Expression of Interest: Senior Wearable Textile Engineer (Defense Systems)

United States
Type: Full time
Register Interest

Sentient Shield is currently accepting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for this role to build our talent pipeline for upcoming defense contract phases. We are not actively hiring for an immediate start but welcome qualified candidates to submit their credentials for future consideration.

About Sentient Shield

Sentient Shield was born from a singular goal: to ensure that those who go into harm's way return home stronger. By combining Humanics-focused engineering with next-generation material science, we are empowering the modern soldier to move faster, stay longer, and survive the unsurvivable.

Job Overview

We are seeking a Senior Wearable Textile Engineer to lead the structural design, material selection, and fabrication of load-bearing soft exoskeleton chassis systems. In this role, you will develop advanced technical textiles and smart fabrics that interface directly with the soldier. Your designs must balance extreme load distribution, thermal regulation, and high durability under harsh military conditions.

Key Responsibilities

  • Textile Architecture: Lead the end-to-end design of soft exoskeleton suits, load-bearing harnesses, and performance apparel interfaces.

  • Material Selection: Source and evaluate high-performance fibers, polymers, and smart fabrics optimized for abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and moisture management.

  • Load Distribution: Design patterns and load paths that comfortably transfer mechanical actuation forces to the human body without causing pressure points or skin shear.

  • Prototype Fabrication: Utilize advanced prototyping techniques, including industrial sewing, ultrasonic welding, bonded seams, and 3D knitting.

  • On-Site Field Trials: Participate in live testing protocols at military installations to evaluate textile wear, comfort, and structural degradation in the field.

  • Military Ruggedization: Ensure all soft goods meet military specifications for flame resistance, environmental exposure (MIL-STD-810), and chemical resistance.

Required Qualifications

  • Citizenship & Compliance: Must be a U.S. citizen or a national of a NATO alliance country.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Must meet all criteria to maintain compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

  • Travel Availability: Ability and willingness to travel to military installations and remote testing sites for field trials.

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Textile Engineering, Materials Science, Apparel Design, or a related engineering discipline.

  • Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of experience developing technical textiles, high-performance sports apparel, body armor, or wearable robotics interfaces.

  • Patterning & CAD: Proficiency in 2D/3D apparel CAD software (e.g., Optitex, Clo3D, Browzwear, or Gerber) and traditional pattern making.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sentient Shield is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations.

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