Technical Designer - RTW

Pistola Denim; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Pistola Denim in Los Angeles seeks a Technical Designer (Ready-to-Wear) to support design and production teams in executing fit, balance, and tech construction from concept to pre-production for non-denim apparel. You will maintain brand fit, create detailed tech packs, participate in fit sessions, and communicate corrections to global vendor partners.

You’ll collaborate with Design, Merchandising, and Production, manage workflows from proto to bulk, apply sizing standards, and identify

Qualifications

• 4-6+ years of experience in apparel technical design with RTW focus.
• Strong understanding of garment construction, grading, textile performance, and patternmaking.
• Proficiency in Illustrator and Excel; PLM experience a plus.
• Ability to write clear, direct technical instructions for overseas suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Create, update, and maintain technical packages (proto through bulk production) with BOMs, sketches, construction notes, and POM specs.
• Participate in and lead portions of fit sessions on live models or dress forms.
• Deliver articulate, detailed fit comments, including pattern adjustments, callouts, digitals, and sketches.
• Communicate clearly with overseas and domestic manufacturing partners to resolve issues.
• Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, and Production to protect design intent and timelines.
• Manage workflow and tracking for assigned RTW product categories and organize samples through final approval.
• Apply brand blocks and sizing standards to ensure consistency across collections.
• Identify potential construction, fabric, or tolerance issues prior to bulk production.

Skills

Garment construction

Strong organizational skills

Clear written and verbal communication

Collaborative team player

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Microsoft Excel

PLM software

Job description

Founded in 2013 by Grace Na, Pistola is a Los Angeles-based brand built on luxury-level construction and a street-smart, utilitarian sensibility. As part of KNG (Pistola and Daze), we create premium, functional pieces designed to work as hard as the women who wear them. Our identity is rooted in a decade of evolution, consistently prioritizing quality and ease in every silhouette.

Position Overview

The Technical Designer (Ready-to-Wear) supports the Design and Production teams in executing garment fit, balance, and technical construction from initial concept through pre-production for all assigned non-denim apparel categories (sweaters, knits, wovens, and outerwear). This role is responsible for maintaining brand fit consistency, creating detailed tech packages, participating in fit sessions, and communicating clear technical corrections to global vendor partners.

What You’ll Do

• Create, update, and maintain comprehensive technical packages (proto through bulk production) in Excel and PLM systems, ensuring accurate BOM matching, sketches, construction notes, and point-of-measure (POM) specs.
• Participate in and lead portions of fit sessions on live models or dress forms under the guidance of the Tech Lead.
• Deliver articulate, detailed fit comments, including pattern adjustments, callouts, digitals, and sketches.
• Clear and timely technical communication with overseas and domestic manufacturing partners to resolve construction, spec, or fabric issues.
• Collaborate closely with Design, Merchandising, and Production to protect design intent and production timelines.
• Manage workflow and tracking for assigned RTW product categories. Maintain and organize all sample iterations (protos, fit samples, PP/TOP samples) through final approval.
• Apply brand blocks and sizing standards across all assigned RTW categories to ensure size and fit consistency across collections.
• Proactively identify potential construction, fabric, or tolerance issues prior to bulk production.

Who You Are

• 4-6+ years of experience in apparel technical design, with a strong focus on Ready-to-Wear (knits, wovens, cut-and-sew, outerwear). Contemporary women's apparel experience preferred.
• Solid understanding of garment construction, grading, textile performance, seam/stitch execution, and patternmaking principles.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator (garment flats & callouts) and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel). Experience with PLM software is a plus.
• Clear, concise written and verbal communication skills; adept at writing direct, unambiguous technical instructions for overseas suppliers.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tech packs and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative team player who takes initiative to troubleshoot garment issues and promote quality standards.

The Pay Range For This Role Is

80,000 - 85,000 USD per year(Los Angeles, CA)