Softgoods & Pattern Designer

Connexion Systems and Engineering, Inc.; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 67,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Connexion Systems and Engineering, Inc. in Shrewsbury, MA is seeking a Softgoods & Pattern Designer to join a specialized manufacturing team. You will drive pattern creation from concept through prototyping, testing, and production for aerospace and other high-precision applications. Aerospace experience is preferred, but strong softgoods background is valued. Some schedule flexibility may apply.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Textiles, or related field.
• 2+ years in softgoods design, pattern design, or CAD.
• Experience with pattern design and grading.
• Proficiency with Gerber Pattern Design or similar CAD.

Responsibilities

• Lead creation and development of safety clothing and equipment.
• Create and refine patterns for new products.
• Develop concepts considering materials, manufacturability, cost and requirements.
• Design and grade patterns to fit the human form.
• Collaborate with engineers, QA, and other design professionals.
• Research materials and establish material specifications.
• Coordinate prototype fabrication, testing, and evaluation.
• Support engineering and production documentation.
• Troubleshoot production issues and suggest design changes.
• Provide technical guidance within the department.
• Assist with daily workflow of the department.
• Stay current with softgoods tech and industry developments.

Skills

Pattern design

CAD

Attention to detail

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Design/Textiles

Tools

Gerber Pattern Design

CAD software

Job description

Title: Softgoods & Pattern Designer

• Pay rate: $32.00–$33.50/hour
• Job Location: Shrewsbury, MA
• Work Model: 100% onsite
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7am – 3:30pm
• For the right candidate, the schedule may have some flexibility, generally no later than 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
• Job#: bh19432

Compensation, Benefits, and Employment Type

• Duration: Direct Hire | Full-time
• Pay rate: $32.00–$33.50/hour
• Job Location: Shrewsbury, MA
• Work Model: 100% onsite
• Schedule: Monday – Friday, 7am – 3:30pm
• For the right candidate, the schedule may have some flexibility, generally no later than 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
• Job#: bh19432

Description

We are seeking a Softgoods & Pattern Designer to join an innovative manufacturing team developing advanced safety and protective equipment for aerospace and other highly specialized applications.

This is an exciting opportunity for a designer with experience in softgoods, technical apparel, pattern development, textiles, or CAD who enjoys taking concepts from initial design through prototyping, testing, and production.

Aerospace experience is highly preferred, but candidates with strong softgoods and pattern design experience in other industries are encouraged to apply.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the creation and development of safety and protective clothing and related equipment.
• Create, develop, and refine patterns for new products and assemblies.
• Develop design concepts with consideration for functionality, materials, manufacturability, serviceability, cost, and customer requirements.
• Design and grade patterns to fit the human form.
• Collaborate with engineers, technicians, QA, and other design professionals to develop and refine products.
• Research materials and help establish material specifications.
• Coordinate prototype fabrication, testing, and evaluation.
• Support engineering and production documentation.
• Help troubleshoot production issues and recommend design or material changes.
• Provide technical guidance and serve as a resource to others within the department.
• Assist with coordinating the daily workflow of the department.
• Stay current with softgoods technologies, materials, manufacturing methods, and industry developments.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Design, Textiles, or a related field.
• 2+ years of experience in softgoods design, pattern design, or CAD is preferred.
• Strong experience with pattern design and pattern grading.
• Proficiency with Gerber Pattern Design or similar CAD software.
• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings related to softgoods.
• Knowledge of softgoods manufacturing processes, including:
• Stitching
• Cementing
• Ultrasonic/RF sealing
• Pattern development and grading
• Material selection
• Strong understanding of designing and developing products intended to fit the human form.
• Excellent attention to detail, organization, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to manage complex projects and work independently while collaborating effectively with a cross-functional team.

Why This Role?

• Direct-hire opportunity with a highly specialized manufacturing organization.
• Work on products where design, craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail truly matter.
• Opportunity to collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and technical teams.
• Apply your softgoods and pattern-making expertise to aerospace and advanced protective equipment.
• Potential schedule flexibility for the right candidate.

Work Environment

This role combines computer-based design work with hands‑on manufacturing and prototype activities. You can expect periods of sitting, standing, and walking throughout the facility, as well as occasional lifting of materials or objects up to 20 pounds.

Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing a background check and drug screening.