Apparel Technical Designer

BRUNT Workwear•North Reading, MA

3d•$85,000 - $110,000

About The Position

BRUNT is a fast-growing workwear brand built for the trades, and we're looking for a detail-obsessed, technically sharp Apparel Technical Designer to own initial design through construction, and quality of our Bottoms, Denim, and Outerwear product lines. Every product you touch will be built for the trade worker the carpenter, electrician, plumber, and laborer who demands gear that can keep up with the hardest days on the job site. Your work ensures that what we design is exactly what gets built, and that it performs when it matters most. You'll serve as the creative and technical backbone of our product creation process translating creative concepts into precise, production-ready packages and shepherding every style from first proto to bulk approval with an expert eye and zero tolerance for shortcuts.

Requirements

4–6 years of apparel technical design experience, with a strong focus on Bottoms, Denim, and/or Outerwear workwear, outdoor, or performance categories strongly preferred
Deep, hands-on knowledge of garment construction, patternmaking, fabric behavior, and grading principles
Experience with denim fabrication and construction is a meaningful plus wash development, rigid vs. stretch denim, and workwear-specific denim standards
Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator for technical flat sketching precise, clean, and production-ready
Experience with PLM software for tech pack management and development tracking
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for spec management and measurement charting
Strong communicator able to clearly document and convey detailed specifications to cross-functional teams and international vendors
Deadline-driven, highly organized, and comfortable managing multiple styles simultaneously in a fast-paced seasonal calendar
A genuine appreciation for the trade worker consumer understanding the physical demands of the job and how good construction directly impacts their day

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with 3D design tools (CLO 3D, Browzwear) is a plus

Responsibilities

Design functional silhouette solutions for the trade worker capturing key functionality outlined in the product brief.
Build and maintain comprehensive, production-ready tech packs for all assigned Bottoms, Denim, and Outerwear styles including detailed technical flat sketches, graded measurement charts, construction specifications, bills of materials (BOM), and hardware callouts
Ensure all tech packs clearly communicate design intent, workwear performance requirements, and construction standards to international factory partners
Maintain meticulous version control and documentation throughout the development cycle
Partner with Product Merchant and Consumer Insights early in the brief process to evaluate feasibility, flag construction risks, and propose workable solutions before development kicks off
Lead and own all fit sessions for assigned categories from initial proto to buy ready evaluating garments on live fit models for fit, drape, mobility, and functionality specific to trade work environments
Analyze samples against spec sheets, identifying pattern issues and construction discrepancies, and communicating precise corrections to factory partners
Ensure fit standards reflect the physical demands of the trade worker freedom of movement, reinforced stress points, and category-specific durability requirements
Document all fit comments clearly and efficiently to minimize revision cycles and protect the development calendar
Partner with Consumer Insights during the wear test phase to capture any necessary adjustments to fit or function and align with product merchants on final changes.
Serve as the primary technical point of contact with factories and suppliers throughout the development process
Review and approve lab dips, proto samples, fit samples, and pre-production samples providing clear, actionable feedback at every stage
Partner with Sourcing to resolve production and construction challenges early, balancing quality standards with cost and timeline requirements
Visit factory and production sites as needed to ensure bulk production aligns with approved standards
Develop and maintain graded measurement specs across the full size range for all assigned styles
Establish and uphold quality control standards from proto through bulk ensuring finished products are free of defects and consistent with brand and performance benchmarks
Research new construction methods, fabrications, and production technologies that could improve durability, functionality, or efficiency in workwear categories
Work closely with the Product Merchant, Design, and Sourcing teams to align on seasonal timelines, milestone deliverables, and product intent
Contribute to line reviews, proto reviews, and fit sessions with a clear point of view advocating for construction solutions that serve both the trade consumer and the commercial goals of the business
Help create and maintain contingency plans when unexpected production challenges arise, keeping projects on track without sacrificing quality