Sr. Pattern Maker / Technical Designer

Chef Works, Inc.; Poway, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Chef Works, Inc. in Poway, CA is seeking a Sr. Pattern Maker / Technical Designer to translate design concepts into production-ready patterns, specs, and garments.

You will lead pattern development from concept through fit, using Optitex and PLM, collaborating with Design, Product Development, and offshore partners to ensure patterns meet manufacturability and cost targets.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of experience in apparel patternmaking, technical design, fit, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, grading, fit, and apparel manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with Optitex, including converting, digitizing, modifying, grading, and exporting digital patterns.
• Experience with workwear/uniforms, lifestyle or high-volume apparel preferred.
• Experience with offshore factories and manufacturing partners.
• Experience with both physical samples and digital pattern files.

Responsibilities

• Translate design concepts into production-ready patterns and technical specifications.
• Develop measurement specifications, construction details, and grading for offshore production.
• Create and export digital patterns using Optitex and manage pattern files in PLM.
• Lead fittings on live models or dress forms to ensure proper fit and construction.
• Collaborate with Design, Product Development, Sample Makers, Production, and offshore teams throughout GTM process.
• Maintain organized digital pattern libraries with version control and pattern history.

Skills

Patternmaking

Technical design

Grading

Fit

Optitex

PLM

Communications

Microsoft Office

Tools

PLM systems

Optitex CAD

Job description

Description

Position Overview

Bring design concepts to life as a Sr. Pattern Maker / Technical Designer at Chef Works. In this hands-on role, you’ll transform creative concepts into production-ready patterns, garments, and technical specifications that meet standards for fit, function, quality, and manufacturability.

You’ll partner with Design, Product Development, Sample Makers, Production, and manufacturing partners throughout the Go-To-Market (GTM) process, from initial concept through fit, refinement, and final production approval.

The ideal candidate has strong expertise in garment construction, patternmaking, grading, fit, and apparel production, along with hands‑on experience using Optitex and PLM systems.

What You’ll Do

Patternmaking & Technical Product Development

• Translate design concepts, sketches, and samples into production-ready patterns and technical specifications.
• Develop measurement specifications, construction details, and grading requirements for offshore production.
• Create, modify, grade, and export digital patterns using Optitex CAD/patternmaking software.
• Refine and update style patterns for fit, construction, and product requirements as needed.
• Collaborate in the creation of a fit block library.
• Lead fittings on live models and/or dress forms to evaluate and resolve fit, proportion, balance, and construction issues.
• Review physical samples and digital pattern files to identify discrepancies and determine necessary adjustments.
• Own accuracy and version control of pattern files and technical documentation, ensuring seamless integration into PLM systems and tech packs
• Review fit and construction across prototype rounds, recommending improvements to manufacturability and overall product consistency.
• Apply knowledge of marker making, fabric utilization, and production requirements to support yield and cost considerations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Design, Product Development, Sample Makers, Production, and offshore manufacturing teams throughout development.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and ensure products meet design, quality, cost, and production requirements.
• Communicate technical requirements and recommendations clearly to internal and external partners.
• Support the GTM process from concept ? pattern ? sample ? fit ? revision ? production approval.

Standards & Process Improvement

• Maintain organized digital pattern libraries, including accurate file naming, version control, and pattern history.
• Help establish consistent blocks, pattern standards, measurement standards, and fit guidelines across product categories.
• Identify opportunities to improve development processes, product consistency, and efficiency.
• Ensure patterns and technical specifications are accurate and complete prior to final approval.

Requirements

What You Bring

• 5-7+ years of experience in apparel patternmaking, technical design, fit, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, grading, fit, and apparel manufacturing.
• Proven ability to turn design concepts into accurate technical specifications and patterns.
• Hands-on experience with Optitex, including converting, digitizing, modifying, grading, and exporting digital patterns.
• Experience with workwear, uniforms, lifestyle, performance, or high-volume apparel preferred.
• Ability to interpret sketches, samples, measurement charts, and technical specifications.
• Experience working with overseas factories and manufacturing partners.
• Experience working with both physical samples and digital pattern files.
• Experience within a structured Go-To-Market (GTM) product-development calendar.
• Familiarity with PLM systems and tech packs preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple styles, priorities, and development timelines.

Why This Role Matters

This role serves as an important connection between Design and Production, ensuring creative concepts become well-fitting, functional, and production-ready garments.

If you enjoy solving technical challenges, refining fit and construction, collaborating across teams, and seeing products move from concept to finished product, we’d love to hear from you.