Associate Technical Designer

Cato Corporation; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Cato Corporation is seeking an Associate Technical Designer to support technical development, fit execution, and specification management from concept to production. You will collaborate with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Vendors to ensure fit, construction, quality, and brand standards across assigned categories.

You will advance with increasing independence under the Technical Design Manager, contributing to seasonal priorities and consistency across the product

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience as Technical Designer or in related fields.
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Responsibilities

• Sample analysis with fit sessions and communicate corrections to Vendors.
• Maintain specification consistency across all product categories.

Skills

Pattern-making/Grading/Measurement/"

Garment construction

Communication skills

Word/Excel

Adobe Illustrator

Flex PLM

Education

Apparel manufacturing degree

Technical design degree

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Flex PLM

Word

Excel

Job description

The Associate Technical Designer is responsible for supporting the technical development, fit execution, and specification management of assigned product categories from concept through production. This role partners with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, Sourcing, and Vendors to ensure products meet fit, construction, quality, and brand standards. The Associate Technical Designer manages assigned categories with increasing independence while collaborating with the Technical Design Manager to execute seasonal priorities and maintain consistency across the product line.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Sample analysis, including measuring samples as required, conducting fit sessions with Buyers, and communicating appropriate fit and pattern corrections to Vendors.
• Responsible for maintaining specification consistency across all product categories.
• Making fit comments and corrections based on comparison with core specs and construction standards.
• Development of Bid Packages for product development that capture the essence of the style while maintaining measurement and construction standards.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and Flex PLM systems.
• Work in tandem with Merchandising, Sourcing, and Quality Assurance Departments, offering expertise and assistance as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:

• Degree in Apparel Manufacturing/Technical Design/Pattern Making preferred.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

• 1-3 years experience as Technical Designer or in related fields

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Pattern-making/Grading/Measurement/Specifications skills
• Garment construction (Industrial) and sewing skills a plus
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Computer skills: Word, Excel, Adobe Illustrator a plus