Senior Materials Specialist - Tanning and Finishing

Job Description

MycoWorks is seeking a Senior Materials Specialist to support the downstream product development team in Spain. The role focuses on tanning and finishing processes that define the performance, quality, and aesthetics of Fine Mycelium™ materials. As a senior technical individual contributor, this role will collaborate closely with internal teams and tannery partners to validate process improvements, solve material challenges, and ensure that development efforts meet performance and customer expectations. The ideal candidate has a strong background in materials science, surface engineering, or leather finishing, and enjoys applying deep technical expertise to real-world manufacturing and product challenges.Role involves:

• Providing technical expertise on tanning, finishing, and surface treatment processes.
• Supporting experimental development, testing, and validation of downstream processes.
• Translating technical requirements into clear experimental plans.
• Partnering with Quality, Process Development, and Commercial teams to resolve technical issues.
• Analyzing and synthesizing experimental results into actionable recommendations.
• Helping prioritize technical development initiatives.
• Participating in technical reviews with external tannery partners.
• Maintaining documentation of experiments, process changes, and technical evaluations.
• Staying abreast of industry trends and best practices.
• Traveling occasionally to partner sites and internal production facilities.

Requirements:

• Master’s or PhD in Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Leather Technology, or a related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on experience in materials development, surface finishing, tanning, or polymer coatings.
• Strong understanding of material behavior during chemical and mechanical finishing processes.
• Experience working with leather, leather alternatives, or flexible composites is highly desirable.
• Proficient in experimental design, technical validation, and performance analysis.
• Comfortable working in cross-functional environments and with external manufacturing partners.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Fluent in English; Spanish proficiency strongly preferred; French is a plus.

Role offers:

• Competitive equity and benefits programs to support the health, well-being, and financial empowerment of all employees.