Material Innovation Engineer

Role: Material Innovation Engineer
Team: Materials R&D

Scope: Individual Contributor

Years of Experience: 5+

Location: Ventura, CA

COVID-19 Vaccinations: Patagonia requires all employees to demonstrate proof of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of their employment.

Through research and partnership in materials science, fiber technology, textile engineering, and chemistry, the Materials Innovation team is charged with improving technical performance and reducing environmental impact of Patagonia products. As part of this team, the Material Innovation Engineer is responsible for the extensive research, identification, acquisition, and development of novel and sustainable chemistry and textile technologies for use in the Patagonia’s product lines. You must use academic and industry knowledge, supplier networks, publications, and research to develop applicable technologies that benefit Patagonia’s product lines through enhanced performance, sustainability, and intellectual property.  We look to you to understand the competitive strategy and position of each product line to guide innovative materials solutions into each of Patagonia’s product categories.  In this position you will be equal parts scientific researcher, consultant, and project manager pertaining to advanced innovation concepts.

What You’ll Do:

• Working within the Materials Innovation Team through collaboration and iterative technology development to create relevant, innovative chemistry, textile and process solutions.
• Maintain contact and collaboration with internal stakeholders (Materials R&D, Designers, Business Unit Directors, Product Developers, Quality, Production, Social and Environmental Responsibility) to ensure innovation research has supply chain relevance and feasibility.
• Develop and manage relationships with external innovation partners and stakeholders (Technology Partners and Vendors).
• Strategize and manage projects within external relationships to drive milestone execution.
• Work to develop and commercialize a variety of new chemicals, formulations, and chemical products within product categories.
• Understand and implement forms of relevant legal documents/agreements (NDA, JDA, exclusivity).
• Maintain contact with Patagonia athletes to get feedback on field needs and product performance.
• Attend key trade shows and conferences to build a broad range of knowledge and network.

Who You Are

• Environmentalist - Deeply passionate and committed to saving our home planet
• Methodical- Ability to gather appropriate input and make clear, well-reasoned decisions
• Team Player- Strong collaborative tendencies and team development skills
• Adaptable- Ability to remain flexible to change within the work environment and scope of responsibility
• Resilient - Able to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines.

Experience You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Textile Chemistry, Polymer Science or Materials Science. Advanced degrees preferred.
• 5+ years in chemistry development or polymer science industry; experience with adhesives, elastomers, dye chemistry and/or biobased chemicals preferred.
• Experience working with textiles, apparel, softgoods and hardgoods a plus. 
• Strong project management experience with extreme attention to detail required and a proven ability to establish and maintain schedules and deadlines.
• Experience developing and delivering presentations detailing technical information to audiences with non-science backgrounds.
• Working knowledge of personal computers with demonstrated experience in the use of such programs as: Excel, Tableau and/or other data visualization tools, Microsoft Office Suites, Adobe Illustrator.

Employee Conduct
It is the responsibility of every employee to contribute to a positive, inclusive work environment through cooperative and professional interactions with co-workers, customers and vendors.

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

Patagonia requires all employees who enter a Patagonia owned or operated facility or who physically interact with others as part of their job duties to demonstrate proof of receiving a COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of their employment, subject to exemptions for sincerely held religious beliefs, or medical reasons.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.