Technical Designer - Women's Open Edit & BP Sweaters and Knits, Hybrid (Seattle, WA)

Nordstrom•Seattle, WA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The ideal Technical Designer is detail-oriented, obsessed with apparel development and committed to providing outstanding customer service. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional peers and external partners to ensure product is aligned with development strategies and business needs. The Technical Designer will develop clear, concise Tech Packs, evaluate samples for specification, quality, and construction, and follow the sample through fit approvals to production. Communication with suppliers regarding fit comments and corrections is crucial, as is collaborating with stakeholders to streamline product development and production processes. Building trusting relationships with suppliers and maintaining close dialogue regarding capacity and calendar are key. The role requires aligning with and delivering to agreed calendar milestones, partnering with the Pattern Engineer and Design Team on block pattern development, and analyzing market research and customer review data to drive recommendations. Conducting wear tests and maintaining sample organization throughout the development and production lifecycle are also part of the responsibilities. The position offers exposure to various categories and product types, including fit model go-sees and measuring live models, and involves scheduling and leading fit sessions. Participation in special projects and mentoring new-hires are also expected.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Apparel Design, Apparel Manufacturing, Pattern Making or related field or equivalent industry experience
Minimum 5 year’s experience in Technical Design or related field
Strong organization and time management skills
Clear, effective written and verbal communication
Strong interpersonal skills
Able to work independently as well as collaboratively
Experience fully developing fashioned sweaters
Product Lifecycle Management Software
Adobe Creative Suite – Illustrator, Photoshop
Microsoft Office Suite – Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Working knowledge of Grade Rules and tolerances
Working experience in communicating with vendors where English may not be their first language

Nice To Haves

Exposure to 3D apparel development preferred – Browzwear, CLO, Optitex
Exposure to 2D pattern software preferred – Gerber Accumark, Optitex

Responsibilities

Collaborate with cross-functional peers and external partners to ensure product is aligned with development strategies and business needs
Develop clear, concise Tech Packs to include measurement worksheet and construction images to align with Design intent and Brand DNA
Evaluate samples to ensure product specifications, quality and construction standards are being executed
Follow the sample through fit approvals to production to ensure intent is met
Communicate fit comments to suppliers to achieve desired corrections
Collaborate with stakeholders to streamline product development and production processes, escalating when leadership involvement is needed
Build trusting relationships with suppliers and maintain close dialogue regarding capacity and calendar
Align and deliver to agreed calendar milestones
Partner with Pattern Engineer and Design Team on block pattern development to align with brand benchmarks
Analyze market research and customer review data to drive recommendations
Conduct wear tests
Collaborate with internal teams to maintain sample organization throughout development and production lifecycle
Comfortably work across various categories and product types
Exposure to fit model go-sees and measuring live models
Schedule and lead fit sessions
Participate in special projects as directed
Partner with and mentor new-hires through various Technical Design stations of work