Assistant Designer

Castlewood Apparel Corp.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Castlewood Apparel Corp. in New York seeks an organized Assistant Designer to support the design team from tech packs through bulk production. You will create sketches, CADs, and tech packs, while coordinating with overseas factories to keep development on schedule.

The role requires strong communication, multi-tasking, and attention to detail, with responsibility for sample tracking, showroom prep, and library maintenance. A collaborative, proactive team player environment is offered.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years fashion industry experience or recent design graduates welcome.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and MS Office Suite (CAD samples may be requested).
• Sketching ability with technical accuracy.
• Highly organized, responsible, punctual, and reliable, with a sharp eye for detail.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and switch gears in a fast-paced environment.
• Team player, open to direction, and able to work well under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Assist in day-to-day design team operations and support full development from tech pack to bulk production.
• Create and update sketches, presentation CADs, tech packs, and print artwork.
• Assist Senior Designers with CADs and tech packs across categories.
• Update presentation boards and perform design and trend research.
• Provide general support to Design and Tech Design teams (swatches, factory approvals, etc.).
• Track, communicate, and follow up with overseas suppliers on SMS, PP, TOP samples.
• Log incoming samples and process per buyer guidelines.
• Prepare outgoing sample packages and emails to buyers.
• Maintain sample and trim libraries and showroom presentation.

Skills

Sketching

Communication

Organization

Time management

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Adobe Photoshop

MS Office Suite

Job description

We are seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented, and process-driven Assistant Designer to join our team. This role plays a critical part in supporting both men's & women's design execution and production/sample management, partnering closely with the Design Director, Senior Designers, sales team, and overseas factories to keep development moving on schedule.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is comfortable managing multiple priorities simultaneously, and has a foundational understanding of the apparel design and development process from tech pack through bulk production. This individual should be a proactive team player, open to direction, and able to switch gears quickly across sample tracking, factory communication, CAD/tech pack support, and showroom preparation.

Key Responsibilities

Design Support

• Assist in the day-to-day operations of the design team and support the full development process from tech pack to prototype to salesman sample to bulk production.
• Create and update sketches, presentation CADs, tech packs, and print artwork.
• Assist Senior Designers with CADs and tech packs across other categories as needed.
• Update presentation boards and perform design and trend research as required.
• Provide general support to Design and Tech Design teams (cutting swatches, communicating approvals to factories, etc.).

Production & Sample Management

• Track, communicate, and follow up daily with overseas suppliers on all SMS, PP, and TOP samples.
• Receive and open incoming sample packages daily; log all samples into the tracking chart.
• Review samples with the design team and process each according to buyer guidelines, including completing and attaching all required forms.
• Prepare outgoing sample packages for FedEx pick-up and compose corresponding emails to buyers.
• Track samples sent out by the sales team.
• Communicate with factories on all approval items — lab dips, bulk fabrics, print patterns, and trims — collaborating with the design team as needed.
• Maintain electronic and physical records of production approvals by season; follow up with factories on rejected submissions.
• Meet all deadlines per the seasonal calendar.

Showroom & Library Management

• Maintain the sample archive, fabric library, and trim library.
• Prepare swatch cards and take product photos.
• Maintain the order and presentation of the showroom in anticipation of client meetings.
• Administrative tasks as required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1–3 years of fashion industry experience, preferably in design; recent graduates of design programs may be considered.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and MS Office Suite (CAD samples will be requested).
• Sketching ability with technical accuracy.
• Highly organized, responsible, punctual, and reliable, with a sharp eye for detail.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and switch gears in a fast-paced environment.
• Team player, open to direction, and able to work well under pressure.