Apparel Test Engineer

REI Co-op is united around discovering, building and celebrating better ways of working in this world, all so that folks can find and pursue a love of the outdoors. As a Test Engineer, you will be responsible for ensuring products perform as intended to deliver exceptional experiences for our customers. When you work for the co-op, you do your best work with the support to live your best life. And you play a part in shaping the future of the outdoors, for people and our planet.

• Determine appropriate testing for apparel and softgoods; research, design and execute formal test plans
• In partnership with the Test Engineering team, establish test requirements for acceptable performance of materials, sub-assemblies, and whole products
• Direct the efforts of outside testing labs to ensure adherence to industry and internal standards
• Design and iterate sketches, drawings, specifications, models and working prototypes to develop new test methods in the absence of standardized test methods
• Organize, update, and share internal procedures and standard test methods
• Maintain the lab, including ensuring timely equipment calibration and maintenance
• Keep informed of the latest developments in the field by reading trade journals, communicating with industry peers, and attending appropriate meetings and/or trade shows

Qualifications

• 4-year degree in Engineering or related field
• 3+ years in a similar position
• Strong knowledge of relevant testing practices, procedures, and equipment
• Product Knowledge – Understanding of construction and quality of apparel, tents, packs, bags and other sewn products in general
• Materials Knowledge – Familiar with relevant materials and their respective properties
• Problem Solving - Effectively analyzing all aspects of a problem, gathering necessary data, consulting others, making an informed decision and communicating it to the appropriate people
• Technical Aptitude - Ability to perform professional testing assignments of wide variety and complexity
• Fostering Innovation - looking beyond the norm to develop new practices and embrace necessary change
• Effective Communication – analyze and interpret test data, provide clear communication to internal and external customers
• Experience and knowledge of testing and data acquisition software (such as ThermDAC, Instron, LabView, etc.) preferred
• Test Fabrication - Experience operating fabrication shop equipment preferred

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity – that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.  

Pay Transparency 

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.   

REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off.  Click here for a detailed overview of benefits plans by employee profile.