Technical Apparel Designer

JOB DESCRIPTION

Our Austin based client, a premium lifestyle and outdoor brand, is seeking a Technical Designer to join its growing apparel team. This role plays a key part in building the product foundation from the ground up - shaping new silhouettes, refining fit, and ensuring functional excellence across categories. The right person will have the curiosity to learn quickly, the agility to move between hands-on product development and technical execution, and the confidence to help establish processes as the team scales.

This is a W2 contract position that will require to be onsite in Austin.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Design and Product Development to build new silhouettes and categories, translating creative concepts into production-ready garments.
• Create comprehensive technical packages (tech packs) — including sketches, specs, construction details, and bill of materials — ensuring accuracy and consistency.
• Lead and document fit sessions, providing precise notes on pattern and grading adjustments.
• Collaborate closely with Product Developers, Designers, and Vendors to maintain clear communication and alignment throughout development.
• Balance creative and technical thinking — able to shift between hands-on creative problem-solving and meticulous technical documentation.
• Support the groundwork for scalable systems, including PLM setup, sample tracking, and process improvement.
• Troubleshoot design, pattern, and construction challenges in partnership with factories and material teams.
• Maintain up-to-date measurement specs, grading standards, and tolerances across men’s, women’s, and unisex apparel lines.
• Ensure all products meet brand standards for fit, function, and durability.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in technical design or product development for performance, outdoor, or lifestyle apparel.
• Strong knowledge of garment construction, fit standards, and pattern making.
• Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, PLM software (Centric, Backbone, or similar), and digital measurement tools.
• Proven ability to adapt quickly, absorb feedback, and work fluidly across multiple product types and timelines.
• Solid understanding of performance fabrics, seam construction, waterproofing, and reinforcement methods.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills — able to partner effectively with Product Development and cross-functional teams.
• Organized, detail-driven, and comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving environment where processes are being built from scratch.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, or related field preferred.