Lead Technical Designer, Apparel

Lead Technical Designer (Apparel - Outerwear Focus)

Location: Onsite (Hybrid schedule - Fridays remote)

Employment Type: Contract (approx. 28 weeks)

About the Role

We are seeking a Lead Technical Designer to own the fit, pattern development, and construction of apparel products from initial concept through final production. This role is focused on delivering high-performance outerwear and sportswear, ensuring strong alignment between design intent, technical execution, manufacturability, and product quality.

You will work across mens sportswear, mens and womens basketball outerwear, and related apparel categories, partnering closely with design, product development, and manufacturing teams to bring complex apparel products to life.

What You Will Do

• Own technical design execution for assigned apparel styles from concept through production
• Develop, refine, and maintain patterns with a strong emphasis on outerwear and performance apparel
• Create and manage detailed tech packs, product specifications, and construction documentation
• Lead fit sessions and prototype reviews, identifying and resolving fit and construction issues
• Ensure consistency in fit standards, construction methods, and product quality across styles
• Collaborate cross-functionally with design, product development, materials, and manufacturing partners
• Translate design intent into manufacturable, production-ready solutions
• Identify and mitigate technical risks during product development
• Track development progress and ensure alignment with key product milestones
• Serve as a technical resource and provide guidance on apparel construction and fit best practices

What You Bring

• 8+ years of technical design experience in the apparel industry
• Strong, hands-on pattern making experience (required)
• Deep expertise in apparel construction, grading, fit, and full product development lifecycle
• Experience with outerwear or complex apparel categories strongly preferred
• Proven ability to take products from concept through production
• Strong ability to interpret design intent and translate it into technical execution
• Experience working with manufacturing partners or factories to improve fit and construction outcomes
• Ability to manage multiple product styles and timelines simultaneously
• Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, CAD pattern systems (e.g., Optitex or equivalents), and 3D tools (CLO, Browzwear or equivalents) strongly preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Apparel Design, Textile Science, or related field preferred
• Equivalent experience in apparel product development may be considered in lieu of degree

Preferred Experience

• Experience with large-scale apparel or sportswear brands or comparable competitors
• Strong background in outerwear, performance, or technical apparel development
• Experience working in global, cross-functional product creation environments
• Exposure to complex, multi-category apparel development environments

Additional Information

• Hybrid work structure with onsite collaboration and remote Fridays
• Contract role supporting high-impact apparel product creation
• Ability to travel up to 10% (domestic and international) as needed
  

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