Soft Goods Designer

Priority Designs; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Priority Designs is seeking a Soft Goods Designer to translate concepts into sketches, assist in assembly of simple builds, and source materials. You will work closely with Project Managers and Technical Leads, maintaining awareness of budgets and timelines.

This on-site role in Columbus, OH supports the development of sewing and patterning, BOM documentation, and technical packs. The ideal candidate has design experience in soft goods, proficiency with Adobe Suite or CLO/Gerber, and a

Qualifications

• Degree in Industrial Design, Fashion Design (or soft goods related field) or equivalent work experience.
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite or patterning software (CLO, Gerber).
• Ability to work on-site in Columbus, OH and travel to client sites as needed.
• Strong collaboration with Project Managers and Technical Leads.

Responsibilities

• Communicate design concepts through sketches for internal and external clients.
• Support in assembly of less complex builds and sewing/patterning tasks.
• Create and convey technical packs, BOMs, and construction details.
• Monitor project budgets and time constraints with PMs and leads.
• Collaborate with PMs and Technical Leads and mentor peers as needed.

Skills

Sketch concepts

Autonomy

Budget awareness

Team collaboration

Leadership

Education

Degree in Industrial Design or Fashion Design or soft goods related field

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

CLO/Gerber patterning

Job description

As aSoft Goods Designer, you will effectively communicate design concepts through sketches, support in the assembly of less complex builds, and demonstrate basic knowledge of materials and hardware sourcing. You will collaborate closely with Project Managers and Technical Leads, showcasing keen awareness of project budgets and time constraints, while fostering a collaborative and professional environment. With a proactive and autonomous approach, you will execute technical tasks independently, communicate effectively with senior staff, and contribute to the professional growth of peers by sharing knowledge and skills.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical Competency

2D Development

• Proficient in effectively communicating concepts and ideas through sketches to internal and external clients as directed by Project Managers or Technical Leads.

3D Development

• Possesses basic sewing and patterning skills and experience.
• Supports in component assembly and construction of less complex builds.

Sourcing

• Demonstrates understanding of basic materials and hardware, seeking sourcing assistance when necessary.
• Familiar with a wide range of materials, their applications, procurement processes, and documentation of roll goods, narrow goods, and hardware.

Documentation

• Assists in creating and conveying technical packs, including drawings, Bill of Materials (BOMs), technical sketches, and construction details.
• Exhibits mechanical comprehension to contribute to routine machine maintenance and upkeep.
• Maintains a clean and organized individual workspace to foster a safe and professional environment for the team.

External/Client Relationships

• Demonstrates keen awareness and sensitivity towards project budgets and time constraints.
• Regularly communicates with Project Managers to provide updates on budget status and allocated time.
• Collaborates with Project Managers and Technical Leads on project tasks.
• Shadows experienced team members to learn direct client communication, proposal writing, and budget management.
• Supports marketing initiatives as required.

Autonomy

• Demonstrates proactive initiative to work autonomously, providing a detailed plan for next steps to be reviewed by senior staff members.
• Capable of independently executing technical tasks after receiving guidance and input from experienced team members.
• Openly communicates any deviations in time and efforts from senior staff expectations, such as tasks taking longer than anticipated or confusion in task completion instructions.

Leadership

• Fosters the professional growth of peers by guiding them to identify suitable mentors as needed.
• Willingly shares knowledge and skills while recognizing personal limitations.
• Willingness to work on a contract or temporary basis.
• Degree in Industrial Design, Fashion Design (or soft goods related field) or equivalent work experience.
• Experience in relevant software tools such as Adobe suite or patterning software (CLO, Gerber etc).
• This is an on-site position; due to the nature of the role, candidates must be able to work from our Columbus, Ohio facility.
• Ability to work in a variety of environments, including office settings and prototyping lab facilities.
• Ability to travel to client sites or other locations as required for project work.
• Ability to move equipment and/or materials up to 20lbs.

MORE ABOUT PRIORITY DESIGNS

Founded in 1990 by Paul and Lois Kolada, Priority Designs was built on a simple belief: that great products come from lasting relationships, with clients, and with each other. Over more than three decades, we've grown into a full-service consultancy spanning consumer, industrial, and healthcare product development. In 2017, rather than handing the company off to outside investors, Paul and Lois did something rare, they sold it to the people who helped build it. As an employee‑owned company, we’re each personally invested in doing our best work, for one another and for the clients we serve. That commitment lives at the heart of our Ethos.

Our Ethos is built on 3 key elements:

• Trust and Care: The best, most meaningful work comes from people who feel trusted, empowered, and passionate about what they do. We cultivate an environment to support this through authentic connections and mutual respect
• Ideas, not Egos: We believe the best way to build our reputation is by helping others build theirs. That’s why we choose service over self, listening to our clients, end‑users, and community, and making sure their needs are truly met
• Embrace the Challenge: As creative problem solvers, we love a good challenge. Whether the solution needs to be practical or groundbreaking, we adapt our approach to fit our clients’ goals, tackling each problem with collaboration and ingenuity

If this sounds like the kind of place you want to do your best work, we'd love to meet you.