Kering Materials Innovation Engineer

About Kering

Kering is a global luxury group renowned for nurturing some of the world’s most influential Houses in fashion, leather goods, jewelry, and eyewear, including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, Balenciaga, and Boucheron. As an employer, Kering offers a distinctive environment where creative excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and long-term sustainability converge. The Group empowers its talents to shape the future of luxury through innovation, craftsmanship, and responsible business practices. With an international culture grounded in diversity, inclusion, and shared ambition, Kering provides meaningful career opportunities for professionals seeking to contribute to exceptional brands while advancing a more sustainable and imaginative luxury industry.

Role & Responsibilities

• Monitor technical and technological developments in innovative materials, their processing methods and characterization techniques through literature reviews and forums, identifying solutions transferable from other applications.
• Develop and implement experimental plans and carry out the relevant processing methods.
• Propose innovative technical solutions to optimize the technical and financial viability of projects.
• Work with the Intellectual Property (IP) teams on patent monitoring in relevant research areas and on protecting technologies and processing methods through patent filings.
• Process materials within agreed deadlines.
• Characterize prototypes by evaluating their sensory, physical and chemical properties.
• Report regularly on project progress, including preparing concise presentations of results.
• Document completed work in summary reports for internal teams, innovation partners, Kering’s Houses and research tax credit (CIR) submissions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable Group QHSE standards and those specific to the Sustainable Innovation department.
• Participate, where applicable, in internal events organized by Kering’s Sustainable Development department.
• Respond to ad hoc requests from other team members.
• Travel in France and internationally.

Qualifications

• Degree from an engineering school or a Master’s degree in chemistry, materials science, process engineering or an equivalent discipline.
• At least 2 years of experience in applied research, a public or private research center, or an industrial setting.
• Experience with leather processing, flexible materials or innovative materials is preferred.
• Scientific curiosity, rigor, autonomy and a strong sense of initiative.
• Strong analytical, organizational and communication skills.
• Proficiency in French and English, spoken and written.

Skills

Experience

At least 2 years in applied research, a public or private research center, or an industrial setting.

Education

Engineering degree or Master’s degree in chemistry, materials science, process engineering or an equivalent discipline.

Culture

Kering fosters a dynamic, purpose-driven culture where creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration support the distinct identities of its luxury Houses. As an employer, the Group places strong emphasis on sustainability, diversity, and talent development, encouraging people to innovate responsibly while contributing to the future of modern luxury.

About Cerulean

Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.