Marker Maker

A&K Designs, Inc; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 29,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k with employer match

Paid time off

Job summary

A&K Designs, Inc is seeking a detail‑driven Marker Maker to own the marker process from digital planning to production. You will create efficient markers using CAD software and ensure layouts account for fabric width, shrinkage, nap, and defects.

You will translate marker plans into precise spreading instructions, collaborate on schedules, and convert Optitex files to Gerber formats while maintaining meticulous digital files for markers and styles.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in apparel manufacturing, specifically marker making.
• Advanced knowledge of Optitex or Gerber CAD systems.
• Experience in apparel cutting department is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Own the marker-making process from digital planning to production execution.
• Create efficient, production-ready markers using CAD software.
• Analyze fabric width, shrinkage, nap, shading, and defects for optimal layouts.
• Translate digital marker plans into spreading instructions for accurate lay-up.
• Collaborate to align order schedules and hit cutting deadlines.
• Convert Optitex marker files into Gerber plotting and cutting files.
• Inspect and print garment plots for accuracy before cutting.
• Maintain organized digital storage for markers and styles.

Skills

Math & geometry

Spatial reasoning

Excel

Outlook

Attention to detail

Communication

Pattern knowledge

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Optitex

Gerber

Job description

A&K Designs, Inc is a family owned and operated sports apparel manufacturing company, proudly serving the Portland community for the last 35 years. We have a strong company culture that is committed to fostering an environment for every teammate that’s welcoming, respectful, and inclusive. Everything we produce has high visibility and we take pride in our quality, innovation, and on‑time delivery.

We are moving forward, searching for new ways to improve what we do and who we are, and looking for energetic and engaged people to join our team.

Turn Fabric Into Precision - Where craftsmanship meets cutting‑edge production

Behind every great garment is a perfectly planned marker—and behind every perfect marker is someone who understands fabric, pattern, and efficiency at a deep level. We’re looking for a detail‑driven Marker Maker who thrives at the intersection of creativity, math, and manufacturing precision.

What You’ll Do

You’ll own the marker-making process from digital planning to production execution:

Create efficient, production‑ready markers using industry‑standard CAD software

Analyze fabric width, shrinkage, nap, shading, and defects to produce the most effective layouts for both samples and bulk production

Translate digital marker plans into clear, accurate spreading instructions so physical fabric lays match the marker exactly

Collaborate with the team members to align order schedules, estimate weekly workloads, and hit cutting deadlines

Convert Optitex marker files into Gerber plotting and cutting files

Inspect and print garment plots, ensuring accuracy before anything reaches the cutting floor

Maintain meticulous, well‑organized digital file storage for markers and styles within the company network

What Makes You a Great Fit

You bring both technical skill and sharp attention to detail:

Excellent math and spatial skills, including:

• Fraction‑to‑decimal conversions
• Yards‑to‑meters calculations
• Yield and efficiency percentages

Confident using Microsoft Excel for data entry and material tracking

Comfortable with Microsoft Outlook for daily communication with production teams

A sharp eye for spotting small errors in pattern orientation or piece counts before they become costly mistakes

Creative problem‑solver when working around fabric flaws or irregular material widths

Clear and respectful communicator, comfortable working with teammates from diverse backgrounds

Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Apparel Production, or Industrial Engineering is preferred, but not required

• 3+ years of experience in apparel manufacturing, specifically in marker making and working in a Cutting department
• Advanced knowledge and proficiency in apparel CAD systems - Optitex or Gerber is highly desirable
• Previous experience in apparel manufacturing or production environment a plus

Why This Role Matters

Your work directly impacts cost efficiency, production timelines, and garment quality. The markers you create shape how fabric is used, how smoothly production runs, and ultimately how successful each style becomes.

Our regular schedule is Monday - Thursday, 6:00am to 3:15pm, Friday, 6:00am to 11:00am.

If you’re someone who takes pride in precision—and enjoys seeing your planning turn into real, finished garments,we’d love to meet you.

What you'll get:

Medical, dental and vision with generous employer contribution

401k with employer match

Two weeks of paid time off per year

8 company paid holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Compensation: $21.00 - $29.00 per hour