Role: Sr. Material Developer
Team: Material Development
Scope: Individual Contributor, P4
Years of Experience: 5+
Location: Ventura, CA (Hybrid)
At Patagonia, our purpose is clear: We're in business to save our home planet.
Materials are the foundation of every Patagonia product and are central to delivering on our product performance goals while advancing our environmental and social responsibility commitments.
As the Senior Material Developer, you will serve as Patagonia's category expert on our materials team. You will lead the identification, development, commercialization, and approval of innovative raw materials and material supply chains that meet product, business, and environmental objectives. You will proactively evaluate emerging technologies, build a future-facing materials pipeline, and help define the long-term material vision and roadmap for the category.
This role requires a deep understanding of material performance, supply chain capabilities, and product application, along with the ability to influence cross-functional partners and suppliers in bringing innovative solutions to market.
What You'll Do
Material Development
- Independently lead the development and commercialization of key materials and strategic projects.
- Anticipate potential risks and proactively adjust development strategies to deliver against project timelines and business needs.
- Stay informed on emerging technologies, including fiber and yarn innovations, textile constructions, insulation technologies, and chemical treatments, translating opportunities into relevant material solutions.
- Develop and present material concepts that support future product strategies and category roadmaps.
- Partner closely with Design, Product Development, Line Management, Quality, Production, Field Testing, and Innovation teams throughout the development process to ensure material solutions meet performance and product requirements.
- Maintain complete and accurate material and supply chain information within Patagonia's systems, ensuring traceability from raw material source through finished fabric.
- Apply deep expertise in outerwear materials, including fabric construction, durable water repellent (DWR) technologies, weather protection, breathability, and insulation systems across down, synthetic, and natural insulation platforms.
- Interpret and apply material testing data to guide material selection, performance decisions, and continuous improvement.
Innovation
- Identify innovation opportunities that align with category strategies, seasonal objectives, and long-term business needs.
- Collaborate with Advanced Design, Innovation, and Materials teams to evaluate, develop, and commercialize next-generation material solutions.
- Contribute to the development of category material roadmaps that support Patagonia's long-term product vision and mission.
Supply Chain Partnership
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships rooted in trust, transparency, and shared values.
- Partner with strategic suppliers to strengthen technical capabilities and advance material innovation.
- Evaluate potential suppliers based on their ability to meet Patagonia's quality, performance, environmental, social responsibility, capacity, and cost requirements.
- Support the continuous improvement of material supply chains with a focus on resilience, traceability, and responsible sourcing.
Commercialization & Handoff
- Ensure materials are thoroughly vetted, documented, and ready for transition at key seasonal and commercialization milestones.
- Proactively communicate material costs, lead times, risks, and implementation considerations to cross-functional partners.
- Contribute materials, documentation, and supporting information to Patagonia's Material Library and knowledge-sharing resources.
- Provide clear guidance and support to downstream teams to enable successful adoption and execution of new materials.
Additional Responsibilities
- Support Design, Product Development, and other partners in selecting appropriate in-line materials based on product intent, end use, and manufacturing considerations.
- Conduct market research and competitive analysis to identify material opportunities, industry trends, and emerging technologies.
- Educate internal and external stakeholders on Patagonia materials, material technologies, and supply chain developments through presentations, trainings, written communication, photography, and video content.
- Represent Patagonia externally with suppliers, industry organizations, and strategic partners as needed.
Who You Are
- Curious: Continuously exploring emerging technologies, materials, and supply chain innovations that can advance product performance and environmental responsibility.
- Strategic: Able to connect long-term material opportunities to category and business priorities.
- Experienced: Proven ability to develop and commercialize complex material solutions at scale.
- Collaborative: Builds strong partnerships across functions, cultures, and geographies.
- Communicative: Able to translate technical concepts into clear, concise, and compelling recommendations.
- Mission-Driven: Passionate about Patagonia's mission and motivated to create positive impact through materials and supply chain innovation.
Experience You'll Bring
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Product Development, or a related field.
- 5-10 years of experience developing and commercializing materials within the apparel or outdoor industry, with a preference for experience in insulation and outerwear.
- Deep knowledge of insulation systems and supply chains, including down, synthetic, and natural insulation technologies.
- Understanding of laboratory and field-testing methodologies used to evaluate insulation and outerwear performance.
- Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams including Design, Product Development, Line Management, Production, Quality, and Innovation.
- Strong supplier management and relationship-building skills.
- Proven ability to develop category visions, material strategies, and long-term roadmaps.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Commitment to advancing environmental and social responsibility through material and supply chain decisions.
Hiring Range: $114,900 - $128,800 USD Annual
At Patagonia, pay ranges are assigned to a job based on the location specific market median of similar jobs according to 3rd party salary benchmark surveys. Individual pay within that range can vary for several reasons including skills/capabilities, experience, and available budget.
Benefits
Patagonia offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement and leave of absence plans. Benefit plans may vary slightly depending on the nature of your employment.
Workplace Location Overview
This position is Hybrid, with a standard schedule of Tuesday - Thursday on-site and remote work on other days. Occasional additional office visits may be required for team events or critical meetings.
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.
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.
