Product Development Intern (Fiber-to-Garment)

Location: San Leandro, CA (on-site)

Type: Internship (2 months, extension possible)

Pay: $25/hour

About Supercarb

Supercarb develops sustainable, high-performance fibers by converting industrial biopolymer waste streams into next-generation materials for apparel and beyond. We move fast, stay scrappy, and focus on results—solving hard problems to reimagine the future of textiles. We work with leading fashion brands that you love and own.

What You’ll Do

You’ll help take a garment concept from first prototype through production-ready specs—working across materials, design, prototyping, and sourcing. This is a hands-on role with real ownership and high pace.

Responsibilities

• Own development of a garment concept tied to a specific sports/use-case problem (performance + user need).
• Identify and vet Tier 1 & Tier 2 partners (fabric/yarn/fiber, trims, cut-and-sew): request quotes, confirm capabilities, MOQs, lead times, and select suppliers optimized for speed and small runs.
• Create production-ready tech packs/tech specs for manufacturers (construction, BOM, measurements, grading guidance, seam types, trims, labels, packaging).
• Prototype and iterate: cut-and-sew samples (or coordinate local sampling), run fit sessions, collect feedback from beta users, and refine fit, seam lines, and functionality.
• Support material selection and development (fiber/yarn/fabric construction, hand feel, durability, performance).
• Track trends and benchmark leading brands/products; use AI/ML tools to research assortment, positioning, and go-to-market signals (sales channels, distribution, pricing, storytelling).
• Assist with launch readiness: product naming, basic branding/story, and generating web-ready visuals using AI tools.

Qualifications

Required

• Master’s in Apparel Product Development / Apparel Design & Production or equivalent experience
• Currently enrolled student or recent graduate (within 6 months) with active .edu email access.
• Strong understanding of fibers/yarns/fabrics and garment construction.
• A deep expertise and understanding of fit, patternmaking, grading, technical construction, costing, and fabrics.
• Experience building tech packs and communicating with factories/suppliers.
• Familiarity with apparel sourcing and manufacturing workflows (MOQ/lead time, trims, BOMs, sampling cycles).
• Proficiency with at least some of: Adobe Illustrator (flats/tech packs), CLO 3D / Browzwear (virtual prototyping), Optitex (pattern-making) or equivalent tools.
• High ownership, speed, and comfort working in an early-stage startup environment (not a strict 9–5 role).

Preferred

• Hands-on cut-and-sew/patterning ability (local prototyping).
• Prior internship or industry experience in product development/design—ideally with performance brands (e.g., Nike, adidas, Lululemon) or comparable.
• Knowledge of performance apparel testing considerations (fit, abrasion, pilling, stretch/recovery, moisture management).
• Ability to source small-run partners and manage multiple vendor threads in parallel.
• Portfolio of technical apparel products developed in the past.

Logistics / Mandatory Notes

• On-site in San Leandro, CA.
• No relocation support.
• Initial 2-month internship with potential extension based on performance.