Design Associate

Soni; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 55,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Soni seeks a Design Associate to help develop licensed apparel, translating brand standards into on-brand products alongside Designers and Senior Designers.

The role is ideal for a developing designer aiming to expand technical skills, creativity, and accountability in a licensed apparel environment. Bachelor’s in Fashion Design or related experience is required.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of apparel design experience or relevant internships.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and fit.
• Proficiency in Illustrator; working knowledge of Photoshop and PLM systems.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to balance creative development with executional accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Support seasonal design development including trend research, concepting, and sketch support.
• Execute assigned styles or design components under direction of senior design leadership.
• Interpret licensor brand guidelines and seasonal direction into on-brand design solutions.
• Create sketches, artwork updates, and supporting design documentation.
• Assist in building spec packages and updating PLM entries.
• Participate in fittings and support feedback tracking and revisions.
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Development and Technical Design on assigned styles.
• Maintain design calendars and support milestone tracking.

Skills

Apparel design

Garment construction knowledge

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

PLM familiarity

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

PLM systems

Job description

Design Associate supports the design and development of licensed apparel products while beginning to take ownership of specific styles and design components. This role bridges executional support and independent contribution, partnering closely with Designers and Senior Designers to translate licensor brand standards and seasonal direction into brand-right product.

This position is ideal for a developing designer ready to expand technical skills, creative contribution, and accountability within a licensed apparel environment.

Responsibilities:

• Support seasonal design development including trend research, concepting, and sketch support
• Execute assigned styles or design components under direction of senior design leadership
• Interpret licensor brand guidelines and seasonal direction into on-brand design solutions
• Create sketches, artwork updates, and supporting design documentation
• Assist in building spec packages and updating PLM entries
• Participate in fittings and support feedback tracking and revisions
• Partner cross-functionally with Product Development and Technical Design on assigned styles
• Maintain design calendars and support milestone tracking

Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of apparel design experience or relevant internships
• Strong foundational understanding of garment construction, fabrics, and fit
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator; working knowledge of Photoshop and PLM systems
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to balance creative development with executional accuracy

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design or related field, or equivalent experience

Compensation:

$55,000 - $60,000

Salary is based on a range of factors that include relevant experience, knowledge, skills, other job-related qualifications.