{"schemaVersion":"jobsearcher.job.v1","id":"4812afebaa8670686455ba92","url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/4812afebaa8670686455ba92","canonicalUrl":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/4812afebaa8670686455ba92","title":"Materials Development Manager","description":"At 5.11, we design gear for those who live ready - for work, the outdoors, and everything in between. As our Materials Manager, you’ll lead fabric and trim development across categories, ensuring the materials we use are functional, durable, and ready for the demands of real-world use.\n\nThis role oversees the full development process - from early concept to production hand-off, with a focus on quality, consistency, and performance. You’ll work closely with product, design, sourcing, and vendor partners to guide materials from the idea stage to final execution. If you’re someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, has a sharp eye for technical detail, and knows how to balance innovation with practical execution, this role offers a chance to make a lasting impact.\n\nWhat You’ll Do:\nMaterial Development & Innovation\nLead fabric and trim development across Apparel, Gear, Footwear, and Logowear.\nPartner with internal teams and mill vendors to bring new materials to life—balancing performance, cost, and sourcing strategies.\nStay current on material innovations and work with vendors to introduce relevant technologies.\nEnsure materials meet performance expectations through lab, garment, and wear testing.\n\nColor, Compliance & Standards\nOversee the color development process from selection to approval.\nEnsure all materials comply with applicable standards (NFPA, ANSI, EN, and country-specific regulations).\nTroubleshoot fabric issues with mills and ensure materials pass all required testing.\n\nProcess, Documentation & Tracking\nMaintain accurate material specs, test data, and commercialization status in PLM and internal trackers.\nCollaborate with sourcing and development teams to manage timelines and communicate material readiness across categories.\nConsolidate overlapping materials where possible to streamline development and reduce complexity.\nSupport ISO and internal documentation standards for materials.\n\nCross-Functional Support\nAct as a key technical resource for materials questions across product teams.\nJoin product meetings to align on material needs, risks, and development timelines.\nSupport special projects related to product innovation or team objectives.\n\nTeam & Vendor Management\nLead and mentor a small team of material developers.\nPartner with the HK sourcing team to ensure vendor performance and material quality.\nManage material budgets and support planning for seasonal and long-term development.\nTravel domestically and internationally as needed to support development and sourcing.\n\nWhat You’ll Bring:\nDegree in a related field or equivalent experience in material or fabric development.\n5+ years in technical fabric or trim development, preferably with a focus on high-performance or outdoor gear.\nStrong understanding of the end-to-end fabric lifecycle - from sourcing and dyeing to finishing and testing.\nFamiliarity with fabric testing standards and regulatory requirements.\nAbility to identify and resolve color discrepancies and construction issues.\nExperience working with PLM systems, Excel, and fabric documentation tools.\nExperience with hardline materials (plastics or composites) is a plus.\n\nPay Range: $100,000- $115,000 annually plus bonus based on experience\n5.11 Tactical offers a best-in-class benefits program including: medical, dental and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including: Hospital Indemnity/Accident insurance; Flexible Spending Account/Health Saving Account; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off/Paid Holidays/Sick Time; Casual Dress Code; and Employee Discounts.\n*If you are a regular full-time employee working at least 30 hours per week, you and your eligible dependents may participate in 5.11’s benefits program.*\n\nYou can find out what personal information we collect, correct any inaccuracies, or ask us to delete your personal information (with some exceptions). To check out our policy, click HERE (https://www.511tactical.com/company-info/prospective-employee-privacy-notice/). If you want to make a request about your personal data, CLICK HERE. (https://www.511tactical.com/company-info/california-privacy-security-terms-form/)\n\nEqual Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities\nThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.","company":"511","rawCompany":"511","city":"Costa Mesa","state":"CA","isRemote":false,"isActive":false,"createdAt":"2026-05-11T21:56:50.932Z","occupations":[{"code":"17-2131.00","title":"Materials Engineers","slug":"materials-engineers"},{"code":"19-2032.00","title":"Materials Scientists","slug":"materials-scientists"},{"code":"27-1022.00","title":"Fashion Designers","slug":"fashion-designers"}],"industries":[{"code":"315990","title":"Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing","slug":"apparel-accessories-and-other-apparel-manufacturing"},{"code":"315250","title":"Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing (except Contractors)","slug":"cut-and-sew-apparel-manufacturing-except-contractors"},{"code":"339920","title":"Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing","slug":"sporting-and-athletic-goods-manufacturing"}],"jobPosting":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Materials Development Manager","description":"At 5.11, we design gear for those who live ready - for work, the outdoors, and everything in between. As our Materials Manager, you’ll lead fabric and trim development across categories, ensuring the materials we use are functional, durable, and ready for the demands of real-world use.\n\nThis role oversees the full development process - from early concept to production hand-off, with a focus on quality, consistency, and performance. You’ll work closely with product, design, sourcing, and vendor partners to guide materials from the idea stage to final execution. If you’re someone who thrives in a fast-moving environment, has a sharp eye for technical detail, and knows how to balance innovation with practical execution, this role offers a chance to make a lasting impact.\n\nWhat You’ll Do:\nMaterial Development & Innovation\nLead fabric and trim development across Apparel, Gear, Footwear, and Logowear.\nPartner with internal teams and mill vendors to bring new materials to life—balancing performance, cost, and sourcing strategies.\nStay current on material innovations and work with vendors to introduce relevant technologies.\nEnsure materials meet performance expectations through lab, garment, and wear testing.\n\nColor, Compliance & Standards\nOversee the color development process from selection to approval.\nEnsure all materials comply with applicable standards (NFPA, ANSI, EN, and country-specific regulations).\nTroubleshoot fabric issues with mills and ensure materials pass all required testing.\n\nProcess, Documentation & Tracking\nMaintain accurate material specs, test data, and commercialization status in PLM and internal trackers.\nCollaborate with sourcing and development teams to manage timelines and communicate material readiness across categories.\nConsolidate overlapping materials where possible to streamline development and reduce complexity.\nSupport ISO and internal documentation standards for materials.\n\nCross-Functional Support\nAct as a key technical resource for materials questions across product teams.\nJoin product meetings to align on material needs, risks, and development timelines.\nSupport special projects related to product innovation or team objectives.\n\nTeam & Vendor Management\nLead and mentor a small team of material developers.\nPartner with the HK sourcing team to ensure vendor performance and material quality.\nManage material budgets and support planning for seasonal and long-term development.\nTravel domestically and internationally as needed to support development and sourcing.\n\nWhat You’ll Bring:\nDegree in a related field or equivalent experience in material or fabric development.\n5+ years in technical fabric or trim development, preferably with a focus on high-performance or outdoor gear.\nStrong understanding of the end-to-end fabric lifecycle - from sourcing and dyeing to finishing and testing.\nFamiliarity with fabric testing standards and regulatory requirements.\nAbility to identify and resolve color discrepancies and construction issues.\nExperience working with PLM systems, Excel, and fabric documentation tools.\nExperience with hardline materials (plastics or composites) is a plus.\n\nPay Range: $100,000- $115,000 annually plus bonus based on experience\n5.11 Tactical offers a best-in-class benefits program including: medical, dental and vision insurance; a 401(k) program with employer match; employer-paid basic life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, employees can choose from several voluntary benefits including: Hospital Indemnity/Accident insurance; Flexible Spending Account/Health Saving Account; Employee Assistance Program; Paid Time Off/Paid Holidays/Sick Time; Casual Dress Code; and Employee Discounts.\n*If you are a regular full-time employee working at least 30 hours per week, you and your eligible dependents may participate in 5.11’s benefits program.*\n\nYou can find out what personal information we collect, correct any inaccuracies, or ask us to delete your personal information (with some exceptions). To check out our policy, click HERE (https://www.511tactical.com/company-info/prospective-employee-privacy-notice/). If you want to make a request about your personal data, CLICK HERE. (https://www.511tactical.com/company-info/california-privacy-security-terms-form/)\n\nEqual Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities\nThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.","datePosted":"2026-05-11T21:56:50.932Z","dateModified":"2026-05-11T21:56:50.932Z","hiringOrganization":{"@type":"Organization","name":"511","sameAs":"https://jobsearcher.com"},"jobLocation":{"@type":"Place","address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressLocality":"Costa Mesa","addressRegion":"CA","addressCountry":"US"}},"identifier":{"@type":"PropertyValue","name":"JobSearcher","value":"4812afebaa8670686455ba92"},"url":"https://jobsearcher.com/jobs/4812afebaa8670686455ba92"}}