Textile Fabrication Engineer

Job Summary

The Center for Functional Fabrics (CFF) at the Pennsylvania Fabric Discovery Center (PA FDC) is looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join the Innovation Team. This person will work with a transdisciplinary team on development of next generation textiles with enhanced functionality. This role requires knowledge and experience in textile fabrication related to both traditional and non-traditional materials and understanding of computerized textile technologies. It is best suited for those able to work independently with limited oversight while remaining highly collaborative.

The Textile Fabrication Engineer works on funded research projects as part of a team with other subject matter experts, contributing to the development of technical solutions, proofs of concept, and prototypes in a collaborative R&D environment. The daily duties for the Textile Fabrication Engineer depends on the skillset of the team member and can include design research; solution ideation and experimentation; programming, use and maintenance of computerized textile equipment; creation visualizations by hand or using CAD software; development and fabrication of components, prototypes and proofs of concept; and prototype validation. This role involves regular participation in project meetings, writing progress updates and reports, presenting as part of the team, and other related duties. There are opportunities to lead project efforts, contribute to the development of project plans and proposals, and gain experience supervising other staff or students.

Essential Functions

• Work as part of the Innovation Team on funded R&D projects as directed by the center's director and R&D Program Manager.
• Work with team to identify requirements, research existing and emerging technologies, and ideate potential solutions.
• Contribute to rapid prototyping of textile components and systems including hands-on construction of prototypes.
• Create and visualize ideas to produce designs by hand or using a computer-aided design system.
• Assist in developing project plans, presentations, reports, and other materials for communication to collaborators, funders, and external stakeholders.
• Participate in internal and external meetings to support and drive research.
• Additional duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Textile Engineering, Textile Design, Fashion Design, or other design- or engineering-related fields or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  
  
  
  • Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.
  
  
  
  
• Minimum of Five (5) years relevant professional experience
• Specialized skills related to textile or related soft goods development (i.e., computer-controlled knitting, weaving, embroidery; soft good construction; sewing techniques; pattern making; etc.).
• Understanding of technical specifications and requirements.
• A flexible approach to new design concepts.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate meetings, contribute to written research reports, and make effective presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to listen to and communicate with differing stakeholders.
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to establish clear priorities and prioritize work for multiple projects with strict deadlines.
• Ability to be professional, courteous, and tactful, especially under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Textile Engineering, Textile Design, Fashion Design, or other design- or engineering-related fields
• 5-8 years of relevant professional; or equivalent combination of related experience, education, and training.
• Demonstrated experience in the field of functional fabrics or related fields.

Physical Demands

• Typically sitting at a desk/table
• Typically standing, walking
• Typically bending, crouching, stooping
• Lifting demands 25lbs

Location

• University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade M. Compensation for this grade ranges from $75,200.00 - $112,790.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position typically aligns with the minimum to midrange of this grade, but it can vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel's compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.

Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.

A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.