Textile Engineer II

Description

Springs Window Fashions is hiring for a Textile Engineer II at our Corporate Headquarters in the Madison, WI area.

This is an onsite role, remote work is not an option

Company Overview

Springs Window Fashions is a leader in the custom window treatment industry since 1939. Headquartered in Middleton WI, we have 7,000 associates with locations in North America, Europe, and Asia.  Our custom window treatments are available under the Bali, Graber, SunSetter and Mecho brands in nearly every major retailer, in thousands of designer showrooms, and showcased in large commercial buildings.

Our company has made significant investments to become a leader in product innovation.  As North America’s premier window covering company, we’re committed to creating a “Best Experience” for our consumers, channel partners and associates.  We are bringing new innovations to the market at an accelerated pace and have a variety of offerings to consumers who want to improve their home décor. 

Job Summary

Responsible for supporting the assigned product line(s). This includes support of the quality team, manufacturing and product launch qualification related to textiles and improving existing products/processes. This is successfully accomplished by understanding, accurately specifying, and adhering to customer requirements, utilizing, and applying quality tools and methods and pursuing continuous improvement in all aspects of product and process design.

Product responsibilities may include multiple product categories across the SWF Portfolio of brands. The associate will plan and manage textile process and product related design, validation activities and support on-going run the business activities. This position reports to the Textile Engineering Supervisor.

Responsibilities

Product and Process Specifications – 25%

• Assists in establishing and maintaining textile specifications for all textile products to produce the highest level of quality in the final product
• Assists in establishing and maintaining product specific textile documentation
• Assists in developing written procedures in the form of SOP
• Develop and maintain relationship with key suppliers
• Recommend and assist in the development of new testing methods to characterize fabric attributes to determine performance predictability

Problem Solving and Quality Improvement – 35%

• Provide technical support to determine root-cause of on-going textile quality issues
• Provide technical support for cost-saving and quality improvement projects
• Work with current suppliers to develop and improve existing products and processes, striving to reduce cost and waste
• Take the lead on textile testing and qualification resulting from a new supplier or supplier material change

New Product Introduction – 30%

• Working closely with the TE development lead or Product Manager, review new fabric development submits.
• Lead qualification trials for new textile collections with support from Textile Engineer III or Textile Engineering Supervisor.
• Coordinate all textile qualification activities through the TR 3 process with support from Sr. Textile Engineers or Textile Engineering Supervisor.
• Develop trial plan
• List of testing requirements
• Fabric quantities
• Build list/matrix
• Work with the project team to establish timelines and set milestones for textile qualification projects
• Develop build list, track performance of each material and provide feedback to suppliers
• Work with the manufacturing team to evaluate manufacturing feedback of trial materials
• Works with suppliers to improve textile performance on trial materials
• Conduct or direct lab testing required for the qualification and adoption of textiles into the portfolio
• Establish textile specification for new materials/new suppliers. Work with Supplier and the Procurement team on specification agreement and sign-off
• Prepares project summary, gathers documentation, plans activities, and conducts technical review presentation
• Provides Product Engineering with textile technical data
• Present conclusions and recommendations for new textile additions into a program.
• Provide risk analysis and technical review documentation for textile qualification projects
• Supports the manufacturing team in process validation related to new textile introduction
• Provide support to lab technicians for required project testing

Administration and Other – 10%

• Document in writing all projects, studies, and work assignments and their outcomes to provide accurate and complete information for future reference  
• Stay abreast of all current and new technology in continuous textile processing. Review trade magazines and periodicals, attend technical conferences, and meet with supplier technical reps.
• As required, maintain records in an orderly fashion and analyze production and/or quality data as appropriate. Assist in providing regular reports to stakeholders as appropriate.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor Degree in Chemical or Textile Engineering is required along with strong industrial experience with non-wovens textiles.
• 5 years of practical manufacturing and engineering experience in designing and improving manufacturing processes involving textiles.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Skills Needed:

• General computer skills Excel, MS Word, PowerPoint, Smartsheet or similar project management software.
• Data collection and management of database.
• Strong general math skills (add, subtract, multiply, divide, percentages, fractions, metric conversions, algebra, and geometry)
• Good interpersonal skills
• Good analytical and problem solving skills including statistical analysis.
• Good knowledge of DOE and problem-solving techniques.
• Good communication skills (verbal, written)
• Technical Writing
• Preparing Samples for Testing and Analysis
• Knowledge of fabrics, including wovens, knits, and nonwovens.
• Basic knowledge of textile manufacturing, weaving, nonwoven formation, finishing and coating processes. 
• Manage work according to established project timelines.
• Knowledge and application of engineering principles.
• Strong understanding of color assessment and measurement.
• Basic knowledge of textile testing and performance characteristics.
• Ability to work in a cross-functional team.
• Ability to take individually responsibility for their results and drive their work forward.