Technical Designer - RTW
Summary
Apparel technical designer at a contemporary women's Ready-to-Wear brand: builds and maintains tech packs (BOMs, sketches, POM specs) from proto through bulk production, participates in fit sessions, and resolves construction/spec issues with overseas factories. Core tools are Excel, PLM systems, and Adobe Illustrator.
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.