Textile Designer

Fiber Materials•Woonsocket, RI

About The Position

Fiber Materials Inc. | engineered textile products for aerospace and defense FMI's Rhode Island facility is focused on textile engineering and manufacturing of 2D woven fabrics, 3D woven preforms, braided materials and resin transfer molded composites. We work with the stiffest, strongest, and lightest fiber in the world including carbon, glass, aramid (Kevlar) and ceramic. Our products are being used on ground-breaking space initiatives such as NASA's Mars Sample Return mission, important missile programs, airfoils in commercial and military jet engines, and as lightweight armor for US military ground vehicles. Your role: FMI Textiles is seeking a Textile Designer/Engineer to support pattern design for 3D woven textiles and daily weaving operations. This role is responsible for support of current systems and future improvements in design and manufacturing of 2D & 3D preforms for use in composite applications. The position will be tasked to coordinate and direct projects, make detailed patterns and loom instructions to accomplish goals and work the integration of technical activities, such as: process improvements, equipment installation/modification, and material system development. Successful candidates will achieve results in solving technical problems, improving existing process and supporting customer focused programs. Hands-on experience and training on custom equipment in variety of manufacturing and engineering disciplines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in textile-related field or closely related weave design experience
Strong work ethic
Excellent attention to detail
Strong oral and written communication skills
Experience with weave design
Use of software for dobby or jacquard using weave design software
Experience designing for jacquard/TC looms in Adobe Photoshop
Demonstrated results in technical problem solving and product/process development is required

Nice To Haves

Experience with industrial tools and equipment preferred
Experience in aerospace/high-temperature composites, textiles or industrial engineering systems would distinguish the candidate
Interest and knowledge in composites and ceramics, or general material science is preferred
Experience with GD&T and engineering drawings

Responsibilities

Work with clients to develop layouts for 3D woven parts
Create design drawings to communicate weave layouts
Program using jacquard design software to create loom files
Create work instructions to facilitate handoff of weave patterns to the weaving technician for production
Inspect and trim woven materials to prepare for delivery
Develop, implement, and sustain policies and procedures for the technical work performed in the production facility
Analyze technology requirements, resource needs, and schedules to assess and plan project execution
Perform root cause analysis for failure investigations and other data analysis tasks, make data-driven decisions
Write periodic reports or oral presentations to management and customers on specific projects
Design and develop new equipment for future production systems
Ensure that health and safety policies are followed
Apply quality standards to ensure compliance with certification requirements in plant applications
Work with internal and external customers to develop and qualify process changes and provide technical services