Senior Technical Designer

SP5DER; West Hollywood (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading apparel brand in California is seeking a Senior Technical Designer to ensure high-quality production of casualwear. This role involves technical design, product development, and cross-functional collaboration. Ideal candidates will have 5–7 years of experience, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in technical design tools. Join a dynamic team committed to technical innovation and product quality.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in Technical Design or Product Development in casualwear.
• Proven ability to manage the technical design function independently.
• Strong understanding of garment construction and fit principles.

Responsibilities

• Translate creative designs into technical flats and garment specifications.
• Lead fit sessions and provide feedback to ensure design intent is met.
• Conduct quality assurance checks from prototype to final production.

Skills

Technical Design

Product Development

Adobe Illustrator

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Communication

Education

Degree in Apparel Manufacturing

Technical Design

Patternmaking

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Excel

PLM systems

Job description

Senior Technical Designer

Position Overview

The Senior Technical Designer plays a critical role in translating SP5DER’s creative vision into production‑ready reality across all casualwear categories—including fleece and jersey apparel. This role ensures every garment fits impeccably, functions as intended, and reflects SP5DER’s bold, street‑meets‑luxury aesthetic.

You’ll work cross‑functionally with Design, Product Development, and Production to ensure the flawless execution of styles from concept through final bulk, maintaining accuracy, consistency, and craftsmanship at every step.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Design & Product Development

• Collaborate with designers to translate creative designs into technical flats and detailed garment construction specifications.
• Create detailed tech packs that include accurate measurements, construction details, and fabric specifications.
• Independently manage technical design workload for fleece, jersey, and knit product categories across multiple development seasons.
• Lead fit sessions and provide precise, image‑driven feedback that ensures consistency and alignment with design intent.
• Deliver complete and timely fit comments, annotated sketches, and digital images to communicate corrections to vendors.
• Ensure consistent fit standards across all product lines, referencing vendor patterns and applying best practices for balance and proportion.
• Conduct quality assurance checks during each stage of development, from prototype through final production.
• Organize and maintain fit sample archives and spec libraries for future reference.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Design, Merchandising, and Production to balance creativity, function, and cost efficiency.
• Communicate clearly and proactively with factories and vendors to ensure all technical details are understood and executed accurately.
• Support the product development calendar by managing deliverables and tracking progress across multiple drops and development cycles.
• Collaborate with the graphics and trims teams to ensure artwork placement and applications align with fit and construction standards.

Process Leadership & Innovation

• Maintain size and fit consistency across all SP5DER apparel categories.
• Identify and recommend process improvements to streamline workflows and elevate product quality.
• Build and maintain internal fit blocks, spec standards, and construction guidelines to support brand scalability.
• Remain current on materials, construction techniques, and finishing innovations relevant to premium streetwear and casual apparel.

Skills & Qualifications

• 5–7 years of experience in Technical Design or Product Development within casualwear, streetwear, or lifestyle apparel.
• Proven ability to own and manage the technical design function independently, demonstrating strong self‑management, accountability, and follow‑through.
• Able to take feedback constructively, adapt designs and technical solutions accordingly, and maintain a collaborative mindset throughout the product lifecycle.
• Experience managing or mentoring one direct report and reporting directly to the SVP Global Product Development & Production.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, patternmaking, and fit principles for fleece and jersey fabrics.
• High proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Excel, and PLM systems (e.g., WFX, Centric, Backbone).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills; able to diagnose and communicate precise fit corrections clearly and efficiently.
• Exceptional attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage multiple timelines and deliverables in a fast‑paced environment.
• Clear and confident communicator with cross‑functional teams and external vendors.
• Passion for streetwear culture, product quality, and technical innovation.
• Degree in Apparel Manufacturing, Technical Design, Patternmaking, or equivalent experience.