Technical Developer

Job Description

Summary

Technical Developer creates athletic & lifestyle apparel that is leading in innovation, design, function, fit and quality. Under the Director of Technical Design, Technical Developer is responsible for developing the line from tech pack hand-off to the production of garments.

Exemption Status

1. Exempt: Creative

Job Status

1. Full-time, 40 hours a week, or more as needed
2. Schedule:
   1. In office, Monday through Thursday 9AM to 6PM[HS1]
   2. Lunch from 12:15PM to 1PM; day ends at 5PM
      1. If working out over the lunch period, return to office work by 2PM; day ends at 6PM

Job Location

1. Missouri City, TX (Alphaland HQ)

Reports To

1. Director of Technical Development

Direct Reports

1. None

Required Education

1. Bachelor’s degree with focused training in Technical Design, Patternmaking or relevant experience

Essential Job Duties

1. Responsible for prototype management, style number & colorway creation
2. Maintain data integrity in Backbone PLM
3. Organize daily work-flow that adheres to GTM deliverables & development timelines
4. Create tech packs in Flex PLM to communicate requirements for design aesthetic, fit, and construction engineering
5. Manage the product class seasonal costing excellence by advising on material choices / yield, construction methods, and vendor suitability while maintaining Alphalete Athletics quality standards

Additional Job Duties

1. Measure and review proto samples based on submitted tech pack
2. Lead fittings & presentations: measure, evaluate fit samples (construction, execution), advise required fit / construction corrections discussed for assigned styles
3. Ensure construction and fit consistency according to established brand guidelines
4. Spec and analyze garments to determine compliance of measurements, workmanship, construction direction, and maintain fit intent
5. Analyze and communicate the outcome of fittings / construction reviews with cross functional and vendor partners
6. Lead vendor and cross-functional relationships through email, in-person meetings, and plan on-site travel
7. Educate team on technical knowledge of our brand’s construction and fit standards
8. Present and support team in proto changes, challenges, and solutions at GTM meetings
9. Build strategies alongside Manager that drive competencies to aid product creation
10. Mentor & train team
11. Other duties as assigned by management

Required Skills / Experience

1. 8-10 years minimum industry experience (preferably in athletic apparel)
2. Proficient in MS office (Excel/Word/Outlook), Adobe Design Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop)
3. Proficient with Backbone PLM or similar PLM software
4. Familiar with Gerber Pattern Making and/or 3D software (Browzwear)
5. Experience leading and managing a team.

Preferred Skills / Experience

1. Exposure to International production; Domestic production would be an asset
2. Experience working directly with Pattern Engineers (Internal and Overseas)
3. Knowledge of garment construction methods in multiple fabrications (woven, knit, & engineered knits) and product categories

Traits / Characteristics

1. Driven by the technical aspect of the product creation process
2. Attention to detail, initiative, organization, strong verbal & written communication skills
3. Ability to manage multiple tasks & competing priorities
4. Comprehensive knowledge of fabric, construction, draping, graphic & dye techniques
5. Skilled at technical communication with vendors via pattern diagrams & fit photos
6. Expert knowledge of Grading
7. Strong applied comprehension of end-to-end product life cycle
8. Self-motivated, strong sense of urgency, collaborative mindset
9. Ability to work and thrive in a fast paced, cross functional team environment
10. Excellent time management, organizational & problem-solving skills
11. Curiosity for change & learning, capable of managing ambiguity
12. Ability to lead fit sessions for all products