Apparel Technical Designer

Lakeshirts•Detroit Lakes, MN

11h•Onsite

About The Position

Lakeshirts is seeking an experienced Apparel Technical Designer to help move apparel concepts into production-ready garments across multiple product lines. The role partners with design and product teams and handles technical documentation, sample reviews, fittings, construction troubleshooting, and vendor communications. It is a full-time, onsite position in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, scheduled Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Pay is $18.00–$22.00 per hour, based on experience. The role may grow through increased fit ownership, vendor communication, technical documentation, and product development support; advancement opportunities vary by department and business need. The position requires apparel technical design experience and knowledge of garment development, including pattern making, grading, construction, fabrics, trims, sewing, technical drawing, measuring, and fitting. The employee will work with Excel, Adobe Illustrator, PLM or product systems, Microsoft Office, and related systems to maintain accurate technical documentation. The role involves regular collaboration with vendors, suppliers, and cross-functional teammates in a fast-paced environment. The work includes continuous computer use, reviewing apparel details, communicating with teammates, and alternating between sitting, standing, and walking as needed. It also involves handling garments, samples, trims, and documents, with occasional lifting and moving of heavier materials. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

Requirements

Degree in Fashion, Apparel Design, Technical Design, or a related apparel field.
At least 4 years of technical design experience in apparel, merchandising, product development, or a related apparel environment.
Knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring, fitting, fabrics, trims, and development timelines.
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, PLM or product systems, Microsoft Office, and Excel, with the ability to maintain accurate technical documentation.
Detail-oriented, organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple apparel projects in a fast-paced team environment.
Strong written communication, decision-making, follow-through, and time-management skills.
Comfort working with vendors and cross-functional teams.
Ability to read, write, understand, and communicate work instructions, measurements, specifications, and vendor feedback.
Good judgment, attention to detail, flexibility, problem-solving, organization, follow-through, collaboration, and ability to manage changing priorities.

Responsibilities

Move apparel styles from concept to production-ready samples by resolving fit, construction, measurement, and specification questions.
Create and update tech packs, specifications, grading rules, points-of-measurement standards, and fit documentation in Excel and related systems.
Apply knowledge of fabrics, trims, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring, and fitting to support quality and consistency.
Manage incoming samples and sample libraries; review fit, construction, design intent, and production readiness.
Coordinate model fittings, document measurements, and update specifications based on fit sessions, size runs, revisions, and vendor feedback.
Troubleshoot fit, grading, construction, production, quality, and costing concerns and recommend practical solutions.
Communicate technical updates, specification changes, fit requirements, and sample feedback to vendors, suppliers, and teammates.
Support fabric testing, process improvements, product presentations, and technical design standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.