What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Technical Designer - Footwear position at Weissman?
Brief Description
ABOUT US
At Weissman, located in St. Louis, Missouri, we've been the heartbeat of the dance community for 60 incredible years. As a privately held, medium-sized company, we're not just another manufacturer - we're the driving force behind the dance industry's most stunning costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house, infusing passion and expertise into every creation.
What drives us? Our extraordinary team! We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly investing in our people, products, and technology to stay ahead.
Why join us? Because here, you're not just an employee - you're a valued member of a passionate community dedicated to making dreams a reality. We're not just creating costumes and dancewear; we're empowering performances, sparking creativity, and celebrating the artistry of dance.
If you're ready to unleash your creativity, be part of something bigger, and make an impact in an exciting, dynamic industry, Weissman is the place for you. Come, let's dance towards a future where dreams take center stage.
JOB TITLE
Associate Technical Designer - Footwear
LOCATION
St. Louis, Missouri (Hybrid)
HYBRID POLICY
70% On-Site
30% Work-from-Home
Job Summary
Do you love the intersection of product craftsmanship, technical precision, and performance design? Weissman is looking for an Associate Technical Designer - Footwear to help bring high-quality dance and performance footwear to life for performers around the world.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys digging into the details of footwear construction, fit, and development while working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. From technical package creation and fit sessions to vendor communication and sample management, you’ll play an important role in ensuring our footwear products meet Weissman’s standards for fit, functionality, quality, and performance. If you’re highly organized, technically curious, and excited about the product development process from concept through commercialization, we’d love to meet you.
Responsibilities
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, or a related field, or equivalent experience
Experience
At Weissman, we take care of our people. Full-time salaried employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision (100% employer-paid), dental, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). We offer a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, as well as Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Time away from work is important too—we provide generous Paid Time Off (PTO), four floating holidays annually, and nine company-observed holidays. Our benefits also include paid parental and adoption leave, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential support resources, and access to wellness and mental health services. Benefits begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment.
ABOUT US
At Weissman, located in St. Louis, Missouri, we've been the heartbeat of the dance community for 60 incredible years. As a privately held, medium-sized company, we're not just another manufacturer - we're the driving force behind the dance industry's most stunning costumes and dancewear. From digital sketch to delivered product, we handle every step in-house, infusing passion and expertise into every creation.
What drives us? Our extraordinary team! We've cultivated a talent base skilled in merchandising, marketing, design, and more, constantly investing in our people, products, and technology to stay ahead.
Why join us? Because here, you're not just an employee - you're a valued member of a passionate community dedicated to making dreams a reality. We're not just creating costumes and dancewear; we're empowering performances, sparking creativity, and celebrating the artistry of dance.
If you're ready to unleash your creativity, be part of something bigger, and make an impact in an exciting, dynamic industry, Weissman is the place for you. Come, let's dance towards a future where dreams take center stage.
JOB TITLE
Associate Technical Designer - Footwear
LOCATION
St. Louis, Missouri (Hybrid)
HYBRID POLICY
70% On-Site
30% Work-from-Home
Job Summary
Do you love the intersection of product craftsmanship, technical precision, and performance design? Weissman is looking for an Associate Technical Designer - Footwear to help bring high-quality dance and performance footwear to life for performers around the world.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys digging into the details of footwear construction, fit, and development while working in a collaborative, fast-paced environment. From technical package creation and fit sessions to vendor communication and sample management, you’ll play an important role in ensuring our footwear products meet Weissman’s standards for fit, functionality, quality, and performance. If you’re highly organized, technically curious, and excited about the product development process from concept through commercialization, we’d love to meet you.
Responsibilities
- Initiate and maintain daily communication with vendors regarding technical specifications, construction details, materials, and required updates
- Create and maintain technical packages using technical sketches, specifications, construction details, POMs, and Weissman fitting standards
- Update technical packages throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring all comments, revisions, and updates remain accurate and organized
- Request, track, and manage prototypes, fit samples, confirmation samples, pre-production samples, and additional development samples
- Coordinate testing and material analysis requests to verify product functionality, performance, and adherence to Weissman quality standards
- Continually identify and maintain children’s and adult fit models by visiting studios, measuring feet, and documenting sizing information
- Maintain development tracking systems and timelines to support accessible, reportable product development information
- Organize and manage model fit sessions, scheduling, and associated billing documentation
- Collaborate cross-functionally with internal teams and offshore vendors to support timely product development and launches
- Manage multiple priorities while adhering to development calendars, deadlines, and product launch timelines
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Product Development, or a related field, or equivalent experience
Experience
- 1 to 3 years of experience in technical footwear design or footwear product development
- Experience supporting shoe development and production processes from concept through commercialization
- Preferred experience working with PDM/PLM or other software-based specification systems
- Knowledge of shoe development and production processes, including spec revisions, technical sketching, measuring, fitting, and multiple shoe constructions
- Understanding of footwear testing, prototyping, manufacturing principles, and the basics of product costing
- Ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively with offshore vendors and internal partners
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and AI tools/models
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent written communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and time management skills
- Self-motivated with the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and unique situations
- Dance experience is a plus
At Weissman, we take care of our people. Full-time salaried employees are eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision (100% employer-paid), dental, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). We offer a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, as well as Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
Time away from work is important too—we provide generous Paid Time Off (PTO), four floating holidays annually, and nine company-observed holidays. Our benefits also include paid parental and adoption leave, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with confidential support resources, and access to wellness and mental health services. Benefits begin the first of the month following 30 days of employment.