Technical Designer - Competition Swim

Perry Ellis International•Portland, OR

About The Position

A highly skilled Technical Designer to lead the technical development of our competition and performance swimwear, including elite level suits. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of creativity, innovation, and efficiency—someone who can translate design intent into impeccably built garments while driving cost-effective, scalable solutions. You’ll partner closely with Design, Product Development, Merchandising, and global vendors to ensure every style meets our standards for fit, quality, performance, and brand identity.

Requirements

Computer skills: Google Apps, Ms Windows, Adobe Illustrator, PLM, pattern design software (Optitex preferred), 3D Development Software (Browzwear preferred)
Deep expertise in the technical development of World Aquatics-compliant competition swimsuits, including compression mapping, seam sealing, and specialized construction techniques.
Proven ability to balance design vision with cost, manufacturability, and quality.
Exceptional communication skills and a collaborative, solution‐oriented mindset.
Ability to manage multiple deadlines and changing priorities in a fast‐paced environment.
Dedicated team player

Nice To Haves

Optitex preferred
Browzwear preferred

Responsibilities

Drive the end-to-end technical development of competition swimwear and Tech Suits, focusing on high-performance construction, material optimization for drag reduction, and regulatory compliance.
Partner with Design to interpret creative concepts into technically sound products, utilizing 3D development tools to accelerate prototyping, visualize construction, and support design decision‐making.
Build and maintain comprehensive tech packs, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and manufacturability across all performance swim styles, focusing on elite level swim suits. Create and update specs, BOMs, construction details, and graded measurement charts.
Develop and refine construction methods, identifying cost‐effective solutions without compromising quality or performance. This includes expertise in ultrasonic welding, bonded seams, and specialty construction used in high-end competition suits.
Lead team through fit approvals from concept to production, ensuring a consistent fit experience and optimal compression, evaluating prototypes, and providing precise technical direction to vendors.
Communicate daily with global vendors to resolve technical challenges and maintain development momentum.
Apply deep knowledge of pattern making, grading, and marker efficiency to optimize fit, consistency, and material usage, particularly for non-stretch and high-modulus performance fabrics.
Contribute to block pattern development and approvals and collaborate with the Design Team on new fits for development.
Adhere to multiple calendar deadlines, monitoring progress of all samples from development to pre-production, including wear tests and size set samples
Participate in continuous improvement of established technical design and product development processes.
Lead special projects and assignments as needed.