Apparel R&D Technical Design Lead

New Balance Athletics, Inc.; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision insurance

401K plan

Paid time off - vacations

Lifestyle reimbursement

Job summary

New Balance Athletics, Inc. in Boston is seeking an innovative Tech Design/Developer to interpret design concepts, develop technical specs, and collaborate with designers, engineers, and manufacturers to bring products from concept to final execution.

You will leverage pattern-making expertise, 3D tools (CLO, Browzwear) and PLM systems to ensure feasible, high-quality products that meet functional and style goals, with a readiness to travel internationally.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Clothing & Textiles, Apparel Design, or related field with at least 7 years of technical design experience incl. 3–5 years in 3D product creation.
• Deep knowledge of pattern making, grading, and construction across performance and fashion product types.
• Proficiency with 3D tools, pattern software, PLM systems, and design software (Illustrator, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Willingness to travel internationally to work with teams and vendors.
• Creative thinker with a track record of leading change and improving workflows.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and refine patterns for multiple product types with technical accuracy.
• Collaborate with designers, engineers, and manufacturing teams to move concepts to execution.
• Use 3D tools to test and refine concepts for innovation and quality.
• Ensure designs are feasible for efficient production.
• Establish and evolve fit, sizing, make, and craft standards to improve consistency and quality.
• Apply knowledge of apparel, consumer needs, and market trends to balance function, comfort, fit and style.
• Demonstrate a deep passion for clothing design and craftsmanship.

Skills

Pattern making

3D product creation

Travel internationally

Education

Bachelor's degree in Clothing & Textiles, Apparel Design, or related field

Tools

CLO

Browzwear

Gerber Accumark

PLM systems

Illustrator

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:

We are seeking an innovative, independent, and solution-oriented Tech Design/Developer to join our team. This role will require a self-starter with a passion for crafting high-quality, performance-driven apparel. You will be responsible for interpreting design concepts, developing detailed technical specs, and working collaboratively with internal and external teams to create cutting-edge products. A go-getter with strong pattern-making skills and the ability to think outside the box is key to success in this position.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develop and refine patterns for a wide range of product types, ensuring technical accuracy and fit consistency.

• Work cross-functionally with designers, engineers, and manufacturing teams to bring products from concept to final execution.

• Utilize 3D design and prototyping tools to test and refine product concepts, ensuring innovation and high-quality results.

• Understand the ins and outs of manufacturing processes, ensuring designs are feasible and can be efficiently produced.

• Establish, maintain, and evolve fit, sizing, make, and craft standards that improve consistency, drive efficiency, and elevate product quality across the business.

• Apply a strong understanding of apparel, consumer needs, and market trends to deliver products that seamlessly combine functionality, comfort, fit, and style.

• A deep passion for the art of clothing design, with a commitment to creating products that showcase both innovation and craftsmanship.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor's degree in Clothing & Textiles, Apparel Design, or a related field with at least 7 years of experience in technical design, including 3-5 years in 3D product creation.

• Deep knowledge of pattern making, grading, and construction across a variety of product types (performance and fashion).

• Proficiency with 3D creation tools (CLO, Browzwear), pattern-making software (Gerber Accumark), PLM systems, and design software (Illustrator, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Willingness and ability to travel internationally to work directly with teams and vendors.

• Creative thinker with a proven track record of leading change and improving workflows and processes across teams.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Boston, MA Headquarters - (NB) Only Pay Range: $100,200.00 - $129,300.00 - $158,400.00 Annual (actual base pay varying based upon, but not limited to, relevant experience, time in role, internal equity, geographic location, and more.)

Regular Associate Benefits

Our products are only as good as the people we hire, so we make sure to hire the best and treat them accordingly. New Balance offers a comprehensive traditional benefits package including three options for medical insurance as well as dental, vision, life insurance and 401K. We also proudly offer a slate of more nontraditional perks - opportunities like online learning and development courses, tuition reimbursement, $100 monthly student loan support and various mentorship programs - that encourage our associates to grow personally as they develop professionally. You'll also enjoy a yearly $1,000 lifestyle reimbursement, 4 weeks of vacations, 12 holidays and generous parental leave, because work-life balance is more than just a buzzword - it's part of our culture.

Temporary associates are provided three options for medical insurance as well as dental and vision insurance and an associate discount.

Part time associates are provided 401k, short term disability, a yearly $300 lifestyle reimbursement and an associate discount.

Flexible Work Schedule

For decades we have fostered a unique culture founded on our values with a particular focus on in-person teamwork and collaboration. Our North American hybrid model encourages rich in-person experiences, showcasing our commitment to teamwork and connection, while maintaining flexibility for associates. New Balance Associates currently work in office three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). Our offices are fully open, and amenities are available across our North American office locations. To continue our focus on hybrid work we have introduced "Work from Anywhere" (WFA) for four weeks per calendar year. This model will help us enhance our culture while continuing to maintain elements of flexibility.

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance provides equal opportunities for all current and prospective associates to ensure that employment, training, compensation, transfer, promotion and other terms, conditions and privileges of employment are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, handicap, genetic information and/or status as an Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, qualified disabled veteran or other protected veteran, or any other protected status.