Technical Designer/Product Development - Apparel

Filson; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 99,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Technical Designer/Product Development for Apparel. This role involves creating high-quality apparel products, managing specifications, and collaborating with vendors to ensure timely production. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in garment manufacturing, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in design software.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in garment manufacturing or product development.
• Knowledge of garment construction.
• Experience with domestic/offshore vendors.

Responsibilities

• Create and manage technical specifications for products.
• Develop measurement specifications and manage prototypes.
• Communicate with vendors and internal teams to solve issues.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Education

Two-year technical degree

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

PLM systems

Excel

Word

Job description

Technical Designer/Product Development - Apparel

Join us at Filson as a Technical Designer/Product Development - Apparel. This role involves developing high-quality apparel products, maintaining cross-departmental communication, and ensuring timely production.

About Filson

Founded in 1897, Filson has a legacy of outfitting prospectors for the Gold Rush with durable tools and apparel. Today, we remain committed to quality, American craftsmanship, innovation, and customer service. Our culture emphasizes collaboration, versatility, and perseverance, driven by an independent spirit and a start-up mentality despite our long history.

Role Overview

Reporting to the Director of Product Development, the Product Engineer will develop products, coordinate with vendors, and oversee production to ensure quality and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and manage technical specifications and bills of materials for accurate, production-ready products.
• Develop measurement specifications, understanding patternmaking and grading.
• Manage prototype processes, collaborate with internal teams and vendors to solve problems, and achieve design and cost goals.
• Apply manufacturing process knowledge to enhance product performance.
• Communicate sampling requirements and product changes to manufacturing partners.
• Adhere to development timelines, proactively addressing issues.
• Develop and maintain material details, packaging, branding, and product storytelling.
• Source new materials and construction techniques to exceed IMU goals.
• Build relationships with vendors through daily communication and approvals.
• Follow established processes for trims, care instructions, and product briefs, developing standards seasonally.
• Coordinate with teams to utilize materials and distribution channels efficiently.

Additional Responsibilities

• Manipulate technical sketches using Adobe Illustrator.
• Knowledge of Gerber/Accumark is a plus.
• Proactively troubleshoot and problem-solve.
• Maintain records and approvals in PLM systems.
• Assist with fit approvals and pattern collaboration.
• Help develop SOPs, templates, and libraries.
• Stay updated on market trends and technical skills.
• Travel to factories as needed.

Qualifications

• 4+ years in garment manufacturing, product development, or similar.
• Two-year technical degree preferred.
• Knowledge of garment, bag, or home goods construction.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a global environment.
• Experience with domestic/offshore vendors.
• Proficiency in Excel, Word, Adobe Illustrator, and PLM systems.

This description is not exhaustive. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. Filson is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities.

Compensation & Location

Salary range: $75,000—$99,000 USD

Senior Level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment Type

• Full-time

Job Functions & Industry

• Design, Art/Creative, IT
• Retail