Apparel Product Development Engineer/ Designer

Department: Support Business Unit (Performance Sportswear & Intimates Apparel)Reports to: Project Manager within Support BUAbout RHEON LabsRHEON Labs is an ingredient technology company that develops patented strain-rate-sensitive polymer technologies designed to improve comfort, support, protection, and performance. Our materials are integrated into products used by some of the world's leading sportswear, apparel, and protective equipment brands.The Support Business Unit specialises in the integration of RHEON™ technology into performance sportswear, working directly with global brands, garment manufacturers, and material suppliers to develop commercially viable products that deliver measurable performance benefits.Role OverviewWe are seeking a Product Developer / Designer to support the development and commercialisation of RHEON™-enabled performance sportswear and intimate apparel. This role combines product design, technical development, testing, customer engagement, and manufacturing support, taking projects from initial concept through to production.Working closely with leading sportswear brands, garment manufacturers, athletes, universities, and internal teams, you will play a key role in developing products such as sports bras, running tights, shorts, base layers, and other performance apparel that integrate RHEON™ technology.The role requires a combination of technical product development and creative communication skills, including the ability to generate visually compelling concepts, presentations and design narratives that help global sportswear brands visualise how RHEON™ technology can be integrated into future products.Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Development & DesignGenerate product concepts, CAD designs, prototypes, patterns, and technical specificationsTranslate customer requirements, brand design language, and performance objectives into commercially viable product solutions.Support wear-testing programmes, fit trials, product evaluations, and iterative design improvements.Work closely with garment manufacturers and material suppliers to optimise product integration and production readiness.Customer & Partner DevelopmentCollaborate directly with sportswear brands throughout the product development process.Participate in customer meetings, workshops, presentations, and development reviews.Support new product opportunities by proposing innovative applications of RHEON™ technology across sportswear categories.Build strong working relationships with brand design, development, innovation, and sourcing teams.Testing & ValidationDesign and coordinate testing programmes with internal teams, external laboratories, universities, athletes, and brand partners.Translate biomechanical testing, wear-test feedback, and research findings into actionable development improvements.Support the generation of evidence demonstrating the benefits of RHEON™ technology within sportswear applications.Manufacturing & CommercialisationWork closely with Tier 1 garment manufacturers and supply-chain partners to ensure successful product integration.Support product onboarding, manufacturing trials, process refinement, and production scale-up activities.Troubleshoot technical, manufacturing, and product performance issues throughout development and production.Business Growth & Innovation·      Support customer-facing innovation and concept development by creating presentation materials, visual concepts and design narratives that integrate customer brand language, consumer insights and RHEON™ technology opportunities into compelling product proposals.Support technical aspects of commercial proposals, Statements of Work, and development agreements.Skills & ExperienceEssentialDegree in Product Design, Sports Product Design, Industrial Design, Apparel Technology, Engineering, Sports Technology, or a related discipline.Experience developing products from concept through to production.Strong CAD, prototyping, and product development skills (RHINO, Grasshopper)Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Ability to work across design, testing, manufacturing, and commercial teams.Strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail.DesirableExperience within performance sportswear, apparel, footwear, or wearable products.Knowledge of biomechanics, human performance, athlete testing, or apparel construction.Experience working with garment manufacturers, material suppliers, or global supply chains.Familiarity with sports bra, running apparel, compression garment, or base-layer development.What Success Looks LikeSuccessful delivery of development projects with leading apparel brands.Commercial launch of RHEON™-enabled performance apparel products.Strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and manufacturing partners.Growth of both product and development revenue through successful programme execution.Expansion of RHEON™ technology adoption across the global performance sportswear market.This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of material science, sport, product design, and innovation - helping some of the world's leading brands bring next-generation performance apparel to market.Applications close Wednesday 29th July.