Technical Designer - RTW

Socket.dev; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Socket.dev is seeking an experienced Technical Designer to develop comprehensive technical packages for Ready-to-Wear apparel, from proto to bulk production. You will ensure BOM alignment, construction notes, POM specs, and accurate fit across knits, wovens, and outerwear.

Collaborating with Design, Merchandising, and Production, you will lead fit sessions, communicate with overseas manufacturers, and maintain tech packs and samples to uphold design intent and timelines.

Qualifications

• 4-6+ years of experience in apparel technical design focused on RTW.
• Solid understanding of garment construction, grading, textile performance, seam/stitch execution, and patternmaking.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Excel; PLM experience is a plus.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills for overseas suppliers.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple tech packs and deadlines.
• Collaborative team player who troubleshoots garment issues and upholds quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Create, update, and maintain technical packages (proto through bulk production) in Excel and PLM systems with accurate BOM, sketches, and POM specs.
• Participate in and lead portions of fit sessions on live models or dress forms under the Tech Lead.
• Deliver articulate fit comments including pattern adjustments, callouts, digitals, and sketches.
• Communicate clearly with overseas and domestic manufacturing partners to resolve construction or fabric issues.
• Collaborate with Design, Merchandising, and Production to protect design intent and production timelines.
• Manage workflow and tracking for RTW product categories; organize all sample iterations 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

Technical design

Garment construction

Communication

Organization

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Excel

PLM software

MS Office

Job description

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.