Apparel Product Developer - Technical Designer

Eagan, MN, US

$55k–$80k/year
14 days ago
Save Job

Summary

About Us: Hi! We're Storm Creek- a women-owned, sustainably-made, year-round clothing brand that cares deeply about the earth. We proudly donate over 5% of our profits to environmental and community causes that matter to us. Here's a bit more about us so we can really get to know each other.

From sparking curiosity to fueling our growth mindset, we're all about purposeful action and relentless innovation. "Good enough" isn't in our vocabulary-we aim higher, think sharper, and collaborate harder. And giving back? That's in our DNA. We're charging full steam ahead to hit $5 million in charitable donations by 2030. Turns out doing good can look good, too.

We're honored to be named one of PPAI's Greatest Companies to Work For in 2024, ranked in the top 2% of promo products suppliers nationwide, #43 on PPAI 100 and a proud member of Minnesota Keystone at the 5% giving level. Translation? We're a fantastic place to work. Ready to see what all the buzz is about? Come join the fun!

Position Overview: The Apparel Product Developer plays a critical role in supporting the end-to-end product development process-from concept through production-by ensuring execution aligns with brand and sustainability standards, calendar milestones, and quality expectations. This role collaborates closely with Design and overseas production. The Product Developer will also be responsible for organizing materials, monitoring bulk fabric approvals, and assisting with the distribution of samples to ensure smooth execution of all development phases.

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of apparel construction, fabric development, and technical specifications. They will be responsible for managing style-level communication with vendors, maintaining accurate technical documentation, and driving timely product execution.

Key Responsibilities

  • Collaborate closely with Design to translate designs into accurate technical specifications.
  • Ensure tech packs are 100% accurate and complete in Centric including specs, construction details, BOMs (Bill of Materials), and grade rules.
  • Maintain style and material library in Centric. Ensuring 100% accurate and complete for carbon emission calculating
  • Support fabric and trim development processes, including tracking submissions, approvals, and alignment with the product calendar.
  • Support print and color development, managing lab dips, strike-offs, and all related approvals from initial concept to final sign-off.
  • Support R&D styles, fabrics, and trims. Ensuring we always have new development in the works.
  • Track development progress for all product phases, including Proto, SMS, PPS, and TOP, and ensure timely feedback and approvals.
  • Analyze, measure, and evaluate samples for fit, construction, and overall quality and communicate comments to vendors
  • Act as a daily point of contact for vendors, overseeing communication and status updates on a style-by-style basis.
  • Oversee testing processes for fabrics, trims, and garments to ensure quality and sustainability standards.
  • Organize and maintain a library of lab dips, trims, strike-offs, and material references.
  • Enter and manage data within the Centric PLM system accurately and efficiently.
  • Address issues during the product development and manufacturing stages.
  • Manage SMU and private label development.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned to support product creation and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design, Technical Design, or related field.
  • 3-5+ years of experience in technical design or product development in the apparel industry.
  • Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Office/Excel
  • PLM software experience is a must (Centric experience is a strong plus)
  • 3D design/measurement tool experience is ideal (Clo experience is a strong plus)
  • Deep knowledge of product development processes, manufacturing, materials, and proven ability to meet strict development and production timelines.
  • Strong knowledge of garment construction, fit, grading, and fabrication. (experience with Alvanon is a strong plus)
  • Vendor Relations sharp communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and think creatively to solve design and development challenges
  • Highly organized with strong attention to detail and time management skills
  • Experience with quality assurance processes.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Technical knowledge of fabric attributes and experience with both woven and knit garments.
  • Familiarity with sustainable design practices and materials.
  • Global sourcing/manufacturing experience.
  • Desire to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

What Storm Creek Can Offer You: In addition to your base compensation (starting salary range: $55,000 - $80,000 annually), you may be eligible for commissions based on specific sales goals and objectives. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including Medical, Prescription, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Program, and 401(k). Teammates may also be eligible for 10 to 20 days of vacation (depending on tenure), 5 days of ESST, 8 volunteer hours, and company holidays (plus one floating holiday per year).

Storm Creek is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Ready to join us? Let's make an impact together at Storm Creek!

ATTENTION: After submitting your application, please check your spam folder for emails on your application status. Emails are sent from a @send.applicantemails.com email address.

Salary: $55000 - $80000 per year

How strong is your resume?

Upload your resume and get feedback from our expert to help land this job