Product Developer

Company Overview

FutureStitch is a fully vertical sock and apparel manufacturer that believes business should be a force for good. We are the creators behind the world's most beloved sock and circular-knit products, including collaborations with Stance, New Balance, NBA, MLB, Vuori, and Norda. What sets us apart is our commitment to innovation—from our research lab at MIT to our state-of-the-art Oceanside, CA factory that employs second-chance hires. Recognized as one of the world's most advanced knitting manufacturers, we operate through our core values of Mastery, Adaptability, Gratitude, Inclusivity, and Curiosity (MAGIC).

Mission:

To develop the next generation of apparel and first layer products that feel as good as they perform – engineered with purpose, designed with emotion, and made responsibly for the planet.

At FutureStitch, we merge craft and technology to create beautiful, functional products that empower movement, self-expression, and connection. From socks to base layers, every stitch tells a story of innovation, collaboration, and impact.

Our product developers are builders, storytellers, and problem solvers- people who thrive at the intersection of design, performance, and sustainability. They push boundaries, move fast, and turn creative chaos into purposeful progress.

Key Characteristics
:

• Detail Oriented
• Entrepreneurial
• Collaborative
• Creative Problem Solver
• Analytical
• Organized
• Direct
• Driven

Roles
:

• Partner with Design and Merchandising to ideate, develop, and commercialize apparel and first layer products that meet aesthetic, functional, and performance goals.
• Research and evaluate new materials, yarns, and manufacturing processes to push boundaries in comfort, performance, and sustainability for apparel and first layer products.
• Conduct detailed reviews of samples and prototypes to ensure fit, quality, construction, and performance standards are met.
• Ensure development milestones are met on schedule
• Develop comprehensive tech packs and maintain detailed product documentation for both innovation and inline apparel development.
• Collaborate with mills, factories, and suppliers to drive innovation and maintain excellence in materials, construction, and finishing.
• Research competition, and marketplace strategies to identify trends, category performance, competitive threats, and opportunities to support business decisions.
• Support the development of testing protocols specific to apparel and first layer performance
• Develop and execute testing protocols for product samples ensuring they have at least 3 points of excellence.
• Responsible for cost analysis and maintaining project budgets
• Support ad hoc projects and tasks as needed across departments

Performance Measurements
:

• Number of new apparel and first layer concepts developed
• Prototype approval rate and turnaround efficiency
• Fit & quality consistency across categories
• Patent applications filed
• On-time project completion rate
• Commercial adoption rate of new innovations

Required Qualifications
:

• Experience in apparel or first layer product creation (underwear, bralettes, base layers, or related)
• Deep understanding of materials, construction methods and performance attributes for apparel and first layer garments
• Familiarity with fit standards, technical patterning, and garment testing protocols
• Degree in apparel, textiles, or product development (or equivalent experience)
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator
• Proven track record of bringing innovative, high quality apparel products to market

Nice to Have:

• Experience in the seamless, or performance apparel industries

Quarterly Objectives:

Q4 2025
:

• Align with cross functional teams on current apparel and first layer pipelines
• Develop and deliver at least 3 new innovation based apparel or first layer product concepts
• Launch formal testing protocol with defined 3 points of excellence benchmarks; apply to all new prototypes
• Audit and organize material library; identify at least 3 new fabrics, yarns, or technologies for testing
• Contribute to product development for new FutureStitch brand launch

Q1 2026:

• Lead at least 2 material or process tests using new yarns or techniques
• Improve prototyping turnaround time by 15% through better vendor coordination
• File at least 1 provisional patent or submit for IP review
• Support launch of new apparel and first layer product categories

Q2 2026

• Partner with sales and product teams to position at least 2 apparel or first layer innovations for commercial rollout
• Develop and deliver at least 3 new product concepts with defined testing validation
• Research and propose future category expansion opportunities based on market insights and partner needs