Technical Designer

Employee classification: 11 Month Hourly Staff FT

Category: Staff

Technical designers work in collaboration with professors and staff as they assist fashion students in turning ideas into finished products. They anticipate any design issues and liaise with students to ensure garments adhere to the established specifications, and that the end results are high-quality, marketable products.

The technical designer position requires strong technical skills in garment construction and fit. The day-to-day responsibilities include assisting students in creating patterns, measuring garments, properly conducting fits for live models, and adjusting patterns when necessary. Technical designers are expected to demonstrate strong knowledge of the entire product development process in order to assist fashion students in making the best decisions to achieve their desired results, while maintaining the integrity of the students’ design concept.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in fashion design or related discipline
  • Minimum of five years of industry experience in technical design and apparel manufacturing preferred
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, and Gerber AccuMark
  • Knowledge of Avancé Embroidery Machine, Mutoh Fabric Digital Printer, and FreeJet Sublimation Printer preferred

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Undergraduate degree in fashion design or closely related program (preferred).
  • Technical design and apparel manufacturing skills as documented through work samples and demonstrations.
  • Minimum 5 years of industry experience within technical design and apparel manufacturing (preferred).
  • Excellent understanding of the apparel design and development process from inception, pattern layout through production.
  • Knowledge of how products are sourced and developed.
  • Ability to adjust patterns, analyze garment construction and workmanship.
  • Ability to manipulate existing patterns and communicate adjustments to fashion students, professors, and fashion department to reflect changes.
  • Effective time management and organizational skills.
  • Strong understanding of technical design; including construction, fit, patternmaking, fabric relation to design intent, and overall improving quality of a garment while maintaining cost to cut and sew products.
  • Knowledge and skill in commercial fit and pattern standards, corrections, grading, construction methods, sewing, and sketching.
  • Experience and skills in leading live fittings in evaluating overall fit with the ability to make necessary fit and pattern corrections to achieve the desired fit.
  • Ability to identify apparel flaws quickly and effectively adjust designs on-the-spot.
  • Commitment to strong work ethic and high-performance standards.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while seeking continual development and growth opportunities.
  • Professional interest in the clothing industry.
  • Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.
  • Knowledge of factory production, tools and machinery.
  • Experience in operating industrial sewing machines, industrial sergers, specialty sewing machines, digital printing equipment and industrial fabric cutter.
  • Knowledge and skills in Avancé Embroidery Machine, Mutoh Fabric Digital Printer and FreeJet Sublimation Printer (ideal but not essential).
  • Proficiency in PC operation, including Microsoft Office products.
  • Practical experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop software.
  • Experience with Gerber AccuMark or other pattern design software.
  • Superb attention to detail.
  • Ability to take direction and execute projects without additional supervision.


Work Hours:The university work week is Sunday through Saturday. Most offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm. In order to accommodate business needs, employees may be assigned to other work days and/or hours, including weekends and evenings.

ADA Tag: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions