Job description

Overview 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. Responsibilities and Qualifications • 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 Closing 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. Pay Range $74,400.00 - $119,100.00 per year

Requirements

Must-haves

Responsibilities and Qualifications
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
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

Nice-to-haves

Experience and knowledge of testing and data acquisition software (such as ThermDAC, Instron, LabView, etc.) preferred
Test Fabrication - Experience operating fabrication shop equipment preferred

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Platform: jibe
Effort: medium