Technical Designer - Athletic & Performance Apparel

Bass Pro Shops • Springfield, MO

5d

About The Position

Bass Pro Shops is seeking a Technical Designer with proven experience in premium athletic and performance apparel and a passion for activewear and sport-driven design. The position supports apparel development from concept through production, translating design intent into production-ready garments while ensuring accurate fit, construction, specifications, and quality. The Technical Designer works closely with Design, Product Development, and Merchandising teams and contributes to tech pack creation, fittings, and problem-solving across brands and categories.

The role requires a strong understanding of fit, construction, materials, and performance requirements that support athletic movement and comfort. The Technical Designer leads technical development for assigned styles, manages detailed tech packs, conducts fit sessions, evaluates samples, resolves technical issues, and coordinates with vendors and overseas offices. The role also supports product testing and wearer trials to validate fit, performance, and durability. It includes mentoring and guiding team members, managing multiple projects and deadlines, and exercising independent judgment within company policies and procedures.

Travel of up to 10% domestically and/or internationally may be required. Physical requirements include regular computer work and sitting, with occasional walking, standing, and lifting up to 50 pounds. This is a full-time position. Benefits include retail, restaurant, resort, and conservation attraction discounts; medical, dental, and vision coverage; health savings and flexible spending accounts; voluntary benefits; a 401(k) retirement savings plan; paid holidays, vacation, and sick time; and the Bass Pro Cares Fund. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Bass Pro Shops is an equal opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodations as described in the posting.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Technical Design, or a related field.
• At least 5–7 years of experience in technical design for premium athletic and performance apparel.
• Knowledge of patternmaking, garment construction, or grading.
• Strong understanding of apparel development, garment construction, and tech pack creation.
• Experience with Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, PLM systems, and digital patternmaking tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Effective communication with cross-functional teams and external vendors, including leading fit sessions and giving actionable feedback.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to fit, quality, and production challenges.
• Adaptability and collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with 3D design software such as CLO or Browzwear.
• Experience in mentoring and guiding team members and leading technical discussions.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical development of assigned apparel styles from concept through production, ensuring fit, construction, and quality meet brand standards and consumer needs.
• Collaborate with Design, Product Developers, and Merchandising to execute seasonal strategies and deliver innovative, functional products.
• Create and manage detailed tech packs covering specifications, construction methods, and fit standards.
• Conduct and lead fit sessions using dress forms and live models, providing clear feedback and direction to vendors and cross-functional teams.
• Analyze prototype and fit samples for measurement, construction, and quality, and resolve issues involving fit, fabric, grading, and production cost.
• Maintain consistency in fit and construction across vendors and product categories, using fit blocks and digital tools where applicable.
• Communicate with overseas offices and vendors to support timely development and production and proactively address potential challenges.
• Support product testing and wearer trials to validate fit, performance, and durability.
• Mentor and guide team members, lead technical discussions, and drive strategic initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Discounts on retail merchandise, restaurants, resorts, and conservation attractions.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Health Savings Account.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Voluntary benefits.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid vacation.
• Paid sick time.
• Bass Pro Cares Fund.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior