Product Developer – FS x New Balance

Company Overview:

FutureStitch is a fully-vertical circular manufacturer that believes business should be a force for good. We are the creators behind some of the world’s most beloved sock and circular-knit products, including those for Stance, New Balance, the NBA, and MLB. What sets us apart is our relentless pursuit of innovation—from our lab at MIT to our Oceanside factory that employs second-chance hires, FutureStitch is recognized as one of the most advanced knitting manufacturers in the world.

In 2026, FutureStitch will launch a global base layer collection for New Balance and unveil a groundbreaking new brands: SECONDS

SECONDS is a regenerative design collective built on the power of second chances—for both people and the planet. We transform waste into feedstock through advanced recycling and circular manufacturing technologies, creating apparel and accessories that merge craftsmanship, performance, and sustainability. Our global network of creative directors from high fashion and visionary technologists collaborates across multiple categories to build systems of renewal—products that don’t just look good but do good, redefining how beauty and utility emerge from what was once discarded.

As we expand from high-quality socks into full apparel categories, we are looking for a Supply Chain Manager who thrives in dynamic, hands-on environments and shares our passion for excellence and purpose-driven product.

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

Quarterly Objectives:

Q1 2026:

• 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 SECONDS

Q2 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

Q3 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

Key Characteristics:

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