Darn Tough Vermont® · 1 month ago
Innovation Developer - Waterbury, VT
Waterbury, VT
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
$80K/yr - $90K/yr
5+ years expCabot Hosiery Mills is an American manufacturer of premium socks known for their comfort and durability. They are seeking an Innovation Developer to lead the development of prototypes and bring new ideas to life, focusing on the intersection of design, product development, and innovation.
ManufacturingTextiles
Responsibilities
Partner with the VP of Product and Innovation, Design Manager, and Product Development Manager to build prototypes that explore future-focused stitch constructions, machine capabilities, and new technologies
Stay informed and inspired by outdoor and sportswear trends, athlete needs, and emerging technologies that influence how people move and perform
Attend tradeshows, vendor meetings, and innovation workshops to scout new ideas and technologies that could elevate our products and processes
Collaborate closely with Product Developers and the Samples Team to evolve prototypes that align with design intent, brand direction, and functional goals
Lead fit sessions using live models to assess comfort, performance, and durability. Iterate based on wear trials and testing to refine every detail
Translate innovation into stories — partnering with design and marketing to connect technical advancements to brand narratives and business opportunities
Partner with Sourcing to identify and test new materials that drive innovation while supporting lean manufacturing, cost targets, and sustainability initiatives. (Experience with Merino wool and natural fibers is a plus.)
Work with the Sustainability Team to integrate responsible innovation that reduces impact while enhancing product longevity
Partner with quality, sourcing, vendors, and manufacturing to ensure technical feasibility, scalability, and production readiness
Offer expert guidance on materials and construction to support the transition from prototype to production
Manage timelines, milestones, and progress documentation to ensure projects stay on track
Communicate clearly and consistently with internal and external partners to maintain alignment from concept through commercialization
Perform other duties that advance innovation and reinforce our commitment to making the best socks in the world
Travel domestically and internationally as needed for innovation scouting and development
Qualification
Required
Proven ability to lead concept-to-prototype development with a focus on innovation, functionality, and manufacturing readiness
Portfolio demonstrating visionary thinking and hands-on execution — from exploratory concept work to finished prototypes
Advanced proficiency in CAD and comfort working between digital and physical prototyping environments
Exceptional storytelling and visualization skills to bring early ideas to life for a variety of audiences
Deep understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and knit construction — both traditional and experimental
Hands-on experience with sampling, measuring, taping, and iterative prototyping
Strong written, visual, and verbal communication skills; adept at building cross-functional relationships to bring ideas to life
Solid command of Illustrator, Photoshop, PLM, and Microsoft products
Passion for outdoor activity — whether hiking, running, skiing, or snowboarding — and an understanding of product performance in real-world environments
Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as Apparel/Fashion Design, Industrial Design, or Textile Sciences
Alternative to Education qualification: A Bachelor's degree in any discipline combined with a thorough global knowledge base and work experience in soft goods product innovation, development, or manufacturing
5+ years of experience in soft goods apparel/accessories or industrial design, with a strong focus on innovation, merging materials, or advanced manufacturing
Preferred
Experience with Merino wool and natural fibers is a plus
A focus on sock and hosiery preferred
Company
Darn Tough Vermont®
The Cabot family has been in the hosiery business for 3 generations.
201-500 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Angelica Taylor, CMA, CSCA
Chief Operating Officer
Recent News
vermontbiz.com
2025-09-15
Business Insider
2025-04-17
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