Senior Technical Designer
9 days ago
Los Angeles
Job DescriptionIn a world of noise, we find the signal — the pulse of potential. We weave the strands of talent, vision, and purpose into organizations that endure. Blending intelligence with intuition, we honor the human art of connection at the heart of every great company. Signal & Strand partners with organizations at pivotal moments — when brands are scaling, categories are evolving, and operational discipline becomes as important as creative ambition. Across the apparel and lifestyle landscape, we help build leadership and expert teams that bring precision, integrity, and clarity to the product creation process. We've been retained by a confidential, fast-growing apparel company to identify a Senior Technical Designer. This individual will elevate fit, construction, and technical execution across key categories — ensuring that every garment reflects the brand's promise of quality, consistency, and performance. The Role The Senior Technical Designer will lead the technical development of apparel from initial sketch through final fit approval, ensuring that each style meets exacting standards for fit, construction, and functionality. This role requires deep expertise, sharp problem-solving, and the ability to partner seamlessly with Design, Product Development, Sourcing, and global vendors. This is a pivotal role for someone who cares about craft — a technical authority who brings rigor to details, clarity to communication, and a collaborative mindset to the entire product engine. What You'll DoTechnical Product Leadership * Own the technical development of assigned categories from proto through TOP, ensuring fit, construction, and quality meet brand standards. * Translate design intent into clear, precise technical specifications that balance creativity with manufacturability. * Lead fit sessions, diagnose issues, and provide actionable direction aligned with brand standards and commercial requirements. Fit, Construction & Specification Standards * Maintain and evolve block libraries, grading rules, and fit standards across categories. * Develop detailed tech packs, measurement specs, construction pages, BOM guidance, and finishing standards. * Ensure consistency in fit and sizing across styles, seasons, and categories. Cross-Functional Partnership * Partner closely with Design to ensure technical solutions support aesthetic vision and brand identity. * Collaborate with Product Development, Raw Materials, Sourcing, and Production to solve problems quickly and ensure calendar alignment. * Provide clear communication and technical guidance to internal teams and external vendors. Vendor Communication & Global Execution * Communicate directly with factories to troubleshoot issues, guide sample corrections, and drive alignment on construction methods. * Review and comment on proto, SMS, PP, and TOP samples with a focus on accuracy, quality, and feasibility. * Partner with Sourcing and Production on vendor capabilities, cost implications, and construction efficiencies. Process, Tools & Calendar Discipline * Manage all technical deliverables aligned to the seasonal development calendar. * Ensure PLM accuracy across measurements, comments, approvals, and sample tracking. * Identify opportunities to drive efficiency and improve cross-functional visibility throughout development. Quality, Compliance & Innovation * Bring forward new construction techniques, fit solutions, and technical approaches that elevate the customer experience. * Ensure garments meet brand standards for quality, movement, performance, and durability. * Support sustainability and material innovation initiatives through construction and fit solutions. What You Bring * 6–10+ years of experience in Technical Design, with deep expertise in fit, construction, and garment engineering. * Skilled across multiple categories (e.g., activewear, performance, lifestyle, knit/woven apparel). * Strong understanding of patternmaking, grading, and the relationship between materials and fit. * Proven ability to lead fit sessions and drive clear, actionable resolutions with speed and accuracy. * Experience working directly with domestic and international factories. * Proficiency in PLM, Adobe Illustrator, and technical development tools. * Excellent communication skills and the ability to partner seamlessly across functions. * High taste level and a commitment to quality, precision, and product integrity. Who You Are You are meticulous, proactive, and deeply committed to the craft of making great product. You see patterns in the details, solutions in the complexities, and opportunities in the challenges. You bring calm authority to fit sessions, clear logic to construction, and collaborative energy to cross-functional teams. You elevate standards, strengthen processes, and ensure every garment feels intentional, consistent, and brand-right. Base Compensation Range$100,000—$115,000 USD Equal Opportunity & Non-Discrimination Statement Signal and Strand is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We—and our clients—do not discriminate in employment or contracting on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws. We comply fully with the provisions of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA). All employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We are committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.