Theory Technical Designer

Theory; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Theory, a New York-based brand, is seeking a Technical Designer (Men’s) to own the development process from sketch hand-off through proto creation, SMS, and hand-off to production, ensuring fit and quality align with Theory standards.

Based in New York's Meatpacking District, you will collaborate with design, product development, pattern makers, and overseas factories to deliver premium menswear with exceptional attention to fit and construction.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of technical design experience in contemporary or luxury menswear.
• Proven experience in sample room coordination or domestic production management.
• Highly proficient at writing detailed tech packs (construction call outs, spec sheets, pattern amendments, tech sketches).

Responsibilities

• Own and manage the development process from initial sketch pass-off to proto sample approval and Salesman samples for Global line opening.
• Partner closely with Design and Product Development to preserve design intent while ensuring fit, quality, and manufacturability.
• Act as primary liaison between Merchandise, Design, Product Development, Fabric, Pattern makers, and in house sample room throughout development stage.
• Own and coordinate for sample room planning and execution, including pattern making, cutting, and sewing for development needs such as wear testing, fabric testing, Proto development and SMS for presentation.
• Lead development fittings across all categories: Jacket, Outerwear, Pant, Woven Tops and C&S.
• Identify technical risks and provide proactive fit and construction solutions.
• Create, revise, and maintain comprehensive and accurate tech packs, that include fitting comments with actionable pattern amendment instruction.
• Partner with global vendors to drive accurate pattern corrections and sample execution.
• Maintain and update development on PLM system, ensuring real-time visibility of sample progress, fit approvals and milestone tracking.
• Support Tech Design Director in all relevant and related tasks

Skills

Technical design

Sample room coordination

Tech pack creation

Garment construction knowledge

PLM proficiency

Communication with overseas suppliers

Tools

PLM

Adobe Illustrator

MS Office

Job description

About Us:

At Theory, we create clothes that matter that empower and improve the way we live through exceptional fit, fabric, and style. In 1997, Theory was founded in New York on the simple idea that stretch fabrics in tailored clothing could change how we dress and live. Two decades later, we continue to perfect our offering of elevated wardrobe essentials for the ambitious, urban man and woman. From sourcing materials from the best mills in the world, to the innovation and craftsmanship at our atelier in New York’s Meatpacking District, the integrity of our process is just as important as our final product.

In 2004, Theory was acquired by Fast Retailing, spurring international expansion of the brand. Operating 440 stores worldwide, today Theory is a New York brand with a global mindset. Our customers dream big, achieve goals, and aim for perfection. So do we, and so do our clothes.

Role Overview:

As a Technical Designer (Men’s) you will be the central point of accountability for the development cycle from design sketch hand-off through Proto creation, SMS refinement to hand off to production team. This role requires a highly organized processional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and has both technical design expertise and sample room coordination experience.

You will work closely with design, product development, pattern maker, in- house sample-making team, and oversea factories to ensure fit, sewing construction, and sample quality aligned with Theory standard.

Based in the heart of New York City's iconic Meatpacking District, Theory's design atelier brings together Design, Product Development, Patternmaking, and Technical Design under one roof. This unique hands-on environment allows our teams to collaborate closely, innovate in real time, and bring premium menswear to life with exceptional attention to fit, craftsmanship, and quality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Own and manage the development process from initial sketch pass-off to proto sample approval and Salesman samples for Global line opening.
• Partner closely with Design and Product Development to preserve design intent while ensuring fit, quality, and manufacturability.
• Act as primary liaison between Merchandise, Design, Product Development, Fabric, Pattern makers, and in house sample room throughout development stage.
• Own and coordinate for sample room planning and execution, including pattern making, cutting, and sewing for development needs such as wear testing, fabric testing, Proto development and SMS for presentation.
• Lead development fittings across all categories: Jacket, Outerwear, Pant, Woven Tops and C&S.
• Identify technical risks and provide proactive fit and construction solutions.
• Create, revise, and maintain comprehensive and accurate tech packs, that include fitting comments with actionable pattern amendment instruction.
• Partner with global vendors to drive accurate pattern corrections and sample execution.
• Maintain and update development on PLM system, ensuring real-time visibility of sample progress, fit approvals and milestone tracking.
• Support Tech Design Director in all relevant and related tasks

Skills & Qualifications:

• 5+ years of technical design experience with experience in contemporary or luxury menswear preferred
• Proven experience in sample room coordination or domestic production management.
• Highly proficient and comfortable writing detailed tech packs including:

Construction call outs

Spec sheets

Pattern amendment instruction

Visual/physical mock up and technical sketches

• Strong ability to communicate technical related issues clearly to overseas supplier to ensure accurate pattern and fit correction.
• Deep understanding of garment construction and pattern.
• Experience creating production-ready tech packs and maintaining data within PLM systems.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work in a fast-paced product development environment with cross-functional team,
• Comfortable working hands-on in house sample making teams.
• Solid working knowledge of PLM, Adobe Illustrator, MS offices: Outlook, Excel and Word

Salary:

$80,000 to 90,000*

*The offered salary or salary range is based on several factors, including, but not limited to, overall experience, relevant experience, education level, certifications, applicable skills and expertise, and location of the position.

Theory is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in regards to race, gender, religion, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, qualified veteran status, marital status, or sexual orientation.

Interview Process:

Candidates will meet with key stakeholders across the Men's Production team to gain a comprehensive view of the role and team. The process includes a technical fit test designed to assess fit analysis, garment construction knowledge, and technical problem-solving skills.