Lead Technical Designer - Apparel

Overview

This is an on-site role in Beaverton, OR.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Join a dynamic apparel standards team within a leading athletic brand’s product creation division. As we gear up for major 2026 projects, we’re expanding our team to support innovative product development initiatives at our World Headquarters location.

THE ROLE

The Studio Lead Technical Designer is a hands-on patternmaker and sewing expert who thrives in a fast-paced, creative environment. This individual is proactive, collaborative, safety-minded, and detail-oriented, with deep expertise in patternmaking, garment construction, and studio equipment operations. You’ll be integral to the apparel development process, working closely with product creation teams while maintaining the agility needed for fluid project demands and occasional travel.

In this role, you’ll stay current with market trends, emerging technologies, and consumer needs throughout the development cycle, ensuring all projects align with corporate guidelines and product creation goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Product Development & Execution

• Lead patterning, sample making, and fit execution for studio-supported projects
• Identify and address critical opportunities in pattern development, construction, and manufacturing
• Plan and deliver against project briefs with precision and efficiency
• Track project progress and facilitate review meetings in partnership with leadership

Studio Leadership & Training

• Develop and lead studio-based training programs to build team capabilities
• Support events and activities within the Apparel Maker Space
• Participate in planning and maintaining studio inventories and assets
• Assist with equipment use, maintenance scheduling, and upkeep
• Serve as project lead and liaison for studio-supported initiatives
• Support team with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development
• Create and facilitate workshop programming

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with Design, Product Management, Product Creation teams, Materials, and Manufacturing to execute product development and fit goals
• Act as a technical resource, interpreting design intent and offering alternative solutions
• Work closely with factory vendors to ensure and improve manufacturability

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Apparel Design, Textile Science, or related field (required)

Essential Skills & Experience

• 5-10 years of advanced patternmaking experience in the apparel industry (required)
• Hands-on proficiency with sewing and embroidery machines – must be physically capable of creating patterns and making products in a studio environment
• Expertise in Optitex, flat patterning, and Adobe Illustrator (required)
• Deep knowledge of the apparel development process from inception through production, including pattern making, grading, construction, materials, costing, manufacturing, and quality standards
• Strong garment construction expertise and technical sewing skills
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication abilities
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects
• Experience writing product specifications and construction standard instructions
• Proficiency with MS Office programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with 3D software (CLO/Browzwear)
• Background working with factory vendors on manufacturability improvements

WORK ENVIRONMENT & LOGISTICS

• Location: Portland, OR – World Headquarters
• Schedule: Fully onsite, Monday through Friday (required)
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work hands-on in a studio environment operating equipment and creating physical samples

REPORTING STRUCTURE

This position reports to the Senior Manager of the studio facility and works within the Apparel Standards team, which is part of the broader Product Creation and Technical Design organization.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

We’re seeking someone who is local to the Portland area and ready to make an immediate impact. You don’t need previous experience with our organization, but you should bring a passion for technical excellence, a collaborative mindset, and the flexibility to adapt in a dynamic creative environment as we prepare for exciting 2026 initiatives.

**About Aquent Talent:** Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world’s biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. More information on our awesome benefits! Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We’re about creating an inclusive environment—one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.