Technical Designer Associate

Reports To:  Director of Custom Apparel Design & Operational Integration

FLSA Status:
Technical Design Associate / Technical Design Specialist- Non Exempt
Senior Technical Designer / Lead Technical Designer- Exempt

Employment Type: Full time

Position Overview: National Safety Apparel is a fourth generation, family-owned business that is proud to manufacture innovative safety apparel products in the USA. The primary function of a Technical Designer is to collaborate with others to develop new design concepts and ensure manufacturability / scalability of products at multiple manufacturing locations. The Technical Designer is responsible for facilitating production setup for new design concepts, maintaining location specific tech packs and patterns, and supporting Manufacturing teams with product lifecycle updates.
Essential Job Functions: Responsibilities that must be completed

1. Product Design

• Create flat patterns for new design concepts based on customer specific requirements outlined by the sales team through the Sample Quote Request process. Should maximize material utilization, fit, function and the ease of assembly (e.g. drill holes for pocket locations, notches for trim, etc.)
• Translate design concepts into clear concise tech packs.
• Modify and revise existing designs to meet customer expectations
• Create & maintain sizing specs through grading and size chart creation.

2. Product Integration

• Integrate new design/product concepts into a scalable manufacturing environment.
• Optimize garment production at various Manufacturing locations.
• Modify and revise existing designs to meet unique Manufacturing location needs and/or changes in specs or requirements.
• Work with Manufacturing to establish standard labor times.

3. Product Development & Review

• Turn design concepts into functional prototypes and ensure production timelines are met.
• Evaluate construction, quality, efficiency, consistency, scalability, and manufacturability.
• Evaluate, prioritize, and implement process improvement/cost reduction projects for existing processes.

Non-Essential Job Functions: Other responsibilities not required to successfully do job

• Other duties as assigned

Training: Provided on the job and supplemented with external seminars/classes as needed
Qualifications:
            Education & Certifications: Bachelor’s degree in apparel design or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
            Experience: Adobe Suite, Microsoft Office, Gerber Accumark (or related CAD system) preferred.
Tiered job titles and advancement requirements within this role include the following:

• Technical Design Associate
  • Entry level position with room for growth

Key Competencies:

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high energy and demanding environment required.
• Strong skills in organization, prioritization, time management and project management.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge in pattern making and garment construction
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to achieve positive results

Physical Requirements: Long periods of sitting, computer work, and ability to travel to offsite facilities as needed.
Working Conditions: Open concept office, manufacturing environment
EEO Statement: National Safety Apparel provides equal employment opportunities for all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap, disability, ancestry, age, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation or any other protected group status as defined by law.