COSTUMING SPECIALIST

ANIMAX; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 48,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Costuming Specialist at ANIMAX supports the design, production, and maintenance of character costumes, cosmetic overlays, animatronic skins, and other soft goods used in our productions. The role requires hands-on patterning, stitching, and assembly experience along with quality control and safety training.

You will supervise team members, help manage a costuming shop, and ensure projects stay on schedule in a collaborative, production-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of fabrics, materials, and sewing notions used in costume construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead patterning, draping, and fabrication of costumes and soft goods for animatronics and puppets.
• Support preparation and organization of materials, supplies, and tools needed for projects.
• Perform intermediate to advanced stitching, finishing, and costume construction tasks without immediate supervision.
• Help maintain project timelines by following assigned schedules and communicating progress or delays.
• Ensure quality and consistency in all work, following company and department standards.
• Participate in fitting, alteration, and repair of costumes as needed.

Skills

Patterning

Draping

Fabric knowledge

Quality control

Independence

Teamwork

Documentation

Microsoft Office

Education

Patterning/Costume construction training

Tools

Industrial sewing machines

Domestic sewing machines

Steam irons

Job description

Job Summary

The Costuming Specialist supports the design, production, and maintenance of character costumes, cosmetic overlays, animatronic “skins,” and other soft goods used in our productions. A Costuming Specialist should possess a high level of practical experience with patterning, stitching, and assembly as well as training and quality control. A Costuming Specialist will be expected to operate independently as well as supervise team members while helping to maintain a safe, organized, and efficient costume shop environment.

Essential Duties

• Lead the patterning, draping, and fabrication of costumes, character suits, and soft goods for animatronics and puppets.
• Support the preparation and organization of materials, supplies, and tools needed for projects.
• Perform intermediate to advanced stitching, finishing, and costume construction tasks without immediate supervision.
• Help maintain project timelines by following assigned schedules and communicating progress or delays.
• Ensure quality and consistency in all work performed, following company and department standards.
• Participate in fitting, alteration, and repair of costumes as needed.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organized work area.
• Assist with inventory management and restocking of costume shop supplies.
• Follow all safety procedures and use protective equipment as required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of fabrics, materials, and sewing notions used in costume construction.
• High level of experience with sewing equipment, including industrial and domestic sewing machines, steam irons, and cutting tools.
• Strong attention to detail and craftsmanship.
• Ability to follow instructions and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to create work instructions and produce patterns and documentation.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Willingness to learn new techniques and processes.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite experience preferred).
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 30 lbs. as needed.
• Experience with dying of natural and synthetic fabrics and materials.

Physical Demands

• Moderate lifting or carrying (15-30 lbs.).
• Intermittent standing, sitting, and stooping.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for reaching, cutting, sewing, and assembly.
• Occasional work on ladders or lifts (training provided).
• Must have good vision and color perception for detailed fabric work.

Work Environment

• Workshop setting with exposure to fabrics, dyes, and machinery.
• May involve working around dust, adhesives, and cleaning chemicals (safety training provided).
• Requires adherence to safety and PPE standards.

Equal Opportunity