Senior Technical Designer

Aquent; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Aquent is seeking a Senior Technical Designer to lead the fit, construction, and documentation of apparel styles from concept to commercialization. You will ensure durability, performance, and sustainability while collaborating with design and product teams to translate creative concepts into high‑quality, wearable products.

The role emphasizes developing tech packs, maintaining development documentation, and guiding cross‑functional teams through production challenges, with occasional travel to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in apparel design or textile science.
• Minimum 3 years of technical design experience in apparel.
• Experience interpreting design intent and offering solutions.
• Ability to write comprehensive product specifications.
• Experience working with factory vendors to improve manufacturability.
• Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and CAD tools.
• Ability to travel up to 10% domestically.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the fit and construction from concept through to commercialization and production.
• Lead on-time delivery and development according to dates, specs, and goals.
• Create and revise Tech Packs with product specifications and prototype notes.
• Ensure consistency by executing fit/construction standards for a team or product group.
• Track prototyping and address construction/manufacturing challenges.
• Monitor progress through product testing to meet integrity requirements.
• Stay current with trends, goals, and consumer needs during development.
• Collaborate with Design and Product Management to tailor products.

Skills

Pattern making

Grading

Construction standards

Project management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in apparel design

Two years of product creation experience in lieu of a degree

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Optitex

CLO3D

Browzwear

MS Office

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Technical Designer to step into a pivotal role within a dynamic apparel product development team where you will be at the heart of product creation, directly influencing the fit, construction, and overall integrity of designs. This is your chance to leave a tangible mark on globally recognized products that inspire millions. You will guide products from concept to commercialization, ensuring excellence in every detail and making a direct impact on performance, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction. Join us in transforming visionary creative concepts into high-quality, wearable products, collaborating with industry leaders to unlock new possibilities and bring innovative products to life.

What You’ll Do

• Coordinate the fit and construction process from initial concept through to commercialization and production for assigned styles.
• Lead on-time delivery and development according to critical dates, product specifications, and sustainability, performance, and profitability goals.
• Create and revise Tech Packs for assigned styles, ensuring all appropriate development documentation is maintained, including product specifications and prototype notes.
• Execute fit and construction standards for a team or product group to ensure consistency across products.
• Track and facilitate prototyping for styles; identify and address key issues and challenges in construction/manufacturing, and plan accordingly to deliver proven and tested products.
• Monitor and communicate progress and challenges throughout the product testing process to meet product integrity requirements.
• Keep abreast of market trends, team goals, new technologies, and consumer needs throughout the development process, engaging appropriately to ensure projects are completed within corporate guidelines and goals.
• Collaborate with Design, Product Management, and other partners on tailoring products to specific consumer needs.

What You Bring (Must-Haves)

• Bachelor’s degree in apparel design, textile science, or a related field. Two years of additional product creation experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum 3 years of technical design experience in the apparel industry, including expertise in the apparel development process from inception through production, pattern making, grading, construction, materials, costing, manufacturing, and quality.
• Proven experience interpreting design intent, offering alternative solutions, and acting as a technical resource to cross‑functional teams.
• Demonstrated ability to write comprehensive product specifications and construction standards instructions.
• Experience working collaboratively with factory vendors to ensure and improve manufacturability of designs.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with Adobe Illustrator.
• Experience using CAD Pattern Design software (e.g., Optitex).
• Experience using 3D software (e.g., CLO3D, Browzwear).
• Proficiency with MS Office programs.
• Ability to lift up to 35 lbs (e.g., fit forms).
• Ability to travel up to 10% of the time (domestic and international).

Bonus Points (Nice-to-Haves)

• Excellent communication skills, enabling effective collaboration and clear articulation of technical details.
• Great energy and enthusiasm, fostering a positive and productive team environment.
• A solution-oriented mindset, proactively identifying and resolving challenges.
• A positive outlook, contributing to a resilient and forward-thinking team culture.
• Strong problem‑solving and organizational skills, ensuring efficient project execution and timely delivery.