Technical Apparel Designer
About The Position
Lakeshirts is hiring an Apparel Product Developer to help turn apparel concepts into well-built, production-ready garments across multiple product lines. The role owns technical details throughout development, including tech packs, garment specifications, fit sessions, measurements, grading, sample reviews, construction details, and vendor communication. The employee partners with design and product teams to identify issues early, document changes, and ensure garments are ready for production. This is a hands-on apparel product development role requiring knowledge of garment construction and the details behind fit, construction, fabrics, trims, specifications, and production readiness. The position is full-time and onsite at Lakeshirts' Detroit Lakes, Minnesota location, Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Pay is $18.00–$22.00 per hour, based on experience.
Requirements
- Degree in Fashion, Apparel Design, Technical Design, or a related apparel field.
- Four or more years of experience in apparel technical design, product development, merchandising, or a related apparel environment.
- Knowledge of pattern making, grading, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring, fitting, fabrics, trims, and apparel development timelines.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Excel, Microsoft Office, and PLM or product-development systems, 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-focused environment.
- Strong written communication, decision-making, follow-through, and time-management skills; comfortable working with vendors and cross-functional teams.
- Ability to read, write, understand, and communicate work instructions, measurements, specifications, and vendor feedback.
Responsibilities
- Move apparel styles from concept to production-ready samples by resolving fit, construction, measurement, and specification questions.
- Create and update tech packs, garment specifications, grading rules, points of measurement, bills of materials, and fit documentation using Excel, Adobe Illustrator, PLM, and related systems.
- Apply knowledge of fabrics, trims, garment construction, sewing, technical drawing, measuring, pattern making, and fitting to support quality and consistency.
- Manage incoming samples and sample libraries; review fit, construction, design intent, workmanship, 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 cross-functional teammates.
- Support fabric testing, development calendars, process improvements, product presentations, and technical design standards.
Benefits
- Daily pay options for eligible team members
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Health, dental, vision, life, disability, and voluntary benefit options
- Confidential Employee Assistance Program resources
- Merchandise discounts
- Profit sharing based on company performance
- 401(k) program, with company match eligibility after one year and 1,000 hours
- Relaxed dress code
- Onsite amenities
- Employee events
- Recognition programs
- Dog-friendly workplace
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
