Senior Textile Engineer / Fabric R&D Consultant — Medical Scrubwear (Havar)

ABOUT HAVAR Havar is a healthcare apparel brand being built for India's medical professionals — doctors, PG residents, dentists, veterinary professionals, and allied healthcare workers. We are developing high-performance medical scrubwear that combines comfort during long shifts, functional utility, professional appearance, and durability — at a price point that offers genuine value over existing options in the Indian market. We are targeting a soft launch by August 2026 and are now building our core product development team. --- ROLE OVERVIEW We are looking for an experienced Senior Textile Engineer or Fabric R&D Consultant to lead the technical fabric research, evaluation, and recommendation for Havar's scrubwear line. This is not a generic research role. We need someone who can combine textile science, fabric engineering, performance testing knowledge, and sourcing expertise to recommend the most suitable fabric platform for Indian healthcare professionals across different geographies and climate zones. The output of this engagement will directly feed into our fabric sourcing, prototype development, and production specifications. --- SCOPE OF WORK Phase 1 — Fibre Science & Fabric Engineering • Comparative study of fibres suitable for medical scrubwear — cotton variants (Indian, Supima, Pima, ELS, organic), regenerated fibres (Modal, MicroModal, TENCEL™, Lyocell, Viscose), and synthetic fibres (polyester, recycled polyester, nylon, spandex) • Evaluation of fabric constructions — woven vs knit, twill, poplin, ripstop, jersey, interlock, mechanical stretch, and Lycra blends • Recommendation of ideal GSM range, yarn count, fabric construction, stretch characteristics, opacity, drape, and durability for Indian conditions Phase 2 — Performance Finishes • Research and recommend suitable finishes — moisture wicking, antimicrobial (including silver ion technology), odour control, soil release, stain resistance, anti-static, easy-care, wrinkle resistance, and UV protection • Evaluate wash durability of finishes after 50–100 wash cycles • Assess commercial feasibility and cost impact of each finish Phase 3 — Human Comfort & Scientific Research • Evidence-based literature review on fabric interaction with the human body for healthcare professionals on long shifts (12–36 hours) • Evaluate thermal comfort, moisture management, skin health, mobility, and hygiene across fabric types • Compare 100% cotton, polyester-cotton, polyester-viscose, TENCEL™, Modal, bamboo, organic cotton, Supima, and recycled polyester • Support findings with scientific literature, textile research papers, and industry standards Phase 4 — India Climate & Geography Mapping • Map fabric weight, construction, and composition recommendations to Indian climate zones — North (dry heat / cold winters), South (hot and humid), East (high humidity), West (mixed), Metro vs Tier 2/3 • Recommend specific GSM ranges per region and season Phase 5 — Wash & Durability Testing • Recommend fabric performance criteria for hospital-grade washing conditions • Evaluate colour fastness, shrinkage, and fabric integrity after repeated washing with harsh detergents • Assess blood and fluid resistance options and their trade-offs with breathability Phase 6 — Fit & Sizing Research • Evaluate sizing and fit requirements for Indian body proportions — torso length, shoulder width, hip-to-waist ratio • Recommend whether separate fit blocks should be developed for male and female healthcare professionals from the outset • Assess pocket ergonomics — placement, depth, width, and closure type based on functional requirements (stethoscope, mobile, pen, ID card, keys, gloves) Phase 7 — Fabric Sourcing Strategy • Recommend suitable Indian textile mills and manufacturers with capabilities in performance or medical textiles • Identify overseas suppliers if required for specific performance fabrics not available in India • Provide approximate MOQs, fabric costs, and vendor evaluation criteria • Develop a fabric swatch procurement plan for prototype evaluation Phase 8 — Fabric Testing & Validation Plan • Recommend laboratory testing methodology and required textile tests • Identify accredited testing laboratories in India • Recommend acceptance criteria for fabric selection • Approximate testing costs Final Recommendations • Best fibre blend(s) for each target segment — interns, PG residents, doctors, premium professionals • Best fabric construction and ideal GSM per segment and climate zone • Recommended finishes with cost-performance trade-offs • Sustainability considerations — organic, rPET, or certified fabrics • Shortlist of 3–5 fabrics recommended for Havar prototype development --- DELIVERABLES • Comprehensive Textile Research Report (PDF or Word) • Fibre & Fabric Comparison Matrix (Excel) • Human Comfort & Scientific Literature Review • India Climate-Based Fabric Recommendation Matrix • Fabric Specification Sheets for shortlisted fabrics • Fabric Sourcing Strategy with Mill & Vendor Shortlist • Fabric Testing & Validation Plan • Executive Summary with Final Recommendations --- TARGET SEGMENTS TO KEEP IN MIND • Primary — PG Residents (core focus), Doctors, Dentists, Veterinary Professionals, Physiotherapists, Ayush Doctors • Secondary — Nursing Staff, Allied Healthcare Professionals • Both male and female healthcare professionals --- COMPETITOR BRANDS FOR REFERENCE Indian — Knya, Novora, The Scrub Life, MedTogs International — Figs, Cherokee, Jaanuu --- PREFERRED EXPERIENCE • Textile Engineering or Fabric R&D • Performance Apparel, Medical Textiles, or Functional Workwear • Sportswear or Technical Textile development • Fabric sourcing and mill relationships in India • Experience with fabric testing standards and accredited labs Please include examples of similar research, reports, fabric specifications, or products you have developed. Publications, patents, or certifications are welcome. --- IMPORTANT NOTE This is a research-intensive technical engagement. We are seeking evidence-based recommendations supported by scientific literature, textile standards, and hands-on industry experience. Generic internet research or AI-generated summaries will not meet our requirements. The output of this work will directly inform our fabric sourcing, prototype development, and production decisions for launch.