Textile Product Development Engineer at Circ

Circ's flexible technology is powering the clean closet and helping the fashion industry make monumental strides toward a truly circular eco-economy.   

We’ve pioneered a technology that can recycle polycotton — what the majority of our clothes are made of — into reusable fibers. In essence: our process takes textile waste and turns it into materials that your most beloved fashion labels can use for tomorrow’s clothes.   

Circ is a registered B Corp Company, named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and a finalist in the Earthshot Prize. We’re unafraid to tackle the hardest challenges and we set ambitious goals that ensure our hard work will make the maximum impact.    

Circ is seeking an experienced Textile Product Development Engineer with expertise in recycled materials and supply chain collaboration within textile manufacturing. This role is critical to advancing our sustainable textile initiatives, driving development in both natural and synthetic recycled fibers, and building strong supplier partnerships to drive material development in sustainable textile applications. 

The ideal candidate will bring in-depth knowledge of textile manufacturing processes, with specific experience in both polyester and man-made cellulosic fibers. 

*Must be based in the US, specifically on the East Coast, with willingness to travel frequently: : 

• Travel to the Danville, VA campus to visit the team on a regular basis. 

• U.S. travel and international travel to partner sites; could spend a week onsite with partners when traveling internationally. 

  

Responsibilities

Expertise in Synthetic and Man-Made Cellulosic Fibers:  

• Direct experience working with PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) chips, especially recycled PET. Ideal candidates can discuss the enhancement of PET materials, the transformation of polyester pellets into fibers, and a solid understanding of the complete fiber development process. 

• Experience with man-made cellulosic fibers, such as lyocell or viscose is highly valued, candidate should be able to discuss how to leverage these fibers’ unique properties and understand their application across different textile process to optimize sustainability, functionality and product quality.

Textile Supply Chain Collaboration: 

• Proven experience collaborating with spinning and weaving/knitting mills, with a strong understanding of processes like dyeing and fiber spinning. 

• Candidates should be able to describe coordination across mills, management of recycled materials, and strategies for maintaining quality throughout production. 

Supplier Relationship Building: 

• Build and sustain strong relationships with textile mills, oversee circular textile initiatives, and facilitate the onboarding of manufacturing partners to deliver sustainable textiles to brands. 

• As a representative of Circ’s technology, this role will help onboard new or support existing mill partners, ensuring alignment with material specifications and sustainable practices. 

Project Support and Material Integration: 

• Support projects using Circ recycled materials (e.g., Circ lyocell, Circ rPET, and various blends), overseeing trials with mills to ensure successful integration of Circ materials into production processes. 

• Collaborate with suppliers and manufacturing partners to increase their understanding of Circ’s PET chips, yarn samples, and other materials for successful product development outcomes. Note: This role does not involve scouting and sourcing materials. 

Technical Knowledge and Material Properties: 

• Demonstrate a strong technical understanding of material properties, including fiber and fabric development. Familiarity with terms like recycled polymers, cellulose fibers, spinning processes, and material innovation reflects desired technical depth. 

Process Optimization and Troubleshooting: 

• Identify and resolve production variances and work-in-process issues, with the ability to troubleshoot material quality and process issues in real time. 

Quality Standards and Problem-Solving: 

• Conduct research, testing, data gathering, and analysis across office, lab, or manufacturing settings to support Circ’s material and product development functions. 

• Coordinate R&D efforts in testing and characterizing materials, interpreting physical testing results, and evaluating both raw materials and finished products. 

Interdisciplinary Development Role: 

• This hands-on role requires curiosity and flexibility to engage across various disciplines within a collaborative environment. 

Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or Engineering. 

Technical Expertise: 

• Strong understanding of textile manufacturing processes, with specific knowledge of recycled PET materials, polymer spinning, man-made cellulosic fibers and fiber-to-fabric processes.  

• Familiarity with weaving, knitting, and textile construction techniques, particularly those involving recycled materials. 

• Knowledge of sustainable material sourcing practices and the ability to evaluate suppliers based on environmental and quality standards. 

• Experience with both polyester fibers and man-made cellulosic fibers. Familiarity with additional fabric construction techniques is a plus. 

• Experience in material characterization and performance assessment using design of experiments methodology. 

Project Management: 

• Proven track record of managing R&D projects with the ability to balance independent work and teamwork in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. 

• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively. 

Analytical Skills: 

• Proficiency in data analysis to monitor supply chain performance and make informed supplier and process decisions. 

Interpersonal and Communication Skills: 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a strong attention to detail and problem-solving abilities. 

Adaptability: 

• Willingness to travel frequently and adapt to diverse cultural environments. 

Why Join Circ? 

Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and contribute to a growing company 

Dynamic and collaborative work environment with a focus on innovation and creativity 

Competitive compensation and benefits package, including health insurance and retirement savings options 

Opportunities for professional development and growth 

Commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, with initiatives to support environmental conservation and community engagement  

Compensation and Benefits 

Circ stock options 

Unlimited PTO, an average of 14 company holidays, in addition to an extended end-of-year break 

Volunteer time off 

Competitive medical, dental and vision insurance 

Employer HSA contribution on certain plans 

Access to health benefits such as a monthly wellness stipend and TalkSpace membership 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Circ 

We believe an equitable and inclusive work environment and a diverse, empowered team are key to achieving our mission. We’re looking for candidates who can expand our culture and challenge business as usual. We strive to foster an environment where all team members can bring their whole selves to work, by their own definition, and we strive to provide all candidates with an equitable and accessible recruitment process.  

We provide equal employment opportunities to all team members and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics.  

In addition to federal law requirements, we comply with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.  

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.  

If we can offer accommodations for you in the recruitment process, or if you have feedback on how to make our recruiting more equitable or accessible, please let us know!