managing timelines and communicating with suppliers, mills, and testing labs.
Detail-oriented with strong documentation, follow-through, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Nice To Haves

Passion for running and performance culture is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

Research and develop best-in-class materials, trims, and technical applications with a performance-meets-lifestyle lens.
Collaborate closely with design, product development, and sourcing to bring innovative concepts to life.
Maintain a pulse on material innovations across sport, fashion, and adjacent industries to fuel concept development.
Own the raw material development calendar and ensure on-time deliverables from concept to commercialization.
Coordinate closely with suppliers and mills on developments, sampling, testing, and approvals.
Manage and maintain meticulous records of raw material libraries, tracking systems, and seasonal updates.
Lead all phases of wear testing: organize tester groups, distribute prototypes, and collect athlete feedback.
Work cross-functionally to manage lab testing protocols, timelines, and results.
Analyze and summarize performance data to drive iterative material improvement and design decisions.