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Lead Technical Designer, Apparel [210039]

Aquent, Beaverton, OR, USA

Pay: 60.000 - 80.000

Job type: Contract


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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