Senior Apparel Prototyping & Pattern-Making Lead

adidas; Portland, Northern (OR, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

adidas Portland Creative Studios seeks a true pattern‑making and sewing expert to transform concepts into physical prototypes. You will pattern, sew, and construct garments from concept to finished product, applying advanced knowledge of woven/knit construction, fit, grading, and materials.

The role emphasizes hands‑on prototype development, collaboration with NAM Creation Studios and external partners, and mentoring new hires. Office‑based in Portland, Oregon in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Technical college/design school training in product/engineering, or equivalent education.
• Bachelor/Apprenticeship as a product designer/product, machine or industrial engineer.
• Minimum of 5 years pattern making experience in product creation industry in a comparable role.

Responsibilities

• Transforms ideas into virtual prototypes, from sample construction and assembly, to model and mold making, to model patterns, for later production and documentation.
• Drives development of innovative product studies in cooperation with cross-functional partners based on market requirements.
• Works on an ongoing basis on new solutions to reach creative product goals using new methods and systems and/or new constructions.
• Creates samples and mockups to support the design and development process.
• Operates the latest equipment and machines to create innovative products.
• Mentors new hires in prototype creation and collaborates with internal/external partners on feasibility.

Skills

Pattern making

Sewing expertise

Prototype construction

Fluent English

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Technical college/design school training in product/engineering

Bachelor/Apprenticeship as a product designer/engineer

Tools

Gerber

Optitex

CLO3D

Browzwear

Illustrator

MS Office

Job description

adidas Portland Creative Studios seeks a true pattern‑making and sewing expert to transform concepts into physical prototypes. You will pattern, sew, and construct garments from concept to finished product, applying advanced knowledge of woven/knit construction, fit, grading, and materials.

The role emphasizes hands‑on prototype development, collaboration with NAM Creation Studios and external partners, and mentoring new hires. Office‑based in Portland, Oregon in a fast‑paced environment.