Textile, leather and footwear researcher
Also known as: textile and leather researcher, textile, leather technologist, textile, leather and footwear research worker, textile, leather and footwear research analyst, textile and clothing researcher, clothing and apparel researcher
About this occupation
Textile, leather and footwear researchers combine knowledge of material sciences, chemistry, physics, process technologies, management, and engineering to contribute to future innovations within the fields of textile, wearing apparel, leather, and footwear. They collaborate in multidisciplinary projects in order to combine findings from a diverse array of science fields for product development.
Essential skills and knowledge
- use textile finishing machine technologies
- conduct research on trends in design
- chemistry
- challenging issues in the textile industry
- test physical properties of textiles
- measure yarn count
- distinguish fabrics
- manage scale-up experiments for manufacturing of products
- distinguish accessories
- maintain work standards
- monitor textile manufacturing developments
- health and safety in the textile industry
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Mechatronics Engineers (O*NET 17-2199.05). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Create mechanical design documents for parts, assemblies, or finished products.
- Design advanced precision equipment for accurate or controlled applications.
- Design engineering systems for the automation of industrial tasks.
- Implement or test design solutions.
- Maintain technical project files.
- Identify materials appropriate for mechatronic system designs.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Critical Thinking, Active Listening
US median pay: US$122,930 a year (2025), 154,070 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (4.5)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.3)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.1)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.9)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsImportant (3.3)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Robotics Technicians
- Robotics Engineers
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
- Mechanical Engineers
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Microsystems Engineers
- Electrical Engineers
- Software Developers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.