Senior Technical Apparel Designer

Senior Technical Apparel Designer

Corporate Office - Winston-Salem, NC - Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Position Type: Full Time Job Shift: 1st Shift Education Level: 4 Year Degree
Description

The Senior Technical Apparel Designer will partner closely with Merchandising, Design, Sourcing, Quality, and overseas manufacturing partners to transform product concepts into production-ready garments that meet the highest standards for fit, construction, durability, and performance.
The ideal candidate combines exceptional technical design expertise with product development knowledge and thrives in a fast-paced environment managing multiple product categories simultaneously.
Key Responsibilities:
Technical Design
Develop comprehensive technical packages including construction details, specifications, BOMs, grading, artwork placement, and measurement standards.
Create and maintain garment specification packages throughout the product lifecycle.
Evaluate first prototypes through production samples.
Lead garment fit sessions and document all fit corrections.
Establish fit standards across multiple product categories.
Product Development
Collaborate with Merchandising and Design during concept development.
Recommend construction methods and manufacturing solutions that improve quality while controlling costs.
Evaluate fabrics, trims, and component compatibility.
Manage seasonal development calendars to meet launch deadlines.
Support innovation through new materials, finishes, and construction techniques.
Factory Collaboration
Communicate directly with domestic and overseas factories.
Review pattern corrections and production comments.
Resolve construction, grading, and manufacturing issues.
Ensure products meet quality, fit, and performance standards.
Support factory onboarding and capability assessments.
Performance & Quality
Assist with laboratory testing and wear testing.
Review test reports and implement corrective actions.
Support military certification requirements when applicable.
Evaluate garments for durability, comfort, moisture management, and performance.
Work closely with Quality Assurance to improve manufacturing consistency.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner with Merchandising, Design, Sourcing, Compliance, Marketing, and Sales.
Present product updates during development meetings.
Assist with product costing by identifying efficient construction methods.
Support commercialization from development through production.
Qualifications

Required:
Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, Apparel Product Development, or related field.
8+ years of technical apparel design experience.
Strong knowledge of garment construction and manufacturing.
Extensive experience leading garment fit sessions.
Ability to create detailed technical packages.
Experience communicating with overseas factories.
Strong understanding of grading and patternmaking principles.
Excellent organization and project management skills.
Preferred:
Experience with military, tactical, athletic, or outdoor apparel.
Knowledge of moisture management, performance fabrics, and functional apparel.
Experience with product testing and certification programs.
Understanding of apparel quality systems.
Experience with licensed products.
Software Experience:
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Microsoft Excel
PLM systems
CLO 3D or Browzwear (preferred)
Microsoft Office Suite
Preferred Knowledge:
Technical specifications
Patternmaking
Garment grading
Apparel construction
Sewing operations
Textile performance
Fabric testing
Quality assurance
Product costing
Manufacturing processes
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Ability to move between departments to interact with others. Consistent daily attendance required; occasional off-shift support and limited travel required.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Generally, will work in conditioned office environment.