General Summary and Responsibilities: 

Cascade Designs Inc. is a major purchaser of textiles for the manufacture of outdoor, military and medical products. This new position will support all three divisions of CDI in the selection and use of textiles and related technologies. The position will have both operational and product development responsibilities for existing and new products. We are seeking an individual with excellent technical textile experience and the ability to think and communicate beyond the everyday. A large proportion of our textiles are coated, and previous experience or knowledge of coating technologies would be a plus. Since this is a new position, the role and responsibilities will evolve, and openness to change and new challenges is important together with leadership potential. The person in this position will have the opportunity to make a considerable contribution to CDI’s overall success.

Essential Functions:

• Work with the design and engineering teams to determine selection of the best textile product and technologies.
• Find and qualify new suppliers, domestically and internationally.  
• Establish and maintain business relationships with suppliers.
• Set expected quality standards and audit both current and new suppliers. 
• Stay abreast of new developments in the textile field, updating and recommending to CDI’s product developers and engineers.
• Provide textile technology expertise to new research and development projects, including drafting proposals for government funding.
• Develop textile material specifications that ensure field performance of CDI’s products.
• Work with Product Development, Engineering and QA staff in selecting appropriate textile test procedures, and in analyzing and interpreting the test results to evaluate the quality, safety and performance of materials in laboratory and field conditions.
• Work with Project Managers and Lab Coordinator to recommend best testing practices, and to prioritize and schedule product testing projects.
• Establish effective test plans and methods, including research of regulatory requirements for appropriate equipment and standards. 

Education/Certifications:  
Engineering or Chemistry B.S. with a textile focus and a significant pattern of professional, technical education.  A graduate technical degree is preferred.  Active association and involvement in the field required, professional registration is encouraged. 

Experience: 
This is a senior level engineering position requiring advanced knowledge in a particular field of engineering or scientific discipline along with a minimum of five years of progressive design engineering experience in a manufacturing or similar environment.  Experience in coordinating and supporting multiple, parallel development projects is preferred.   Background in all or any of industrial design, materials science, plastics, and light assembly/manufacturing would be very helpful.

How to apply: 
Jobs@cascadedesigns.com or http://www.cascadedesigns.com/about_us/employment.aspx