The Technical Designer is responsible for translating product concepts and development direction into technically accurate, production-ready garments through technical specifications, pattern development, fit, construction, and sample execution. This role provides technical direction to the Sample Room throughout product development and recommends technical approvals and corrections to Product Development.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and maintain technical product specifications, including measurement specs, Points of Measure (POMs), tolerances, pattern cards, and related technical documentation.
- Create technical garment drawings and construction CADs in Adobe Illustrator to accurately communicate garment construction and product requirements.
- Participate in product fittings as the technical fit expert, evaluating garment fit, measurements, construction, and balance while providing pattern corrections and technical recommendations to Product Development.
- Develop and revise garment patterns throughout the prototype and fitting process, utilizing pattern-making resources for initial pattern development, grading, and complex pattern revisions as needed.
- Maintain approved patterns, pattern cards, grade rules, POM standards, How-to-Measure (HTM) standards, and related technical records and libraries to ensure accurate and current development standards.
- Plot patterns and coordinate pattern outputs required for internal sample development and fittings.
- Prepare technical instructions and cutting documentation required for internal sample development and provide ongoing guidance to Sample Makers and the Fabric Cutter/Controller.
- Review completed internal samples for pattern accuracy, measurements, fit, construction, and workmanship before releasing them to Product Development for evaluation.
- Provide technical support to Product Development, Quality Assurance, Merchandising, and other internal teams to resolve pattern, fit, measurement, construction, and manufacturing issues.
- Identify technical and manufacturability risks throughout development and recommend solutions that maintain product intent, quality standards, and production readiness.
- Follow company policies and practices as outlined in the Employee Handbook and/or applicable employment agreement.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 2-4 years of experience in apparel Technical Design, Pattern Making, Product Development, or a related technical apparel role.
- Strong understanding of garment construction, measurements, fit, sewing techniques, and apparel manufacturing processes.
- Experience creating or maintaining measurement specifications, Points of Measure (POMs), fit comments, or related technical documentation.
- Ability to evaluate garment fit and identify measurement, construction, and pattern-related issues.
- Working knowledge of garment patterns and the relationship between pattern adjustments, measurements, and fit.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator with the ability to create technical garment drawings and construction CADs.
- Ability to interpret reference garments, sketches, specifications, and product direction and translate them into technical information.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to maintain accurate technical records and manage multiple priorities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to clearly communicate technical information.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with knit apparel and knit garment construction.
- Experience participating in garment fittings and developing fit corrections.
- Knowledge of pattern grading and grade-rule development.
- Education or technical training in Technical Design, Pattern Making, Fashion Design, Apparel Manufacturing, or equivalent professional experience.
- Experience with Microsoft Office 365 and apparel Product Development/PLM systems.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- This is an onsite position requiring regular hands-on collaboration with Product Development and Sample Room teams.
- Ability to work directly with garments, patterns, samples, and apparel construction throughout the development process.
- Ability to communicate technical direction effectively across varying levels of technical experience.
- Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.
- Ability to occasionally lift and handle fabric, garments, patterns, and sample materials as required.
- Flexibility to support changing Product Development priorities and timelines.