Apparel Designer

Recreational Equipment, Inc.; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 119,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee discount

Job summary

REI is seeking a design-focused professional to support the apparel design team in developing brand-right products. You will contribute to research, trend application, and concept development across assigned categories, and help maintain design tools, sketches, color CADs, and PLM updates.

You will work with Design, Product Strategy, Materials, Color, Development, and Merchandising to apply market insights, maintain design assets, and ensure design intent is communicated throughout product

Qualifications

• 3+ years of product design experience.
• Ability to express and apply a compelling design point of view.
• Strong understanding of apparel design, market trends, and product development.

Responsibilities

• Support apparel design work across assigned categories with research, trend application, and concept development.
• Create and maintain seasonal design assets including sketches, mood boards, color CADs, and presentations.
• Assist with preparation and management of samples, design reviews, and meeting materials.
• Maintain organized digital design files, charts, and PLM entries.
• Follow calendars and processes to deliver on time and accurately.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support design execution and communication of intent.

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

Figma

FigJam

PLM systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

This role supports the apparel design team in creating meaningful, brand-right products that serve REI members and the outdoors. This role contributes to research, trend application, concept development, and design pack deliverables across assigned apparel categories. You will assist with the creation and maintenance of design tools, templates, sketches, sketch updates, color CADs, and PLM system updates while helping bring seasonal product concepts to life.

Working closely with partners across Design, Product Strategy, Materials, Color, Development, and Merchandising, you will apply market trends, consumer insights, and product knowledge to support the design process. You will contribute to seasonal milestones, maintain organized design assets, and help ensure design intent is accurately communicated throughout product development.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Support apparel design work across assigned categories, contributing to research, trend application, concept development, and seasonal product deliverables.
• Create and maintain seasonal design assets including sketches, sketch updates, trend boards, mood boards, color CADs, presentations, and other design tools as needed.
• Assist with the preparation, organization, and management of product samples, design reviews, and meeting materials.
• Maintain accurate and organized digital design files, charts, and documentation; enter and update product design information within the PLM system.
• Follow seasonal calendars, milestone dates, and established design processes to ensure deliverables are completed on time and with accuracy.
• Partner with cross-functional teams including Design, Product Strategy, Materials, Development, Merchandising, and Operations to support product execution, identify potential issues, and help deliver design intent throughout the product development process.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of product design experience
• Demonstrated ability to create, express, and apply a compelling design point of view that drives product direction and results.
• Strong understanding of apparel design, market trends, consumer insights, and product development processes.
• Experience creating design sketches, trend boards, mood boards, color CADs, technical packages, and presentation materials.
• Working knowledge of apparel materials, manufacturing processes, garment construction, and performance product requirements.
• Proven ability to manage workflow, prioritize work, and meet deadlines within a product development calendar.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft Office applications, and PLM systems; familiarity with Figma and FigJam is preferred.

Pay Transparency

We are committed to practices that promote pay equity and transparency. As required by applicable Pay Transparency laws, REI provides a range of compensation for roles that may be hired in locations under these requirements. Factors that may be used to determine your actual salary may include a wide array of factors, including: your specific skills and experience, geographic location or other relevant factors.

• REI offers all regular employees a generous employee discount, access to health benefits, a retirement savings plan and accrued time off.

Pay Range

$74,400.00 - $119,100.00 per year

Closing

At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity - that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life. To work towards this commitment and fulfill our brand promise of inspiring and enabling a life outside for everyone, we seek employees who demonstrate different ways of working, create a sense of belonging, and actively listen and learn.