Apparel Quality Engineer

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:

This role involves overseeing quality control for New Balance's Western Hemisphere factories, including those in the US and Central America. Key responsibilities include developing strong relationships with the supply base, technical design, and global sourcing teams, enforcing and adapting global apparel standards, and acting as a liaison to resolve quality issues. The position requires regular factory visits, training suppliers and factory workers on inspection standards, and maintaining quality and vendor performance records. Additionally, the role involves inspecting products, investigating consumer complaints, engineering sustainable solutions, and supporting development and technical design teams to ensure best practices in garment construction.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Understand and enforce New Balance global apparel standards and procedures, modifying them as necessary according to region and aligning with our Global QC.

• Partner with development and technical design team members to execute best construction practices and factory execution of sampling.

• Keep team members informed of any issues during in-line inspection that may alter production plans.

• Lead root cause investigations (8D's and DMAIC) and ensure corrective action plans are implemented when standards have not been met by our factories.

• Maintain quality records and vendor performance records monthly.

• Support the creation of standardized quality documentation including policies, procedures, and best practices.

• Inspect TOP's from Western Hemisphere factories, log any findings, and communicate them to factories.

• Investigate and resolve market and consumer complaints and returns under the QIR process and follow up with 8D's and corrective action plans.

• Review failed testing from factories with internal teams and communicate back to factories our approval or action plan.

• Internally inspect Tier 1 Athlete on-court apparel and NB Team sizers.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor's degree in textiles, quality, engineering, or relevant work experience in a quality, technical apparel, or manufacturing field.

• Experience or training in total quality management, Six Sigma, LEAN beneficial.

• Sewing and measuring skills; garment knowledge.

• Patternmaking experience preferred.

Regular Associate Benefits

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks - opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs - that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You'll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword - it's part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced "Work from Anywhere" (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates and takes affirmative action to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran.