Product Developer

Next Level Apparel; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Next Level Apparel in Torrance, CA seeks a Product Developer to own the redevelopment of existing garments with overseas partners, guiding material qualification through production readiness to meet quality, fit, construction, and performance standards.

You will manage multiple projects, lead fabric and trim decisions, evaluate lab dips and prototypes, maintain BOMs and specs, and collaborate with pattern, merchandising and QA teams to ensure timely commercialization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4+ years of apparel product development experience, preferably with knit garments.
• Experience managing product development with overseas manufacturing partners.
• Experience developing apparel from material qualification through production readiness.
• Strong understanding of apparel materials, garment construction, sewing techniques, fit, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to evaluate lab dips, trial yardage, prototypes, and production samples, and communicate clear technical feedback.
• Experience maintaining BOMs, specifications, fit comments, and technical documentation.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to maintain highly accurate product data and development records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Responsibilities

• Own the redevelopment of existing products from material development through production readiness.
• Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously while ensuring milestones, timelines, and deliverables are achieved.
• Lead the development and approval of fabrics, trims, colors, packaging, and other product components required for commercialization.
• Lead technical product development by evaluating lab dips, trial yardage, prototypes, fittings, size sets, and production samples, providing clear technical feedback and direction to manufacturing partners.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, BOMs, fit comments, development records, and technical documentation throughout the product development process.
• Collaborate with Pattern Maker, Merchandising, Quality Assurance, and other internal teams to resolve material, construction, fit, quality, and manufacturing challenges.
• Manage day-to-day communication with manufacturing partners throughout assigned development projects, ensuring timely follow-up and issue resolution.
• Identify technical, quality, and production readiness risks, proactively recommending solutions to maintain timelines and support commercialization.
• Follow company policies and safety guidelines; perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Project management

Technical communication

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

Education

Fashion/Textiles related degree

Tools

Excel

Office 365

Adobe Creative Suite

SharePoint

PLM/ERP systems

Job description

The Product Developer is responsible for the redevelopment of existing products with overseas manufacturing partners. This role manages product development from material qualification through production readiness, ensuring products meet Next Level Apparel’s standards for quality, fit, construction, and performance.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own the redevelopment of existing products from material development through production readiness.
• Manage multiple product development projects simultaneously while ensuring development milestones, timelines, and deliverables are achieved.
• Lead the development and approval of fabrics, trims, colors, packaging, and other product components required for commercialization.
• Lead technical product development by evaluating lab dips, trial yardage, prototypes, fittings, size sets, and production samples, providing clear technical feedback and direction to manufacturing partners.
• Develop and maintain product specifications, Bills of Materials (BOMs), fit comments, development records, and technical documentation throughout the product development process.
• Collaborate with the Pattern Maker, Merchandising, Quality Assurance, and other internal teams to resolve material, construction, fit, quality, and manufacturing challenges.
• Manage day-to-day communication with manufacturing partners throughout assigned development projects, ensuring timely follow-up, issue resolution, and achievement of development milestones.
• Identify technical, quality, and production readiness risks, proactively recommending solutions to maintain development timelines and support successful commercialization.
• Follow company policies and practices as outlined in the Employee Handbook and/or applicable employment agreement. Follow safety guidelines and procedures in accordance with the job.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 4+ years of apparel product development experience, preferably with knit garments.
• Experience managing product development with overseas manufacturing partners.
• Experience developing apparel from material qualification through production readiness.
• Strong understanding of apparel materials, garment construction, sewing techniques, fit, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to evaluate lab dips, trial yardage, prototypes, and production samples, and communicate clear technical feedback.
• Experience maintaining Bills of Materials (BOMs), specifications, fit comments, and technical documentation.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple development projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and ability to maintain highly accurate product data and development records.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Preferred Qualifications

• Education in Fashion & Textiles, Product Development, Manufacturing & Sourcing, Business, or a related field.
• Experience maintaining product data, documentation, trackers, databases, or other business-critical records.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Creative Suite, SharePoint, PLM, ERP, or other product data management systems.
• Experience using AI-assisted productivity tools to improve organization, documentation, workflow efficiency, or data analysis.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Actively supports and complies with Company’s objectives, guidelines and commitment to Quality and Safety, with an emphasis on continual improvement.
• Must be able to interact effectively and cooperatively with employees at all levels.
• Must have the ability to complete assignments within the timeframe specified by the Manager.