Product Designer - Technical PPE & Protective Apparel

Mechanix Wear; Santa Clarita (CA); On-site; USD 58,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Mechanix Wear in Valencia, CA is seeking a Product Designer to own the hands-on design process for high‑performance apparel and PPE. You will develop concepts, technical drawings, prototypes, and detailed tech packs to support production handoff with cross‑functional teams.

The role emphasizes protective functionality, comfort, durability and aesthetics, with collaboration across Product Development, Materials, Compliance, and Manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Apparel Design, Fashion Design, Textile Design, or related field.
• 3–5+ years of experience in product design, with experience in technical apparel, PPE, workwear, or safety products preferred.
• Strong sketching and technical drawing skills (hand or digital); proficiency with design software.
• Experience creating detailed tech packs and specification documents; familiarity with PLM systems.

Responsibilities

• Create original design concepts, sketches, and technical drawings for new products and seasonal/program updates.
• Translate design briefs, trend research, and consumer/end‑user insights into wearable, functional product designs.
• Develop tech packs, including construction details, measurements, materials, trims, and labeling specifications.
• Explore and propose new silhouettes, features, and design details that differentiate products in the market.
• Partner with pattern makers and sample rooms to develop and refine prototypes.
• Lead or participate in fit sessions, incorporating wearer feedback and ergonomic considerations into design revisions.
• Iterate on prototypes based on performance testing, comfort feedback, and manufacturability constraints.
• Ensure designs translate accurately from sketch to sample to final production sample.
• Collaborate with Compliance/Quality teams to meet safety standards and certifications (ANSI/ISEA, ASTM, EN, NFPA).
• Balance design vision with cost targets, sourcing feasibility, and production timelines.

Skills

Sketching

Technical drawing

Ergonomics

Garment construction

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design or related field

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

CLO 3D

Job description

Mechanix Wear in Valencia, CA is seeking a Product Designer to own the hands-on design process for high‑performance apparel and PPE. You will develop concepts, technical drawings, prototypes, and detailed tech packs to support production handoff with cross‑functional teams.

The role emphasizes protective functionality, comfort, durability and aesthetics, with collaboration across Product Development, Materials, Compliance, and Manufacturing.