Sewing Designer / Product Development Coordinator

Sewing Designer / Product Development Coordinator

Location: Carlisle, Indiana
Department: Product Development
Reports To: Manufacturing Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time

This role takes place in a prison environment. Applicants must be okay with working in this environment.

Work Address: 6908 S Old US Highway 41, Carlisle, IN 47838

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Sewing Designer with a strong background in the tactical gear industry, military/law enforcement equipment, outdoor products, industrial textiles, or a similar sewn-products market. This role will serve as a key contributor within our Product Development team, coordinating development activities while leading the transformation of product concepts into production-ready products.

The ideal candidate will combine hands-on design expertise with project coordination skills, helping guide products from initial concept through pattern development, prototyping, testing, refinement, and production launch. This position will also play a critical role in mentoring development personnel, improving manufacturing efficiency, and driving innovation in product construction and materials.

If you enjoy solving complex design challenges, developing innovative sewn products, coordinating cross-functional teams, and seeing your work successfully move into production, we would love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership & Team Development

· Serve as the company's technical authority on sewn product design, construction techniques, materials, pattern development, and manufacturing processes.

· Lead, mentor, coach, and train Product Development team members to strengthen their technical knowledge and product development skills.

· Create and implement structured onboarding and training programs for new product developers, sewing technicians, and sample makers.

· Develop a comprehensive sewing skills training program that teaches proper construction methods, manufacturing techniques, quality standards, and product assembly procedures to help improve skill level in both production floor and the product development team.

· Identify skill gaps within production and the department and create development plans to improve individual and team performance.

· Conduct hands-on training, workshops, demonstrations, and technical reviews to ensure consistent skill development.

· Establish best practices, standards, procedures, and documentation for all product development activities.

· Foster a culture of continuous learning, innovation, accountability, and collaboration.

Product Development Leadership

· Lead the development of sewn products from concept through prototype evaluation, refinement, and production launch.

· Coordinate Product Development team activities to ensure projects remain on schedule and aligned with business objectives.

· Provide technical direction regarding product functionality, material selection, construction methods, pattern development, and manufacturing considerations.

· Review designs, patterns, prototypes, specifications, and technical packages to ensure accuracy and consistency.

· Lead design reviews and product evaluation meetings while coaching team members throughout the development process.

· Collaborate with Management to ensure successful product execution.

· Drive continuous product improvement initiatives focused on functionality, durability, manufacture efficiency, and cost effectiveness.

Manufacturing Excellence & Process Improvement

· Evaluate products and development processes to improve manufacturing production efficiency and while maintaining consistent quality.

· Develop and recommend construction methods that improve assembly efficiency while maintaining product performance, durability, and expected quality.

· Work directly with manufacturing teams to implement improved sewing techniques, assembly processes, and workflow efficiencies.

· Assist Manufacturing Manager in production startup activities and provide technical support to ensure established production rates, quality standards, and operational objectives are met.

· Lead continuous improvement initiatives that reduce waste, improve quality, and increase productivity.

· Assist in evaluating materials, equipment, and manufacturing methods to support product and process improvements.

Documentation & Standards Development

· Create and maintain technical packages, bills of materials, specifications, construction standards, work instructions, and production documentation, as well as ensuring accessibility to the production floor.

· Standardize product development processes and documentation across the department.

· Assist QC Coordinator in establishing quality standards and product acceptance criteria for new developments.

· Develop training materials, instructional guides, standard operating procedures, and technical reference documentation to support employee development and knowledge retention.

· Ensure all product specifications are complete, accurate, and production ready.

Required Qualifications

· Experience in sewn-product design, development, and/or manufacturing.

· Experience in sewing tactical gear, military equipment, law enforcement products, outdoor gear, industrial textile products, medical items, sports bags, backpacks, load carriage systems, or similar industries.

· Working knowledge of CAD software, pattern development software, and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems used in product design and development.

· Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with the ability to create and manage technical documentation, reports, training materials, and project plans.

· Demonstrated experience training, mentoring, coaching, or leading technical teams.

· Advanced knowledge of sewn-product construction, pattern development, materials, and manufacturing processes.

· Experience creating technical documentation, specifications, and production standards.

· Strong problem-solving and process improvement skills.

· Excellent leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to manage multiple development projects while maintaining high standards of quality and execution.

· Willingness to travel to trade shows and the corporate office as needed to collaborate with the President on product innovation, design development, and strategic planning.

Preferred Qualifications

· Previous experience leading a product development department, technical design team, sewing training program, or manufacturing improvement initiative.

· Experience developing tactical nylon products, plate carriers, pouches, backpacks, load-carriage systems, or military equipment.

· Familiarity with sourcing materials.

· Experience implementing standardized product development workflows and training systems.

Key Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured by:

· Increased technical capability and skill development across the Product Development team.

· Successful implementation of structured onboarding and sewing training programs.

· Improved quality and consistency of product designs, prototypes, and technical documentation.

· Reduced development cycle times and manufacturing issues.

· Increased manufacturing efficiency and product quality.

· Drive successful product launches by ensuring production processes are optimized to achieve established production rate targets from the initial production run.

· Creation and adoption of departmental standards, procedures, and best practices.

· Effective transfer of technical knowledge throughout the organization.

Why This Role Matters

This is an evolving leadership position responsible for helping to elevate the capabilities of both the Product Development and production floor. The individual in this role will establish training programs, develop future technical leaders, create scalable development processes, and ensure our products are designed and manufactured to the highest standards of quality, functionality, and efficiency.

If you are passionate about teaching others, building high-performing teams, improving manufacturing processes, and developing innovative sewn products, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Us?

• Opportunity to directly influence innovative products from concept to production.
• Collaborative and growing company culture.
• Fast-paced environment where your ideas make an immediate impact.
• Work on products used by professionals in demanding environments.
• Career growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization.
• What We Offer
• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Health insurance.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Stable, growing U.S. manufacturer.
• Opportunity to help design products used by professionals around the world.
• Compensation
• $45,000-$65,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Join our team and help create the next generation of high-performance sewn products designed for durability, functionality, and real-world performance.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Relocation assistance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $65,000