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Textile Colorist

W. L. Gore & Associates · Elkton, MDtoday
$75k – $80kfrom the posting

BS-level Quality / Testing roles on Crosslinked list a median of $110k (203 that show pay).

Provide color analysis and shade approval for GORE-TEX and SITKA fabrics from sample development to bulk production.

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Worth knowing

Why it is interesting. Color authority for GORE-TEX and SITKA outdoor performance fabrics, with a shade lab and digital color systems.

Might not be for you. Color approval and vendor coordination role, not polymer R&D; requires passing a hue discrimination test.

Bench and deskDeep specialist BS acceptable

Adjacent materials roleKnowledge of color across fibers, fabric constructions, dyes, finishes and washes; evaluating lab dips, strike-offs and production shade testing in shade lab

Seniority
Mid-level
Work
On-site
Type
Full-time
Degree
BS
Experience
2+ yrs
Industry
Consumer goods
Role
Quality / Testing
Materials
textile fabricsdyes7 roles
Techniques
Farnsworth Munsell 100 hue test1 rolelab dip evaluationstrike-off reviewshade testing

Role details

Job Description

Textile Colorist

Req Id: 2379

State/Province: Maryland

City: Elkton

Business: Gore Fabrics

Category: Sales & Marketing

Sub-Category: Sales

Experience Level: Experienced

Work Arrangement: On-site

Posting Start Date: 10/15/26

Posting End Date: 10/30/26

About the Role

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We are looking for a motivated and passionate Textile Colorist to join our Fabrics Organization in Elkton MD. In this role, you will work closely with cross functional teams to provide color expertise ensuring robust shade quality for our SITKA and GORE-TEX® product portfolio. The color and shade capabilities provided by this role are critical in enabling our products to meet customers and end-user needs to ensure our gear provides protection and comfort in the toughest conditions.

The ideal candidate will possess high color acuity, strong interpersonal communication skills both internally and externally, and project management skills to meet the technical color demands of the business and marketplace.

This position will be located at our facility in Elkton, Maryland , with the possibility of a hybrid work arrangement.

Pay and Benefits

  • $75,000 - $80,000 per year
  • Factors considered in extending an offer within this pay range include (but not limited to) education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
  • Medical, Dental and Vision benefits effective on Day 1 of employment! We offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive benefits. More details are available at www.gore.com/careers/benefits

Responsibilities

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  • Responsible for providing accurate color analysis from sample development to bulk production
  • Collaborate with CAD, Fabric teams on print colors, layout and strike-off comments
  • Maintain accurate approval records to monitor multiple fabrications to ensure consistency of color within garments as well as seasonal color palette to meet product development milestones and calendar due dates
  • Communicate approval, correction and rejection as necessary within calendar timeline to fabric vendors and factories overseas to meet product development milestones and calendar due dates
  • Maintain seasonal color reference library for lap dips and bulk swatches
  • Support daily shade lab activities such as Production Shade Testing and Visual Review
  • Liaison for customer and supplier communication
  • New customer and new vendor onboarding
  • Cross functional interaction (IS, Planning, QA, sourcing, PDM)

Required Qualifications

---------------------------

  • Bachelor’s degree in Textile Design, Textile Science, Fashion or related discipline
  • Minimum 2 years of experience in color development
  • Must achieve a superior rating on the Farnsworth Munsell 100 hue test post interview
  • Strong knowledge of color theory, color evaluation, and factors that influence color across fibers, fabric constructions, dyes, finishes and washes
  • Experience reviewing and evaluating lab dips, strike-offs, and color submissions against established standards
  • Excellent organizational skills required
  • Must be familiar with Outlook, PLM platforms, Equipment Software – IQ color systems
  • Experience with digital color management systems such as COLORFLOW®
  • Work both independently and as part of a team
  • Ability to travel 5%

This position requires access to export-controlled areas and information. Candidates must be "U.S. persons" as that term is defined in 8 USC §1324b(a)(3). The term "U.S. persons" includes US citizens, resident aliens ("green-card" holders) as well as certain refugees, asylum-holders and residents qualifying for temporary residence under the terms of 8 USC §1255a.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement in the country from which the Associate is employed. Eligibility is dependent on the responsibilities of the role and business needs, and the Associate must agree to comply with Gore’s work arrangement policies.

Desired Qualifications

--------------------------

  • Brand experience is highly desirable
  • Color development experience in apparel textiles or fabric R&D is preferred

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Common questions

What is the salary for the Textile Colorist role at W. L. Gore & Associates?

The listed annual base salary range is $75K–$80K. This figure is taken from the posting itself.

Does W. L. Gore & Associates sponsor H-1B visas?

W. L. Gore & Associates has filed H-1B petitions with the US Department of Labor in past years, but this specific posting does not explicitly mention sponsorship for the Textile Colorist role. Confirm with the employer before applying if visa support is required.

Where is the Textile Colorist role at W. L. Gore & Associates based?

This role is based in Elkton, MD.

What degree is required for the Textile Colorist role at W. L. Gore & Associates?

This role requires a BS.

How many years of experience does this Textile Colorist role require?

The posting calls for at least 2 years of relevant experience.

What polymers or materials does this Textile Colorist role work with?

textile fabrics, dyes.

What techniques or methods are required for this Textile Colorist role?

Farnsworth Munsell 100 hue test, lab dip evaluation, strike-off review, shade testing.