Fabric Engineer

About the role

Target is seeking a Fabric Engineer to partner with cross‑functional teams and global suppliers to develop and commercialize fabrics for its apparel categories. The role involves managing mill‑level activities, ensuring technical specifications are met, and delivering on quality, performance, cost and schedule requirements.

Key responsibilities

• Lead fabric development from concept through commercialization for assigned apparel categories.
• Collaborate with raw‑material suppliers and product vendors to create fabrics that meet trend, aesthetic, quality, performance, cost and delivery goals.
• Translate brand, design and business needs into clear technical specifications for mills and vendors.
• Conduct mill trials for critical samples, special structures, finishes and new technologies, evaluate results and recommend next steps.
• Interpret physical and textile testing reports and communicate their impact on product performance.
• Troubleshoot technical issues on‑site during development and production while maintaining ownership of timelines and approvals.

Required profile

• Strong expertise in fabric engineering, including fiber science, yarn spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing, finishing, washing and textile testing protocols.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and working with cross‑functional teams.
• Ability to create and validate raw‑material technical specifications and approve processes.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of industry trends, manufacturing technologies and regulatory standards.

Required skills

• Fiber science
• Yarn spinning
• Weaving
• Knitting
• Dyeing
• Finishing
• Washing
• Textile testing protocols
• Fabric development
• Mill trial execution
• Technical specification creation