Apparel Technical Designer

To apply, email jobs@ripton.co with your resume, some words about yourself, and the subject header "Apparel Tech Designer"

Location: Boulder, CO

Type: Full-time, in-office

Compensation: $70,000-$90,000

Reports to: Product Lead

About Ripton

Ripton is a fast-growing performance denim brand based in Boulder, Colorado. We build technical, durable denim with outdoor utility, grit, and style – and we do it with a small, resourceful team that values ownership, adaptability, and doing things the right way instead of the easy way.

We are founder-led, fast-moving, and deeply focused on building a brand that feels intentional, authentic, and beautifully executed.

The Role

We’re looking for an Apparel Technical Designer to partner with the product team to own fit and technical execution. This role is hands-on and highly collaborative – working closely with design, development, and our factory partners to ensure every piece fits right, feels right, and meets our quality standards.

This is a great role for someone who loves the details, is highly adaptable, thrives in a scrappy environment, and wants to help shape the foundation of a growing apparel brand.

Responsibilities

Fit, Specs & Technical Execution

• Own fit and measurement specs across all styles from development through production
• Build and maintain detailed tech packs, spec sheets, graded measurements, and fit comments in PLM
• Measure and evaluate all incoming samples, identifying issues in fit and construction
• Lead fit sessions with the Product and Design teams, capturing clear notes, images, and next steps
• Ensure all garments meet fit intent, quality standards, and cost targets

Development Process & Ownership

• Own all technical updates in PLM, including specs, fit comments, and sample evaluations
• Manage incoming samples and maintain accurate tracking across development stages
• Drive weekly sample workflow—ensuring comments and updates are submitted on time to keep development moving
• Own TOP review and approval to release production
• Maintain organized fit documentation, including notes, images, and fit history across seasons
• Partner with product team to execute against the seasonal development calendar and hit key milestones

Denim Fit & Technical Standards

• Champion denim fit—understanding how fabric, wash, and construction impact final fit and feel
• Establish and maintain core fit blocks, grade rules, and sizing standards
• Ensure consistency across styles while supporting intentional differences in silhouette and fit
• Track fit evolution across seasons and continuously improve based on learnings
• Identify recurring fit or construction issues and proactively recommend solutions

Factory Communication & Collaboration

• Partner closely with overseas factories to communicate specs, fit intent, and construction details clearly
• Translate fit feedback into actionable, easy-to-follow comments for vendors
• Answer factory questions related to specs, fit, and construction, updating documentation as needed

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Design and Product to bring new styles from concept through production
• Align on priorities, flag risks early, and help keep development on track
• Support internal teams with accurate product information related to fit and construction
• Contribute to improving product development processes as the brand grows

Experience & Skills

• 3-7 years of experience in technical design, with a strong focus on denim
• Deep understanding of garment construction, fit, grading, and pattern-making
• Experience working with pants and bottoms
• Experience working with denim washes, shrinkage, and how they impact fit
• Proficient in Adobe Illustrator and comfortable working in PLM systems
• Highly detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple styles across multiple seasons
• Clear communicator, especially when working with overseas factory partners
• Scrappy, proactive, and excited to build—comfortable operating in a fast-moving startup environment

To apply, email jobs@ripton.co with your resume, some words about yourself, and the subject header "Apparel Tech Designer"