Textile Innovator I

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 with textiles and is best suited for those able to work independently with limited oversight while remaining highly collaborative. Comfort working with different textile fabrication technologies, computerized textile machinery, and openness to working with non-traditional textile materials are necessary for success in this role.

The Textile Innovator I 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. Duties include research, design ideation, sample construction/production, and textile fabrication using computer-controlled textile machinery. This individual will participate in internal and external project meetings, assist in developing progress updates and reports, and support the Innovation Team with design projects, experimentation and fabrication using computerized textile machinery. This role is for makers and tinkerers comfortable working directly with textile machinery and looking to broaden or deepen your experience with different fabrication methods.

Essential Functions

• * Support and assist Innovation Team with design projects, experimentation, and fabrication using computerized textile machinery and other approaches
• * Creating and visualizing ideas to produce designs by hand or using CAD software.
• * Research related to project work.
• * Assist in writing presentations and progress reports for funders and stakeholders, facilitating meetings and making presentations.
• * Assist in maintenance of equipment and manufacturing space.
• * Additional duties and assignments as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of Bachelor's Degree in Design-related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience.
  
  
  
  • Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information.
  
  
  
  
• Minimum of 6-12 months of relevant professional textile fabrication or design experience; or equivalent combination of related experience, education, and training.
• Experience with design or CAD software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, Autodesk, Solidworks, etc.
• A flexible approach to new design concepts.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to listen to and communicate with differing stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• 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

• Bachelor's degree in design-related field and 1 year of relevant professional textile fabrication or design experience; or equivalent combination of related experience, education, and training.
• Specialized textile and soft goods prototyping skills like computer-controlled knitting, weaving, embroidery, pattern making, apparel constructions, cut and sew methods, and other skills.

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 K. Compensation for this grade ranges from $54,630.00 - $81,940.00 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.