Product Developer

Product Developer – FS x New BalanceCompany Overview:FutureStitch is a fully-vertical circular manufacturer that believes business should be a force for good. We are the creators behind some of the world’s most beloved sock and circular-knit products, including those for Stance, New Balance, the NBA, and MLB. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation—from our lab at MIT to our Oceanside factory that employs second-chance hires, FutureStitch is recognized as one of the most advanced knitting manufacturers in the world.In 2026, FutureStitch will launch a global base layer collection for New Balance and unveil a groundbreaking new brands: SECONDS SECONDS is a regenerative design collective built on the power of second chances—for both people and the planet. We transform waste into feedstock through advanced recycling and circular manufacturing technologies, creating apparel and accessories that merge craftsmanship, performance, and sustainability. Our global network of creative directors from high fashion and visionary technologists collaborates across multiple categories to build systems of renewal—products that don’t just look good but do good, redefining how beauty and utility emerge from what was once discarded.As we expand from high-quality socks into full apparel categories, we are looking for a Supply Chain Manager who thrives in dynamic, hands-on environments and shares our passion for excellence and purpose-driven product.Roles:Partner with Design and Merchandising to ideate, develop, and commercialize apparel and first layer products that meet aesthetic, functional, and performance goals.Research and evaluate new materials, yarns, and manufacturing processes to push boundaries in comfort, performance, and sustainability for apparel and first layer products.Conduct detailed reviews of samples and prototypes to ensure fit, quality, construction, and performance standards are met.Ensure development milestones are met on scheduleDevelop comprehensive tech packs and maintain detailed product documentation for both innovation and inline apparel development.Collaborate with mills, factories, and suppliers to drive innovation and maintain excellence in materials, construction, and finishing.Research competition, and marketplace strategies to identify trends, category performance, competitive threats, and opportunities to support business decisions.Support the development of testing protocols specific to apparel and first layer performanceDevelop and execute testing protocols for product samples ensuring they have at least 3 points of excellence.Responsible for cost analysis and maintaining project budgetsSupport ad hoc projects and tasks as needed across departments Performance Measurements:Number of new apparel and first layer concepts developedPrototype approval rate and turnaround efficiencyFit & quality consistency across categoriesPatent applications filedOn-time project completion rateCommercial adoption rate of new innovations Required Qualifications:Experience in apparel or first layer product creation (underwear, bralettes, base layers, or related)Deep understanding of materials, construction methods and performance attributes for apparel and first layer garmentsFamiliarity with fit standards, technical patterning, and garment testing protocolsDegree in apparel, textiles, or product development (or equivalent experience)Proficiency in Adobe IllustratorProven track record of bringing innovative, high quality apparel products to marketQuarterly Objectives:Q1 2026:Align with cross functional teams on current apparel and first layer pipelinesDevelop and deliver at least 3 new innovation based apparel or first layer product conceptsLaunch formal testing protocol with defined 3 points of excellence benchmarks; apply to all new prototypesAudit and organize material library; identify at least 3 new fabrics, yarns, or technologies for testingContribute to product development for SECONDS Q2 2026:Lead at least 2 material or process tests using new yarns or techniquesImprove prototyping turnaround time by 15% through better vendor coordinationFile at least 1 provisional patent or submit for IP reviewSupport launch of new apparel and first layer product categoriesQ3 2026:Partner with sales and product teams to position at least 2 apparel or first layer innovations for commercial rolloutDevelop and deliver at least 3 new product concepts with defined testing validationResearch and propose future category expansion opportunities based on market insights and partner needsKey Characteristics:Detail OrientedEntrepreneurialCollaborativeCreative Problem SolverAnalyticalOrganizedDirectDriven