Technical Designer: Fit, Pattern & Construction Expert

Zumiez; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Job summary

Zumiez is seeking a Technical Designer to independently manage fit and technical execution for assigned product categories within PBS fit standards, blocks, grade rules, and calendar expectations.

This role analyzes factory garment submits on fit models or dress forms against approved patterns, construction standards, measurements, and intended silhouettes to support consistent fit and grading across assigned categories, factories, and brands.

Qualifications

• College degree or equivalent coursework in textiles, patternmaking, apparel manufacturing, or related experience.
• 5+ years of experience in technical design, with experience in men’s and/or women’s knit and woven tops and bottoms; denim experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, and intermediate to advanced Excel skills; CLO3D and Airtable experience preferred.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Working knowledge of basic fabric characteristics and the ability to distinguish between knit structures and weave types.
• Working knowledge of dye & finishing processes and how they affect fit, drape, and spec.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage assigned product categories from proto submit through top of production, reviewing garment samples for fit, silhouette, construction, measurement, and grade accuracy within established PBS standards.
• Identify fit, construction, and measurement issues and communicate clear technical corrections through written comments, illustrations, photos, and pattern callouts to international factories.
• Measure garment samples and review against technical packs, bills of materials, approved fit intent, and packaging requirements for accuracy.
• Review and create final graded specifications based on each style’s construction, fit intent, approved measurements, and category requirements.
• Review factory-sent patterns and provide comments as needed, partnering with Patternmaking and Technical Design leadership on complex pattern or fit concerns.
• Maintain the garment block library for assigned categories, applying established fit blocks, grade rules, and technical standards to support consistent product execution.
• Use CLO3D to review, create, and manage digital patterns and block libraries, supporting speed-to-market trend execution while maintaining pattern accuracy.
• Recruit, audition, and manage live models for fit sessions as needed.
• Coordinate fit sessions with Design, Product Development, Production, Buying, live models, and/or dress forms, making technical recommendations within established fit standards, blocks, grade rules, and calendar expectations.
• Track requested samples for assigned categories, communicate vendor status updates, flag delivery concerns, and maintain accurate weekly and seasonal sample tracking records.
• Maintain accurate technical pack updates using Adobe Illustrator, including fit comments, construction details, measurements, graded specifications, and related category documentation.
• Ensure accurate and timely handoff of samples to cross-functional teams for review, approval, and web processing.
• Identify opportunities to improve category-level execution, tools, and communication; recommend solutions within assigned scope; and elevate broader process standards or strategic direction to Senior Technical Designer or Technical Design Manager for collaboration.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager.

Skills

Technical design

Communication

Pattern review

Education

Textiles/Patternmaking degree

Tools

CLO3D

Airtable

Adobe Illustrator

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Zumiez is seeking a Technical Designer to independently manage fit and technical execution for assigned product categories within PBS fit standards, blocks, grade rules, and calendar expectations.

This role analyzes factory garment submits on fit models or dress forms against approved patterns, construction standards, measurements, and intended silhouettes to support consistent fit and grading across assigned categories, factories, and brands.